Dance

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 of each candidate's own work and those of others, including peers and professionals. Although experience is an advantage it is not essential.

The GCSE syllabus will assess the candidate's ability to:

1. Demonstrate the skills of dance performance
2. Demonstrate the skills of dance composition
3. Interpret and evaluate dance showing accuracy, imagination and sensitivity
4. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of dance appreciation including cultural and historical context.

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).

Subject by Year:

Year 9	GCSE	AS	A2

Staff:

Head of Department
Mrs S DaBell, RAD

Teachers:

Ms L Stockley,
BA Laban Centre of Dance