Dance

Is this subject right for me?

The GCSE Dance course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding and practical experience of dance as an art form. Throughout the course, students study a range of dance styles, techniques, and choreographic principles, enabling them to develop their creativity, physical skills, and analytical abilities. The course is suited to students who have a high level of dance knowledge and experience and enjoy demonstrating their creativity. As part of the course, students will be required to attend dance classes outside of school and are advised to attend the extracurricular program at Rosebery.  

What do I need to know before taking this course?

GCSE Dance builds upon the foundation of knowledge, understanding, and skills developed during PE in years 7, 8 and 9. It offers an exhilarating chance for students to participate in various dance forms while exploring the theoretical framework of how our bodies respond to movement/music and adapt to different choreographic styles. A genuine interest in dance, enjoyment of movement, and a fascination with different professional dance styles are vital for students pursuing this course.  

Where could it lead?

GCSE Dance can lead students down various paths, depending on their interests, aspirations, and continued dedication to the discipline. Most students will continue the dance aspirations into further/higher education. Some potential career avenues include Professional Dance, Choreography and Artistic Direction or Dance Therapy and Wellness.

Assessment

Component 1 - Practical Performance 

• Solo Performance: Students perform a solo dance piece lasting between 1.5 to 2 minutes in duration, demonstrating technical skill, physicality, expression, and performance quality. 

• Group Performance: Students participate in a group performance of a dance piece, showcasing collaboration, ensemble skills, and the ability to work as part of a team. The group performance usually lasts between 3 to 3.5 minutes. 

• Performance Evaluation: Students write a written evaluation of their own performance and that of others, demonstrating their ability to critically reflect on their strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. 

Component 2 – Choreography  

• Solo Choreography: Students create a solo dance piece, demonstrating their ability to develop movement ideas, structure choreography, and communicate artistic intent effectively. The solo choreography typically lasts between 1.5 to 2 minutes. 

• Group Choreography: Students collaborate to create a group dance piece, applying choreographic principles, exploring movement concepts, and considering compositional elements such as space, dynamics, and relationships. The group choreography usually lasts between 3 to 3.5 minutes. 

• Choreographic Log: Students maintain a choreographic log documenting their creative process, including ideas, inspirations, development, and reflections on their choreographic choices. 

Component 3 - Written Examination 

• Critical Appreciation: Students study and analyse professional dance works, responding to questions that assess their understanding of choreographic, performance, and contextual elements. This involves written analysis and evaluation of selected dance works. 

• Dance Theory: Students demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of dance terminology, historical contexts, choreographic devices, and the principles of safe dance practice through short answer questions and extended writing tasks. 

Exam Board

• AQA