“Dance is the hidden language of the soul of the body”. Martha Graham
The Dance Department believe every pupil should have the opportunity to experience dance, whether that be through performance, choreography or whilst discovering new and exciting practitioners.
Sixth Form Dance Scholarships are awarded to pupils who can demonstrate skill, competence and commitment to the subject and who will also help to promote the department on a wider level throughout the school.
A level Dance
Dance at A Level provides candidates with the opportunity to acquire experience of performance and choreography, to engage in critical thinking about dance and to study a subject which can be extended through higher education. It promotes a healthy lifestyle through an awareness of the importance of exercise and training. This subject requires pupils to choreograph, perform and analyse in detail, therefore a strong dance background and at least grade 7 or above in GCSE Dance is recommended.
Course Content and Assessment – Examination Board: AQA, Code: 7237
Component 1: Performance and Choreography (Practical examination, 50% of the qualification)
- Solo performance linked to a specified practitioner within an area of study: Pupils must develop and apply the knowledge, understanding and skills required to perform as a soloist in the style of a specified practitioner.
- Performance in a quartet: Pupils must learn how to perform as part of a quartet.
- Group choreography: Pupils must learn how to create an original piece of group choreography in response to an externally set task. To translate their dance ideas into choreography, Pupils must develop and apply practical knowledge and understanding of choreographic processes, including researching, developing and experimenting with dance ideas through studio and non-studio investigation.
Component 2: Critical engagement (Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes, 50% of qualification) Knowledge, understanding and critical appreciation of two set works.
Section A: Short answer questions and one essay question on the compulsory set work/area of study.
Compulsory set work: Rooster by Christopher Bruce, 1991.
Compulsory area of study: Rambert Dance Company (formerly Ballet Rambert, 1966–2002)
Section B: Two essay questions on the second set work/area of study
Optional Area of study 3: American jazz dance 1940–1975
Optional set work 3: Singin’ in the Rain (Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly, 1952)
Co-Curricular
There is a wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer in the Dance department where pupils are encouraged to get involved as both choreographers and performers. Activities include an annual Dance Production, workshops with outside dance artists, performance evenings for examination subjects, leading dance clubs for younger pupils and participating in the GDST day of dance at Pineapple studios.
Careers & Higher Education
The course provides an excellent grounding in the practical and academic elements required for those seeking to study Dance at Ddegree Level, whilst also developing analytical and critical thinking skills that can be applied to other areas of study. Pupils can go on to a wide range of careers including, teaching or lecturing, choreography, community dance worker, performing in a dance company or dance critic.
