GCSE
GCSE Dance
GCSE Dance is an exciting subject to study for those who have a natural passion for dance and its related arts. At GCSE level, pupils should have had some previous experience of dance whether it be ballet and modern dance from a very young age or creative dance or dance through sport, studied in the early years at school.
Pupils will learn about a range of different dance genres including ballet, tap, modern, contemporary and jazz dance and will study professional dance works as well as learn about the history of ballet and contemporary dance and the key choreographers and dancers associated with each style.
Dance anatomy is also studied alongside dance appreciation and dance history and so the subject ties in well with human biology as well as PE.
A key focus though, is obviously the practical element of the course where pupils will learn how to choreograph their own dances and develop their dance technique through performing alone and with others. GCSE pupils will have the opportunity to perform in curriculum dance evenings as well as in the annual dance show in the Great Hall. At the end of the Lower fifth and the beginning of the upper fifth, they also have the opportunity to lead dance workshops at local prep schools.
The GCSE Dance Scheme of Assessment is split into four key components.
The first component is a written paper worth 20% of the total marks which is taken at the end of the two year course. Candidates answer questions on a minimum of two professional dance works (chosen from a prescribed list by AQA) focusing on critical analysis and an evaluation of the constituent features of dances.
The second component is a practical dance examination worth 20% of the total marks where candidates are required to perform a set dance of approximately one minute’s duration.
The third component is a Performance in a Duo or Group, worth 20% of the total marks. Candidates perform in a dance for 2,3,4 or 5 dancers lasting 3 to 3.5 minutes.
The fourth component is based on Choreography and is worth 40% of the total marks. Candidates choreograph two pieces as follows:
Solo Composition (15%) Each candidate develops a 1 to 1.5 minute solo realted to a prescribed work.
Choreography(25%) Each candidate choreographs a group dance for 2, 3,4 or 5 dancers lasting 2.5 - 3 minutes.
