Dance

Key Stage 3 Dance Learning Journey

The study of dance as an art form will contribute to your aesthetic and social development. As a physical activity, it promotes fitness, wellbeing and develops your confidence and self-esteem. In performance, you will require a high level of effort and a determination to succeed and improve.

As a choreographer, you will use the skills of problem solving and creativity. Effective choreography requires imagination and the ability to synthesize a number of elements. In directing others you will develop your interpersonal and communication skills. As a critic, you will make informed decisions about the dances you see. Viewing professional dances will broaden your artistic experience. You will receive a very positive experience learning many new skills you can put to good use in all professions.

We currently follow the AQA syllabus. This is broken down in the following ways:

GCSE Dance helps students develop technical and expressive skills as well as knowledge and understanding of dance through performance, choreography and critical appreciation of dance.

Assessment Structure

This specification enables students to:

• increase their confidence and self-esteem
• employ the skills of problem solving and creativity
• make knowledgeable decisions about dances

Assessment Component 1:  Performance and Choreography

Performance:

• Set phrases through a solo performance (approximately one minute in duration)
• Duet/trio performance (three and a half minutes in duration)

 Choreography:

• Solo or group choreography – a solo (two to two and a half minutes) or a group dance for two to five dancers (three to three and a half minutes)

How it's assessed - Internally marked and externally moderated

Performance:

• 30% of GCSE (40 marks)
• (15 marks for set phrases and 25 marks for duet/trio performance)

Choreography:

• 30% of GCSE   (40 marks)
• Total component 60% Non-exam assessment (NEA) marked by the centre and moderated by AQA

Component 2:  Appreciation

Knowledge and understanding of choreographic processes and performing skills Critical appreciation of own work Critical appreciation of professional works

How it's assessed 40% of GCSE Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 80 marks.

Questions Based on students' own practice in performance and choreography and the GCSE Dance anthology.

Lessons are divided into theory (classroom-based) and practical (studio-based)

A-level Dance at Townley is both challenging and rewarding. The course provides students with the opportunity to gain experience of performance and choreography and to develop critical thinking about Dance.

This four-unit specification requires students to:

• develop understanding and knowledge as well as critical skills for the analysis of choreography
• perform within their own work and in professional repertoire
• gain experience of choreography and performance through practice
• gain in-depth knowledge of specific study areas and professional works

Course Requirements

You will need a 6 in GCSE Dance to progress to A Level, or attend a practical audition to assess suitability.

Assessment Structure

Year 12

What's assessed?

Unit 1: Choreography and Performance

• Choreography and performance of a solo
• Performance in a duet/trio

Unit 2: Critical Engagement

Knowledge, understanding and critical appreciation of two areas of study:

• one compulsory
• one optional area of study, from a choice of four
• the reflection and understanding of own choreographic and performance practice.

Year 13

What’s assessed?

Unit 1: Performance and Choreography

• Solo performance linked to a specified practitioner within an area of study
• Performance in a quartet
• Group choreography
  • Practical exam
  • 80 marks
  • 50% of A-level

Component 2: Critical Engagement

Knowledge, understanding and critical appreciation of two set works.

• One compulsory set work within the compulsory area of study
• One optional set work within the corresponding area of study, from a choice of four.
  • Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • 100 marks
  • 50% of A-level