Why do we learn dance?
Dance is a powerful and expressive subject which encourages students to develop their creative, physical, emotional, cultural and intellectual capacity.
Dance is an empowering form of nonverbal communication, and it is both physical and expressive, which makes it different from other art forms and physical activities.
Dance develops creative, imaginative, physical, emotional and intellectual capacities, thereby acknowledging the important role that dance plays in young people’s lives. The following soft skills for life are learned in the subject communication, teamwork, interpersonal skills, leadership, creativity, critical thinking and problem solving.
Head of Department
Elaine Vanner
Our approach
Students at KS3 will study a range of dance styles and genres. The lessons are theme based and cross-curricular, thereby developing links with other subject areas. At present there is a single block in PE dedicated to dance.
The intent of each lesson is to gain new skills and improve previous physical, technical and expressive skills. The skills are developed through choreography, performance and analytical work in learning to be an arts audience.
Dance club is also available for all, to have fun and improve skills and perform in Musicals and Dance Shows.
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
GCSE Dance
The GCSE Dance specification is designed to inspire, challenge and motivate every student. The specification focuses on the aesthetic and artistic qualities of dance and the symbolic use of movement to express and communicate ideas and concepts through the interrelated processes of performance, choreography and appreciation.
GCSE students will study a range of dance styles which acknowledge aspects of the repertoire of dance that can be seen in the United Kingdom today. The practical component of the course enables students to study dance by ‘doing’ and the anthology of professional works will provide a springboard for the development of creative and engaging practical tasks. The study of the six professional works will facilitate the development of students’ skills in performance and choreography as well as broadening their knowledge and understanding of dance and ability to critically appraise dances of different styles and cultural influences.
Students will study a variety of theory question styles, which include multiple choice, short and extended answer.
The course is a starting block for progression to A-level, higher education and beyond and thereby giving the students the skills and experience to better prepare them for the demands of A-level if they choose to progress with their study.
Through trips, workshops and extra-curricular work students will further develop their skills in all areas.