Welcome to the Dance Department

We are currently in the process of reviewing the course we offer at KS4 in Dance. We have included information regarding the two options below. Once we have confirmed what course we will be offering, we will communicate this with all interested students/parents.

BTEC Tech Award - Dance

The BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts Dance will give learners the opportunity to develop knowledge and technical skills in the following areas:

  • Development of key skills such as reproducing repertoire and responding to stimuli
  • Processes that underpin effective ways of working in the dance industry, such as development of ideas, rehearsal and performance
    Attitudes that are considered most important in the performing arts, including personal management and communication
  • Knowledge that underpins effective use of skills, processes and attitudes in the sector, such as roles, responsibilities, performance disciplines and styles

The Tech Award aims to broaden experience and skills participation in a variety of performance activities, with the opportunity to practically and theoretically apply knowledge and skills through project work, such as developing ideas and performing for audiences.

The course is made up of three components that the learners are required to complete and achieve:

Component 1: Exploring the Performing Arts – Internally assessed

Learners will develop their understanding of the performing arts by examining a range of professional works and the processes used to create the performance.

Component 2: Developing Skills and Techniques in the Performing Arts – Internally assessed

Learners will develop their performance skills and techniques through the reproduction of professional repertoire.

Component 3: Responding to a Brief – Externally assessed

Learners will work in groups and are required to respond to a brief. Learners will apply their skills and techniques creatively to a workshop performance for a selected audience.

GCSE Dance

The GCSE Dance options will give learners the opportunity to develop knowledge and technical skills in the following areas:

  • Perform dance, reflect on choreographic intentions through physical, technical and expressive skills
  • Create dance, including movement material and aural setting, to communicate choreographic intentions
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of choreographic processes and performing skills
  • Critically appreciate own works and professional works, through making analytical, interpretive and evaluative judgements

The GCSE aims to broaden experience and skills participation in a variety of performance activities, with the opportunity to practically and theoretically apply knowledge and skills. The subject content details the knowledge, understanding and skills that students are expected to learn during study. This is set out in three core areas of dance: performance, choreography, and appreciation.

The course is made up of three components that the learners are required to complete and achieve:

Component 3.1: Performance

Students must develop and apply knowledge, understanding and skills to perform dance as a soloist for approximately 1 minute and in a duet/trio for a minimum of three minutes.

Component 3.2: Choreography

Students must learn how to respond creatively to an externally set stimulus, to choreograph their own complete dance.

Component 3.3: Dance Appreciation

Through written communication and use of appropriate terminology, students must be able to critically analyse, interpret and evaluate their own work in performance and choreography and demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of professional practice in the six set works in the GCSE Dance Anthology.