What will students study in GCSE Dance?

GCSE Dance, pupils follow the AQA course. The course is split into 40% theory and 60% practical.

“Dance is a powerful and expressive subject which encourages students to develop their creative, physical, emotional and intellectual capacity, whatever their previous experience in the subject.

This specification recognises the role of dance in young people’s lives and students will study a range of dance styles and style fusions. Apart from the solo performance, they can choose any style in which to perform and choreograph, providing it meets the assessment criteria.

The study of the anthology of professional works will develop their ability to critically appraise professional dance works and provide a springboard for engaging in practical tasks.”

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/dance/gcse/dance-8236/introduction

Year 9: Trio Performance based on Set Phrase ‘Breathe’, Trio Choreography based on Set Phrase ‘Flux’, A Linha Curva by Itzik Galili, Shadows by Christopher Bruce, Emancipation of Expressionism by Kenrick H2O Sandy, Dance Technique.

Year 10: Section A Written Paper and ‘Breathe’, Section A&B Written Paper and ‘Flux’, Infra by Christopher Bruce, Artificial Things by Lucy Bennett, Within Her Eyes by James Cousins.

Year 11: Set Phrase Preparation and Exam, Trio Performance Preparation and Exam, Choreography Preparation and Exam, Section A, B & C Written paper preparation and revision.

Each topic has a workbook attached to it with knowledge organisers that pupils will find useful to help with their learning overall.

What are the major assessments this year?

At the beginning of each topic, pupils will be asked to complete a small initial assessment to understand their knowledge of a topic to aid teacher planning. At the end of each practical unit of work students will be assessed both practically and theoretically. Students will also revisit their initial assessment to gage learning from each unit.

Your child will also complete 3 written assessments in line with the school calendar at the end of each term.

What do assessments test?

Practical assessments will test pupils’ physical, technical, expressive and mental skills and/ or choreographic ability. The written assessment will test pupils’ knowledge and understanding of key theory concepts. Students will be assessed on their knowledge, understanding and appreciation through exam questions.

What are the expectations of my daughter in GCSE Dance?

Pupils should turn up to their lessons with their full correct Dance kit and workbook every lesson.  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 in 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 GCSE 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 GCSE 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/ giving feedback. Encourage your child to attend a wide range of co-curricular dance clubs after school and review all theory content to develop recall knowledge.

Whom should I contact for further advice or information?

Please feel free to contact your child’s class teacher in the first instance.