What will students’ study in Dance this year?

Students will develop and refine their performance, choreography and appreciation skills through a range of different dance units. Students will have the opportunity to explore and replicate professional dance works as well as creating their own choreography from given stimuli. Students will develop their understanding of the origins of dance as well as dance styles from around the world to broaden their dance vocabulary. Using their teamworking skills, students will create and perform original pieces of choreography. Students will also learn the benefits from taking part in creative physical activity and will learn the importance of leading a healthy, active lifestyle. Students will be provided with the opportunities to participate in dance outside the classroom with our extensive range of co-curricular sessions.

Year 7: Baseline testing Introduction to Dance, A Linha Curva by Itzik Galili, World War 2, Alice Through the Looking Glass, Musicals Mashup and Spotlight Own Choreography.

Year 8: Bollywood: Kathak and Bharatanatyam, Dance Through Time (Ballet, Charleston, Jive, Hip-Hop and Contemporary), Emancipation of Expressionism by Kenrick H2O Sandy, Spotlight Own Choreography.

What are the major assessments this year?

At the beginning of each unit, pupils will be asked to complete a small initial assessment to gage understanding and aid teacher planning. At the end of each unit of work students will be assessed on their performance, choreography and appreciation of the dance studied. Students will also revisit the initial assessment to assess learning from each unit.

What do assessments test?

Practical assessments will test pupils’ skills in choreography, performance and appreciation.

What are the expectations of my daughter in Dance?

Pupils should turn up to their lessons with their full Dance kit every lesson, including the topics workbook. They need to have a positive attitude towards learning and participate to the best of their ability every lesson. They should come with creativity, energy and enthusiasm for learning Dance. Pupils are also expected to review the knowledge organisers in their booklets and complete all homework to the best of their ability.

What should my daughter do if she feels she is struggling in Dance?

In the first instance, please ask your child to talk to their Dance teacher about how we can support them further and offer them targeted advice and ways to help. They may suggest extra resources to aid their work.

How can I best support my daughter in Dance?

Ensure your child has the correct Dance kit and that they bring their kit to every Dance lesson. In the instance that students are not able to take part in the practical aspect of the lesson, parents must give students a note to give to their Dance teacher explaining why, but they must still bring in their correct Dance kit to be involved in other ways, for example, choreographing.

Encourage your child to attend a wide range of co-curricular dance clubs after school.

Whom should I contact for further advice or information?

Please feel free to contact your child’s class teacher in the first instance or our Lead Teacher of Dance on hmitchell@carshaltongirls.org.uk.