GCSE Dance Course

This course is designed to enable you to:

• Apply and adapt a wide range of skills and techniques effectively in performing and choreographing dance
• Create dance for a range of purposes and in response to different stimuli
• Develop the ability to analyse, evaluate and appreciate dance

Is it for me?

This course will suit those with an interest in dance, particularly those with a creative mind and who enjoy choreographing. It is also for those who enjoy learning about technique and performance. Assessment is varied through written and practical examination and controlled assessment.

What's involved?

In order to perform dance, you will study good studio practice, basic technique, the rehearsal process and the expressive nature of dance. Choreography will include the art and process of creating movement, application of choreographic structure and understanding and application of the constituent features of dance. Choreography also allows for solo, duo and group work and is developed from a variety of stimuli and tasks.

Set Dance

This unit requires you to learn and perform a dance which is set by the AQA exam board. You will need to show understanding and skill in the use of technique, interpretation and expressive qualities, as well as a sense of individuality and artistry.

Critical Appreciation

This area of work allows you to appreciate professional dance work through a variety of means. You will develop critical, reflective and evaluative skills in response to the work of others, develop a knowledge and understanding of the work of different choreographers and focus on the relationship between choreography and production, and how physical and aural setting, lighting and costume enhance the dance idea. You will also be able to use themes from professional works to create your own choreography.

GCSE DANCE COURSEWORK

UNIT 1 Critical Appreciation of Dance (42301) – Written Paper 20%

UNIT 2 Set Dance (42302) – Practical Examination, Solo Performance 20%

UNIT 3 Performance in a duo/group dance (42303) – Controlled Assessment 20%

UNIT 4 Choreography (42304) – Task 1 Solo Composition 15%, Task 2 Choreography 25%

Progression after GCSE qualification

Successful completion of the GCSE Dance course could lead to the BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Dance. You may be able to progress onto a wide range of A Levels, BTEC Nationals and the Creative and Media Diploma depending on other qualifications you have and your interests. Many students who are studying the ISTD Vocational Grades are able to use their vocational qualifications to gain further credits for this award.