Welcome to the Dance Department

What is dance?

Dance is an art form that enables expression and creativity. It helps support students' physical and mental wellbeing which can support young people in building confidence and their self-esteem. At ALNS we focus on transferable skills that dance can offer and how dance can support other areas of student's education.

What is the purpose of learning dance at ALNS?

Our Dance curriculum is designed to help students:

  • Use their imagination and creativity.
  • Work as a team and be able to communicate ideas effectively.
  • Develop expressive, mental, choreographic and physical skills.
  • Think critically when analysing dance and professional works.
  • Give constructive criticism using subject specific vocabulary.
  • Have fun and build confidence.
How do we teach dance at ALNS?

At Admiral Lord Nelson School KS3 dance is taught on a rotation under the PE curriculum. Dance is taught through the midway model using performance, choreography and appreciation. Every lesson will include a choreographic task, performing to peers and feedback to ensure the preparation for GCSE Dance at KS4.

GCSE dance is taught through theory and practice. Within theory lessons students will learn how to critically analyse their own performance and six professional works in preparation for a theory exam. Within their practical lessons students are preparing the skills and knowledge to choreography and performance using a variety of key skills.

Intent:

Our vision is for all students to have the experience to dance and be creative. To achieve this, we aim to:

  • Provide an engaging curriculum to enable students to enjoy their learning.
  • Create a safe environment where students can be pushed out of their comfort zone and build confidence.

Implementation:

Our curriculum includes:

  • A focus on performance emphasising expressive skills to help build an engaging performance.
  • Choreographic Skills that help students create their own work using originality.
  • Physical education embedding physical skills to help enhance their physical performance as dancers.
  • Safe practice and the importance of a healthy dancer.
  • How to give constructive feedback to peers to support with self-reflection and progress.

Impact:

We measure the success of our curriculum by:

  • Students level of engagement and curiosity in the subject and extracurricular.
  • Students' ability to be creative and use their imagination.
  • Students' confidence to perform to their peers.

I will learn how to:

  • Work safely in a dance environment.
  • Strengthen my physical ability in dance using a variety of physical skills.
  • Develop a deep understanding of how to create a well-rounded choreography using specific choreographic devices.
  • Enhance the art of performing by using a variety of expressive skills.
  • I critically appreciate dance and professionals works, being able to interpret and respond with my own thoughts.
  • Safe practice: jewellery off, hair tied up and shoes and socks removed.
  • We expect you to be respectful, performing can be challenging for many students, a safe environment is crucial to support all students to perform.
  • To be curious and have an open mind to the skills that dance can offer.
  • To use resilience to overcome challenges that they face when in a performance subject.

The dance department at ALNS is committed to:

  • Delivering a high-quality curriculum that empowers every student.
  • Supporting all learners, including those with additional need to achieved their potential.
  • Creating a safe environment for all students to perform with confidence.
  • Fostering a love of learning and a passion for dance to impart on to students.