Dance

In Year 7 students study 3 schemes of work. The first is an introduction to the fundamentals of Dance through the 5 Basic Body Actions. From the outset this introduces the language of dance and encourages creativity, performance and evaluation. It also establishes the expectations and discipline of dance. This links to other forming arts subjects. Students will also study Street Dance, drawing on contemporary and historical forms of street dance, allowing students to explore cultural diversity and a particular genre of choreography. The final scheme is Musical Theatre which allows students to choreograph a dance which represents the narrative of the song, encouraging literacy and interpretation of words, rhythm and melody. Students watch examples of dance from a range of musical theatre, including West Side Story, Oliver, linking to music. Students also benefit from workshops with visiting professional practitioners, some of whom are ex students. By the end of Year 7 students can identify and demonstrate the five basic body actions, identify and select the stylistic features of different styles of dance. They can evaluate their own and others’ work having watched it respectfully and supportively. Students can apply their knowledge and skill through choreographing their own dance.

In Year 8 students develop their skills from year 7 extending their knowledge and skill of the five basic body actions. Their first scheme introduces them to the concept of Prop and Dance which begins to link dance with drama and the ability to make movement and art out of an inanimate object. The second scheme builds on Year 7 street Dance as students explore further styles in this genre such as popping & locking, breaking, strobing, krumping and tutting. The final scheme is the study of Iconic Music Videos, promoting cultural diversity and exploring a range of dance styles. Students create their own work influenced by the videos they have studied. Assessment is summative during the process and formative with a final performance. Students receive feedback during and after each scheme. Students also benefit from workshops with visiting professional practitioners, some of whom are ex students. By the end of Year 8 students can work with prop in choreographing dance. They begin to identify further stylistic features, making links and connections between styles, This allows them to reject and select apt material in creating their own work. Their evaluative skills are further developed by referencing and using key terminology in their evaluations of their own and others’ work.

Year 9 begins with the study and analysis of Swan Song in preparation for GCSE set study. Students identify and analyse movement sequences and recreate and interpret in their own work. Students continue their study of Street Dance in Year 9, beginning to make connections with other dance styles such as contemporary and jazz, demonstrating understanding of the influence of other dance styles and practitioners. The final scheme is an independent project in which students choreograph their own dance in groups, demonstrating a range of techniques acquired so far. This is preparation for GCSE choreography and performance exams and encourages students to select and reject the most appropriate style and technique for their piece. Students also benefit from workshops with visiting professional practitioners, some of whom are ex students. By the end of Year 9 students can evaluate, choreograph and perform their own work demonstrating knowledge and understanding of professional works. They are able to be critical and analytical in their appreciation and evaluation of professional work as well as their own.

Students begin the course with an Introduction to Dance that encompasses good studio practice and performance work, contemporary technique and a choreography module based on a Beryl Cook Painting, creating cross curricular links and building on KS3 skill and knowledge. Students then begin their critical appreciation of 4 of their 6 set works building on their ability to describe, analyse, interpret and evaluate dance. This work builds on the variety of style at KS3, and encourages understanding of dance from other cultures and environments. In Year 10 students will begin their set study, perform a duet and a mock choreographic exam, in preparation for Year 11. Year 11 focuses initially on the set study, performance and choreography practical exams. Further study of set works and revision prepares students for the written paper.

Year 12 and 13 are co taught in A Level Dance. The AQA A Level Dance specification mirrors the structure and skills of GCSE. The course begins with an introduction to A level choreography which links to the study of the first set work. Throughout the course, skills from GCSE are developed in further study of set works and set study. Practical components develop solo, group and choreography skills. Students in different year groups support each other through practical components and revision of set works. Students revisit works introduced in Year 9 - Swansong, applying new skill and critical appreciation to the work. The set works chosen offer a diversity of culture, genre and style.