GCSE Dance

Pupils can study GCSE Dance as part of a broad and varied set of subject choices.

GCSE Dance is an active, creative, fulfilling and rewarding subject choice.

Dance is both physical and expressive – this is what makes it similar to and different from other art forms and physical activities. Dance therefore combines elements of Drama, Physical Education and goes hand in hand with Well-Being making it a great choice at GCSE.

GCSE Dance (AQA) aims to expand pupil’s enthusiasm and passion for dance whatever their prior training and background in dance. It is challenging physically, emotionally and mentally, but with great challenge comes great reward. The course actively engages pupils in the process of dance in order to develop as effective and independent learners, as well as critical and reflective thinkers. This provides students with a set of transferable skills.

Course Structure

The course is made up of 2 components:

Performance & Choreography

  • Performance: Students perform both technical set sequences, as well as duo or group dances; this is created together to illustrate your strengths as a performer in a style selected by the teacher and student together. Performance is worth 30% of the GCSE.
  • Choreography: In either solo or duo/group form, dancers create choreographies to reflect a theme of their choice demonstrating creativity, reflective thinking, communication skills and the ability to evaluate both themselves and others effectively. This is worth 30% of the GCSE.

Dance Appreciation

Students analyse six professional dance works, reflect on creative processes and develop an understanding of how to successfully analyse, comment upon and evaluate the work of themselves and others. This is assessed with a written examination worth 40%.

Requirements

  • A passion for learning physically and developing your skills as a performer
  • Some experience/prior training in one of the following areas: Dance (any genre), martial arts, gymnastics, cheerleading or similar transferable skills requiring good basic coordination
  • Being prepared to challenge yourself physically, mentally and emotionally
  • A desire to develop your confidence and self-expression

Contact for further information

Mrs Caroline Kenworthy: cek@wellingtoncollege.org.uk

Mrs Clare Cooke : cgc@wellingtoncollege.org.uk

(Heads of Dance)

Specification AQA SPECIFICATION: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/dance/gcse/dance-8236