Subjects Dance GCSE

Course description:

This GCSE course focuses on the performance, creation and appreciation of dance. They will perform a variety of dance pieces, choreograph their own dances and learn how to observe and write about dance. Students learn about dance as a theatre art form. The course is 70% practical and 30% written.Students will develop life skills and attributes such as decision making, critical and creative thinking, aesthetic sensitivity and the ability to co-operate with others. Students will be given opportunities to apply and develop their ICT capacity through the use of ICT tools to support their learning.

GCSE Dance is an excellent option for male and female students with an interest in physical and creative expression. The course also prepares students for any Performing Arts based course at Sixth Form level.

Course benefits

• The chance to audition for the school dance company
• Priority when auditioning for the dance show
• Excellent preparation for taking dance, drama or performing arts in the Sixth Form
• Dance workshops with professional companies

Course structure:

5 hours per fortnight (4 hours per fortnight on the extended day programme).

The Dance department provide GCSE Dance students with workshops each term delivered by professional artists, regular theatre visits and ample performance opportunities both at Blatchington Mill and local theatre venues. All lessons take place in our own dance studio.

Do I need to do dance outside of school?

No – you will learn everything you need to do well during the lessons. Many students have gained an A without doing dance outside school!

If you do dance outside school, GCSE dance can still challenge you and offer a more creative approach than conventional dance lessons.

Homework:

A mixture of practical, research & written tasks will be set as required to support classwork.

Assessment, weightings and timings of assessments:

Written paper (20% of the total marks) – short and extended answer questions relating to study of professional works.

Set study (20% of the total marks) – Performance of a dance.

Performance and Choreography (60% of the total marks) Performance of a duet/group dance, choreography and programme note.

March Year 11
Set study:
Performance duet/group

March Year 11:
Choreography

Summer term Year 11:
Written exam

Students will be assessed termly on progress in these four areas.

Books, equipment, materials and resources recommended / needed:

Dance Kit: Blatchington Mill Dance t-shirt, black dance trousers or jogging bottomsS.

Opportunities for study beyond Key Stage 4:

BTEC National Award in Dance runs in Blatch 6.
The GCSE prepares students for any type of Performing Arts course at Key Stage 5.

Career opportunities supported by this subject:

• Professional dancer
• Choreographer
• Dance teacher
• Arts manager
• Youth worker
• Community Arts Practitioner
• Supports a career as an actor or singer
• Dance therapist

Visit these dance websites:

Siobhan Davies Dance Company
Council for Dance Education and Training