Drama
GCSE Dance
Examination Board: AQA
Who to speak to:
Mr Nicholls or Miss Leverett
WHY SHOULD STUDENTS CHOOSE BTEC drama?
The course will enable enables students to develop skills, whilst developing their knowledge and understanding of dance as a choreographer, performer and critic through: They will have the opportunity to adapt a wide range of skills and techniques effectively in performing and choreographing dances, including the ability to improve;
· Creating dances for a range of purposes and in response to different stimuli.
· Developing the ability to analyse, evaluate and appreciate dance.
Students will also appreciate the contribution of dance to their personal and social health, fitness and wellbeing and be aware of the range of opportunities and pathways available in dance.
WHAT WILL STUDENTS NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS COURSE?
To have experience and enthusiasm for dance whilst having a repertoire of skills to create independent and group performances.
SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS
This course is suitable for students of all ability levels. Students with aspirations to gain a Distinction expect to undertake acting and design projects that will challenge them.
There will be workshops and intervention available throughout the year.
You will explore a range of different theatrical styles and practitioners and will need to show a sophisticated understanding of the impact of their actions/decisions on the performance group and audience.
You do not have to perform, you can choose the production pathway, meaning you can be assessed on your creative and directing skills rather than performance.
Course DEscription
The students will study the skills of composition, performance and appreciation through a range of dance styles. Technical and expressive skills will be a key focus and students will study a range of professional works, with six studied on the new anthology including established and emerging choreography. The new GCSE teaching specification has a practical emphasis of 60%, enabling candidates to actively and physically demonstrate their knowledge of dance practice.
Course Content
· Component 1 - Performance:
o Set phrases through a solo performance (approximately 1 minute)
o Duet/trio performance (3 ½ minutes)
o 30% of the final grade
40 marks (15 marks for set phrases and 25 marks for duet/trio performance)
· Component 1 - Choreography:
o Solo or group choreography – a solo (2-2 ½ minutes) or a group dance for two to five dancers (3-3 ½ minutes)
o 30% of the final grade
o 40 marks examination
· Component 2 - Examination - a 1 hour and 30 minute examination worth 40% of the final grade.
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FURTHER EDUCATION AND CAREER PATHWAYS
The GCSE provides an ideal basis for A-Level Dance and Performing Arts or Theatre Studies. Students can pursue the subject at a higher level in the fields of performance, choreography, journalism and stage management, which could lead to careers in professional dance, dance administration, dance teaching, dance theory and dance research and development.