Key Stage 4

GCSE Dance

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. 

Students will be enabled to engage as choreographers through the: 

  • Creative and imaginative response to a range of stimuli 
  • Use of imagination, problem solving, creativity and the synthesis of ideas 
  • Application of knowledge, skills and understanding of choreographic forms and devices 
  • Communication of ideas, feelings, emotions, meanings and moods.

Students will be enabled to engage as performers through the: 

  • Application of knowledge, skills and understanding of performing 
  • Development of physical, technical, mental and expressive skills 
  • Communication of choreographic intention and artistry. 

Students will be enabled to appreciate dance through the: 

  • Articulation of knowledge and critical reflection to inform artistic practice 
  • Critical appreciation of dance in its physical, artistic, aesthetic and cultural contexts 
  • Critical analysis, interpretation, evaluation and appreciation of professional dance works. 

    Subject Contact: Mr R. Sanford – rsn@sjcs.org.uk

    Exam board: AQA

    How this course is assessed

    Component 1: Performance and Choreography – 60%

    Performance

    • Set phrases through a solo performance (approximately one minute in duration)
    • Duet/trio performance (three and a half minutes in duration)
    • 30% of GCSE

    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)
    • 30% of GCSE

    Component 2: Dance appreciation – 40%

    • Knowledge and understanding of choreographic processes and performing skills
    • Critical appreciation of own work
    • Critical appreciation of professional works
    • Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes

    Your Learning Journey

    YEAR 10
    YEAR 11
    Post-16 options

    POST-16 ACADEMIC

    This course provides a solid foundation for a career in dance or performing arts and/or further studies in dance or performing arts, including A-level Dance.

     

    POST-16 EMPLOYMENT

    Choreographer
    Dance Journalist
    Participatory Dance Artist
    Costume/Set Designer
    Dance Artist/Performer
    Dance Health Practitioner
    Movement Therapist
    Primary/Secondary School Teacher

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