Dance is all about understanding dance performance and dance styles. The two year course is essentially practical. Students will learn and perform a number of dance pieces and dance styles. They will improve their dance technique and performance skills. Students will look at a range of professional choreographers and apply their choreographic skills to their own work. There will be opportunities to go on dance trips and perform in lots of public performances. 

Course Structure and Assessment

• Unit 1: Critical Appreciation of Dance (42301) – Written Paper: 1 hour – 50 marks – 20% 
• Unit 2: Set Dance (42302) – Practical Examination – Solo Performance: 1–1½ minutes – 30 marks – 20%
• Unit 3: Performance in a duo/group dance (42303) 3 – 3½ minutes. Controlled Assessment 30 marks – 20%
• Unit 4: Choreography (42304): Task 1: Solo Composition 1–1½ mins – 20 marks – 15% and Task 2: Choreography – solo/duo/group – 40 marks – 25% 

Physical Activity

Pupils who choose this course must recognise that they will have theory lessons at least once a week and a practical and therefore should be prepared for this.

GCSE Dance follows on from all the dance work that students learn at KS3 (Year 7-9). You will learn a number of dances from many different cultures and styles. There will be plenty of performing for the students so the course is perfect for building confidence.

What other skills might I develop?

GCSE Dance gives students a number of dance skills, but it also helps them develop life skills and attributes including decision making, critical and creative thinking, ability to co-operate with others.