The three main strands of GCSE and AS-level dance courses are Performance, Choreography and Appreciation. Students specialise in Contemporary Dance Technique, but have opportunities to explore other dance styles as well.
GCSE Dance (AQA)
The course aims to promote knowledge, skill and understanding of dance through performance, composition and appreciation. Although experience in one or more dance styles is an advantage it is not essential. Over the two years students will develop their skills, knowledge and understanding of a range of dance styles through the interrelated processes of performing, creating and appreciating dances of each candidate's own work and those of others, including peers and professionals.
During Year 10 students study contemporary dance techniques alongside units of Jazz and Urban Dance styles. They develop their compositional skills and study two professional dance works. They also have the opportunity to perform in at least one major dance show.
In Year 11 students continue to develop skills from year 10, they perform in two further dance showcases and complete the units listed below:
Unit 1: A written papers on the Critical Appreciation of
Dance 20%
Unit 2: A solo performance in a Set Dance 20%
Unit 3: A performance within a duo/group dance 20%
Unit 4: Choreography Task 1 a Solo Composition 15%
Choreography Task 2 a solo/duo/group 25%
AS Dance (AQ)
The AS-level Dance course continues to develop the three central skills of GCSE Dance: performance, composition and analysis. It is not essential to have GCSE Dance, but a background in one or more dance styles is certainly preferable.
There are three modules:
Unit 1 Practical Examination - 40%
Candidates are required to choreograph and perform a solo dance.
Unit 2 Coursework Essay - 30%
Candidates are required to provide an analysis of the solo choreography and performance presented in module 1. This will include some basic Labanotation.
Unit 3 Written Examination - 30%
Candidates will answer compulsory short answer questions and structured essay questions, on a dancer's experience in training and performance, as well as on one set work studied over the duration of the course.
Although the course will include a range of dance styles, the main dance technique taught will be Contemporary (a mixture of Limon and Cunningham techniques).