Pupils can choose any of the following ways to study dance as part of the IB programme at Wellington College:

• IB Dance Standard level – 100% coursework completed across years 12 and 13
• IB Dance Higher level – 100% coursework completed across years 12 and 13

Requirements

• Standard level IB dance is suitable for pupils with limited formal dance training, but a good understanding of performance from theatre, sport or dance. It is also suitable for pupils with more formal dance training and experience in a variety of dance styles.
• Higher level IB dance is suitable for pupils with more performance and choreography experience. A 7 or above at GCSE Dance is a good foundation, but graded dance examinations in ballet, modern or contemporary to a grade 6 or above would also be a good foundation for the higher level.
• For both standard and higher dance a grade 7 or above at GCSE English is required.

Why study Dance?

IB Dance helps offer a good balance across the IB curriculum, complimenting the core subjects whilst offering a 100% coursework option amongst exam subjects.

The IB dance course embraces a variety of dance traditions and dance cultures—past, present and looking towards the future.

Performance, creative and analytical skills are mutually developed and valued whether the students are writing papers or creating/performing dances. The curriculum provides students with a liberal arts orientation to dance.

Pupils can and do perform in a range of dance styles, developing expressive skills through interpretation as much as technique, so it works well for dancers with expertise in a variety of dance styles.

Course structure

The course is composed of three strands:

• Composition and Analysis:

This component focuses on the making of dances and on identifying and analysing the processes through which students’ dances are arranged. Students then analyse and examine their work through analytical statements demonstrating their subject knowledge, making sufficient connections with work of professional dance practitioners.

Standard level – Two dances totalling 6-10 minutes 40%

Higher Level – Three dances totalling 8-15 minutes 35%

• World Dance Studies:

This component requires students to develop their understanding of the diversity of dance practices throughout the world. They will investigate dance cultures and /or traditions both familiar and unfamiliar to themselves. Comparisons will then be made in a written investigation, citing appropriate sources and presented coherently.

Standard level – A written report of no more than 1500 words 20%

Higher Level – A written report of no more than 2500 words 25%

• Performance:

This component is based on the practice and presentation of dance. The primary intention is to engage the student in dance artistry and studio practice. Students may specialise in any genre of dance but must experience more than one style drawn from more than one culture or tradition. Technical skills such as control, coordination, spatial awareness or dynamic range, along with performance skills such as use of focus, phrasing and relationships are all assessed through the presentation of these dances, with supporting programme notes for each.

Standard level – One or two performances (at least one as solo/duet) totalling 3-6 minutes 40%

Higher level – Two or three performances (at least one as solo/duet) totalling 6-9 minutes 40%

Contact for further information:

Mrs Caroline Kenworthy: cek@wellingtoncollege.org.uk

Mrs Clare Cooke : cgc@wellingtoncollege.org.uk

(Heads of Dance)

Specification:

IB Diploma information: Study dance | Diploma – International Baccalaureate®