Overview
“To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful… This is power, it is glory on earth and it is yours for the taking”
Agnes De Mille
We have worked hard to create an engaging and appealing Dance curriculum at Key Stage 4 and 5. The study of dance allows students to perform, as well as choreographing their own pieces and critiquing others’ performances.
Future pathways or choices for dancers are broad and varied. Students can go on to study Level 3 qualifications, such as Dance A’ Level or a Performing Arts BTEC. In the wider future, Lymm dancers have gone on to use their dance training in many different ways. Possible careers include: professional performer, choreographer, community dance practitioner, dance teacher, arts officer, dance photographer, dance journalist, dance movement therapist, dance press and public relations specialist, dance project coordinator or administrator, dance company manager, dance education specialist, yoga/Pilates instructor, youth worker, set/lighting/costume designer.
Alternatively, the study of dance can be undertaken for no broader or wider purpose than the joy of dance itself!
You can find more information on our curriculum by exploring the links below.
Course Outline:
The majority of the course will be practical choreography, technique and performance.
Students will choreograph their own dances and perform on their own as well as in a group. Primarily, the course employs contemporary dance techniques, although there are some opportunities
for students to use other styles of dance within their choreography. Students will have many opportunities to take part in dance workshops led by guest teachers and dance practitioners, as well as
experience live performances by professional dance companies.
Assessment:
Unit 1: Critical Appreciation of Dance (20% – 50 Marks) Written paper
Unit 2: Set Dance (20% – 30 Marks) Practical examination of a solo performance
Unit 3: Performance in a duo/group dance (20% – 30 Marks) Controlled assessment
We follow the AQA Dance specification. You can find out more about the course by looking at the specification, which is available on the website.
5 ways I can help my child
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Ensure that they complete all of the set homework, which their class teacher will share on Show My Homework. Completion of set homework is the minimum expectation of Key Stage 4 students. |
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Help them to consolidate and revise previously taught content. In practical subjects, this can mean physically rehearsing, so your child may need to stay back after school. |
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Keep an eye on assessment dates over the course of the year; although the course has a high proportion of practical assessments, it is still important to engage with exam preparation. Discuss your child’s progress with them, encouraging them to see key assessment points as the beginning of a new learning journey, rather than an end point in itself. |
| 4 | Encourage them to continue to enjoy the subject throughout their GCSE course by continuing to seek opportunities to watch professional dancers in action. Watching documentaries together, attending performances and exploring the culture surrounding different dance traditions can be excellent learning experiences, as well as being enjoyable in their own right! |
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5 |
Support your child as they begin to think about their next steps in their education, and whether the study of Dance will continue to play a part. Look at the careers section of the website and encourage your children to ask any relevant questions of their Dance teacher. |