Dance
GCSE Dance
Examination Board: AQA
Watch the video to the right to find out about the GCSE Dance!
Why should STUDENTS choose GCSE Dance?
If they have a talent or love for dancing, and have the determination to succeed, this is the course for them. They will use movement and dance to interpret music, tell stories and express emotion. The main technique students will focus on is Contemporary whilst exploring street dance, samba and jazz techniques. Students will perform choreographed work and have to choreograph their own dances. The course focuses on the aesthetic and artistic qualities of dance and the use of movement to express and communicate ideas and concepts through the interrelated process of performance, choreography and critical appreciation.
What will STUDENTS need to be successful in this course?
Have a keen interest in dance and always look forward to Dance/PE lessons
Taking part in dance lessons outside of class time would be an advantage
Want to follow a course that develops knowledge and understanding through practical involvement
They are energetic, creative and expressive
They have to be prepared to commit fully to this course, as many hours of rehearsals are needed for their practical work
support for students
This course is suitable for students of all ability levels. Students with aspirations of Grade 7 and above can expect to complete choreographic tasks thinking of unique and interesting ways to choreograph. We will be expecting the level of writing to be sophisticated and they will be able to write responses which explore a high level of understanding of professional works studied and analysis in their own work.
Students aiming for Grade 3 and higher will be well supported with supported exercises for choreographic tasks, to help structure choreography that is differentiated, enabling students to choose their starting point and level of difficulty. Google classroom tasks and use of Quizlet are used for students to practice key terminology for their written exam. Homework tasks can always be differentiated and will enable students to choose an appropriate level of challenge.
As students approach their examinations in year 11 they may have to rehearse after school, students in year 9 and 10 may also be asked to stay behind if they are selected to be in the Year 11 choreographies.
Course Content
1. Ways into choreography - using different stimuli to create movement
2. Study of professional dance works from a selected list
3. Dance form and structure
4. Sophisticated approaches to choreography through various art forms
5. Performance work
6. Analytical studies
Assessment
Component 1
Performance & Choreography
Practical examination:
Performance - solo & duo/trio 30%
Choreography - solo/group 30%
Component 2
Dance Appreciation
Written examination: 1 h 30min - 40%
Assessment
For further assessment information and lesson resources see the links/videos below.
duet performance
GCSE Dance Anthology
SET PHRASES
SAMPLE LESSON RESOURCES
Further Education and Career Pathways
GCSE Dance provides a route to study dance or performing arts in further and higher education, as well as vocational or professional training. After completing a dance GCSE, learners can study BTEC Nationals or A-levels. Students can study BA degree courses in Performing Arts, Dance or Theatre and Professional Practice. This could lead to a career as a Dancer, Dance Teacher, Costume/Set Designer, Choreographer, Dance Therapist, Dance Photographer/Journalist.