Dance

GCSE Dance (AQA)

Huxlow PE department offers 2 examinations subjects from Year 9, BTEC Sport and GCSE Dance. Students can study both these subjects as part of their option choices.

We teach Dance in Year 7 and Year 8 as an introduction the requirements, skills and knowledge of the GCSE course.

Why should I study this course ?

Dance promotes fitness, a healthy lifestyle, teamwork and creativity. It develops independent learning and critical and reflective thinking. It also develops an understanding of a range of dance styles through performance, creation and appreciation..

  • It develops physical, technical and expressive skills which enable you to communicate choreographic intention and individuality as a performer.
  • It helps you to build an understanding of choreography through which you are able to communicate ideas and meaning, drawn from a range of dance styles.
  • It develops a critical appreciation of dance in its physical, artistic, aesthetic and cultural settings.

It provides foundations for further studies in dance, including GCE A Level Dance and the Creative and Media Diploma, or a career in Performing Arts.

What will I learn ?

You will:

  • Develop as a performer, building up confidence and self-esteem.
  • Learn self and body awareness as well as sensitivity to others and teamwork skills.
  • Learn effective performance skills requiring physical effort and determination to succeed and improve
  • Develop as a choreographer, employing problem-solving, creativity by using imagination and the ability to synthesize a number of elements.
  • Learn Interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Learn critical skills, making informed decisions about the dances you see.
  • Learn articulation of knowledge, opinions and preferences.
What will the course involve?

Component 1: This component is internally assessed and externally moderated.

  • Performance 30% (40 marks)
  • Solo performance x2 (approximately one minute each in duration).
  • Duet/trio performance (3 minutes).
  • Choreography 30% (40 marks)

Component 2: This exam is 1 hour 30 minutes.  

The paper is split into 3 sections.

  • Knowledge and understanding.
  • Own experiences and appreciation of 6 professional works. 
  • Knowledge and understanding of choreographic processes and performing skills.
    • Critical appreciation of own work.
    • Critical appreciation of 6 professional works.
    • Solo or group choreography – a solo (two to two and a half minutes) or a group dance for two to five dancers (three to three and a half minutes).
    • Students must show their creative response to a choice of one stimulus, from a set list set by AQA ( such as a poem, a prop or a historical event )
How will I be assessed?
AQA Content Grade Percentage
Component 1 - Performance

2x set study & Duet

Choreography – set by exam board

60%
Component 2 - Exam

Written exam.

Section A – knowledge of choreography & performance skills. Section B – appreciation of own work. Section C – appreciation of professional works

40%
What can I do after the course?

Study A-Level Dance in 6th form as part of the East Northants College (Dance based at Ferrers School) or BTEC Level 3 in Performing Arts at various colleges.

Possible careers either as a performer or part of production in Dancing, Management, Teaching, Creating and Producing.

There are Further Education links such as Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees in dance and Professional dance. 

Thriving Through Excellence