Dance

Key Stage 3

In Year 7, Dance is taught on a rotation with Drama and Music. In their Dance lessons, students will be learning the following:

• Time Capsule – students will study several different dance styles from the 20th Century and then choose one to focus on for assessment.
• Bugsy Malone – students will learn a short piece of choreography from “Bad Guys” and will then have the opportunity to add their own movement sections. The focus will be on character and relationships with other dancers.
• Tutting – students will look at this sub genre of Hip Hop that involves intricate hand and arm movements to create geometric shapes. This unit develops skills in both Timing and clarity of movements and will allow those students who excel to begin to introduce their own choreography.
• Choreography – starting from a basic sequence of contemporary-based movements, the students will be introduced each week to a different choreographic technique to manipulate the sequence and make it their own.

In Year 8, Dance is taught on a rotation with Drama and Music. In their Dance lessons, students will be learning the following:

• Hip Hop – students will learn a full routine including integral Hip Hop movements such as  “locking” and popping. Students may also choose to add their own choreography.
• Musical Theatre – students will learn a piece of choreography from “Hairspray”. The focus will be on character and relationships with other dancers.
• Capoeira – students will be introduced to the Brazilian Martial art. This unit develops skills in both balance, strength and coordination.
• Contemporary – adding a new sequence of contemporary-based movements each week, the students will build these sections together to create a full routine.

Key Stage 4

AQA GCSE Dance 9-1

Course Introduction: The AQA GCSE  Dance course is designed to recognise the role of dance in young people’s lives and students will study a range of dance styles and style fusions. Apart from the solo performance, they can choose any style in which to perform and choreograph, providing it meets the assessment criteria.

The study of an anthology of professional works will develop their ability to critically appraise professional dance works and provide a springboard for engaging in practical tasks.

All students wishing to take Dance as an option will be required to perform a short piece of dance of their choice prior to selecting their options. This is an opportunity for students to demonstrate to the Performing Arts team that they have a genuine interest in the subject and are prepared to work independently, as the course will require them to do so on a frequent basis.

Progression and Careers: From the knowledge and skills developed in this qualification learners may expect, in due course, to seek employment at a junior level working with companies in the performing arts and related sectors in a range of roles, including performing in its various forms, stage management, production and set design, and related administration and technical roles. This course can lead to Level 3 Cambridge Technical Award.

Progression Pathway

Performing Arts Subject Progression Pathways

Performing Arts Team

Ms Curson	Mrs Dalgleish	Mr Ormerod
Assistant Principal for Community, Key Stage 3 and Arts	Deputy Director of Performing Arts	Head of Dance