A level
Our 6th Form Open Evening took place on 9 November 2022.
In previous years, when we ran our Open Evening as a virtual event, we produced video guides to each subject. These remain relevant and are available as a collected playlist on our YouTube Channel.
The introductory video to life in the 6th Form at Borlase, and a virtual tour of the school are also available to watch.
A Level Specification and Curriculum Overview
Course entry requirements
For those studying A-Level Dance, the minimum requirement is grade 5. Although previous dance experience is recommended, GCSE dance is not an essential requirement for entry to the course.
A Level curriculum overview
A-Level dance is a dynamic qualification which encourages students to develop their creative, physical and intellectual capacity alongside transferable skills such as team working, communication and problem solving. All of these are sought after skills by higher education and employers and will help them stand out in the workplace whatever their choice of career.
During this two year course students will study a range of dance styles and choreographers designed to inspire a lifelong passion and appreciation for dance.
All exams and are taken at the end of the two years.
COMPONENT 1: Performance and choreography
Practical exam - 80 marks - 50% of A-level
Assessment task 1: Candidates are to perform a solo dance in the style of a practitioner within one of their areas of study. The solo must last between two and three minutes. (20 marks)
Assessment task 2: Candidates are to perform a quartet showing the embodiment of the appropriate skills. The dance must last between three and four minutes. (20 marks)
Assessment task 3:Candidates are to create an original choreography that lasts between three and four minutes and must have either three, four or five dancers. The piece must be created in response to one of three set tasks. (40 marks)
COMPONENT 2: Critical Engagement
Written exam - 100 marks - 50% of A-level
Section A: short answer questions (25 marks) and one essay question (25 marks) on the compulsory set work/area of study
Section B: two essay questions on the second set work*/area of study** (25 marks for each essay).
*Compulsory set work for 2016-2018 is Rooster (1991) by Christopher Bruce
** Compulsory area of study for 2016-2018 is Rambert Dance Company 1966-2002
Some of our A-level dance in action during Lockdown!