A Level Dance

Pupils can study A-Level Dance as part of a broad and varied set of subject choices.

A-Level Dance is made up of 50% coursework and a 50% written examination taken in year 13.

Requirements

  • Pupils should have a grade 7 at GCSE dance or equivalent training in dance.  This may or may not have been recognised by a formal qualification such as Royal Academy of Dance grades, IDTA, ISTD or similar.
  • A good grasp of contemporary as a genre is advantageous.
  • Dance training (in any genre), martial arts, gymnastics, cheerleading are all good foundations for A-Level Dance, where a good understanding of the body and fitness level are apparent. 
  • Pupils are not required to have taken GCSE Dance, though it could be an advantage.  Where pupils have no previous qualification in Dance, the approval of the A Level Dance teacher will be required before they can enrol in the course.
  • Pupils must have a willingness to experiment with new practical techniques/styles and be open-minded about the diversity of dance and how to develop their own skills, fitness, practice techniques and performance skills.

Why study Dance?

A-Level Dance compliments other art forms, but also works well to provide contrast to STEM, humanities and /or languages.

A-Level Dance is widely accepted at top universities as part of a broad and varied set of subjects.

In A Level Dance, pupils will develop skills in performance, choreography and critical thinking, both in terms of their own practice and with regards to professional dance organisations and companies. Analytical, team working and communication skills are also developed as transferable skills.

Course Structure

The course is made up of 3 strands:

  • Performance 25%: Students are asked to perform in solo and group contexts demonstrating their ability to engage an audience.  They will aim to encapsulate the style of the chosen dance practitioner in solo form; then perform as part of a quartet demonstrating their connection with other performers on stage. Assessed in a live practical examination.
  • Choreography 25%: Students will choreograph a group dance allowing them to develop their skills working with others, teaching peers, communicating effectively, translating appropriately a specific subject matter into movement and structuring performances cohesively. Assessed in a live practical examination.
  • Critical Engagement 50%: Students will study the development of dance placed within an artistic and cultural context.  Students are asked to focus on one area of study and one set professional work, this is to critically engage with dance and understand the interrelationship between the creation, presentation and viewing / appreciation of dance. Assessed in a theory examination at the end of year 13.

Post Wellington

The intrinsic value of dance is the development of creative, imaginative, physical, emotional and intellectual capacities. Students of Dance become well rounded individuals who can communicate their ideas clearly to others, have confidence to try something new, are creative and willing to offer ideas as well as being physical healthy with the ability to critique others appropriately.

Contact for further information:

Mrs Caroline Kenworthy: cek@wellingtoncollege.org.uk

Mrs Clare Cooke : cgc@wellingtoncollege.org.uk

(Heads of Dance)

Specification: AQA A-Level information: AQA | Dance | A-Level | A-level Dance