Dance
Head of Department: Miss G Barratt
g.barratt@harrisrainham.org.uk
What will I study?
Students will develop skills, knowledge and understanding of dance as choreographer, performer, and critic through:
- Applying and developing a wide range of skills and techniques in performing and choreographing dance
- Creating solo and group choreography in response to different stimuli
- Developing the ability to analyse, evaluate and appreciate dance.
- Writing about your own practice in performance and choreography, and the GCSE Dance selected professional works.
Students will also recognise the contribution of dance to their personal and social health, fitness and wellbeing, and develop on their understanding of nutrition and exercise.
How will I be assessed?
Unit 1: Internally marked and externally moderated - Performance – 30% of GCSE / 40 marks
Choreography – 30% of GCSE / 40 marks
Unit 2: Externally marked by AQA - Dance Appreciation – 40% of GCSE (1½ written paper / 80 marks)
Anything else I need to know
Dance will be of interest to you if you enjoy watching, performing and choreographing dances, and will suit those who are creative thinkers! It would also be a benefit if students have had experience of Dance outside of school, however, this is not a necessity. The course will enable you to develop on your confidence, self-esteem, social and teamwork skills. It is important that you can work well with others but that you can also work independently, as you will be required to perform as a soloist and as part of a group. You will need strong commitment and focus throughout the course and will need to attend rehearsals outside of lesson time.
Students are required to participate in Dance performances and are encouraged to attend various dance theatre visits throughout the academic year.
The course provides an excellent route into A Level Dance and/or other vocational Dance courses, which can lead onto a degree in Dance at University