GCSE DANCE INFORMATION

GCSE Dance

A 2 year course for candidates in year 8 and above who want to study dance in depth.

During the course you will gain experience of choreography, performance and dance appreciation.

Benefits of GCSE Dance

· promotes fitness, a healthy lifestyle, team work and creativity

· helps to develop independent learning

· develops an understanding of a range of dance styles

· provides foundations for further studies in dance, such as A Level Dance, Level 3 BTEC Dance or the Creative and Media Diploma

· Helps to build up confidence and self-esteem

· An additional qualification in Dance recognised by all colleges and universities

Teaching

Teaching is done over 12 week terms and involves:

2 hours each Monday - 1 hour practical and theory section A/B and 1 hour Theory session Section C -(Mondays , 7:00pm to 9.00pm)

Students must attend Contemporary classes (These are held on Wednesday 8.00pm-9.00pm)

· Additional sessions with visiting artists are advised but at an additional cost

· Video viewing of various dance companies in performance

· Theatre trips to live performances -additional cost

· Students should also be taking a minimum of one other technique dance class per week, either at the centre or with another qualified dance teacher

Component 1

Performance 30%

· Duo/Trio, 3-3 ½ minute dance with clear choreographic intent and must include development of 2 of the set phrases: Physical skills (8 marks), technical skills (8 marks), expressive skills (8 marks). Total 24 marks.

· Set Phrases, perform a set phrase (not ones you did in your performance duo/trio) with accuracy. Physical skills (4 marks), technical skills (4 marks), expressive skills (4 marks). Total 12 marks.

· Mental skills during performance: Total 4 marks

Choreography 30%

· Solo- 2-2 ½ minutes, group piece 3-3 ½ minutes. Dance must have a clear choreographic intent and link to one of the AQA GCSE Dance stimuli given by the exam board. This can be performed in any style.

· Action and Dynamic (8 marks), space and relationships (8 marks), choreographic devices (8 Marks), structure (8 marks) and aural and performance setting (8 marks). Total 40 marks.

Component 2

Dance Appreciation 40%

· Section A- Hypothetical choreography, safe practice and performance skills questions.

· Section B- Analysis of own work

· Section C- Analysis of professional work

· Time allocated -1 hour and a half- Total 80marks.

Outline of Course

· Homework will be set each week

· Over half term holidays the students will be expected to complete a written mock exam- these will be marked and graded.

· All practical work will be moderated, paper work checked and sent to AQA external moderator.

Lessons

· 8.00pm to 9.00pm, Wednesday Contemporary Class for GCSE students to attend

· 7:00pm to 8.00pm, Monday GCSE Dance Choreography

· 8.00pm to 9.00pm- Monday Theory

What will students need to bring?

· Pen, pencil, ruler & highlighter

· Large A4 folder

· Uniform- Black leotard and black cut off tights or leggings, bare feet

· Memory Stick- All documents needed for the course and for revision will be uploaded on to the memory stick.

New Course start date

September 2025

GCSE FEES