Course Entry Requirements

In order to follow this course you must either have achieved a Grade 5-9 in GCSE Dance or have an extensive experience in dance outside of school and Grade 4 in English Language.

Course Aims

The A level Dance specification aims to cultivate creativity in students by allowing individual enquiry within the areas of performance, choreography and critical engagement with professional repertoire through both practical and written responses.

The A level specification requires students to develop, demonstrate and articulate practical and theoretical knowledge, understanding and experience of:

•         technical and performance skills;
•         the process and art of choreography;
•         the interrelationship between the creation, presentation and the appreciation of dance works;
•         the development of dance placed within an artistic and cultural context;
•         current professional dance works and the significance of these works.

Course Structure and Scheme of Assessment

This is a linear qualification.  In order to achieve the award, students must complete all assessments at the end of the course and in the same series.

It is important to note that this course is new and there may still be some minor changes to assessment schemes by the exam board.

Performance and Choreography:       Solo performance linked to a specific practitioner within an area of study       Performance in a quartet       Group choreography   Practical exam assessed by visiting moderator 80 marks 50% A level

Critical Engagement: Section A:  Short answer paper 25 marks and one essay on the compulsory set work 25 marks. Rambert History Section B:  Two essay questions on the second set work. 50 marks. Contemporary Dance since 2000   Written examination 100 marks 50% A level

Progression and Careers

To a degree in Dance or Performing Arts with a view to production, performance, choreographing and devising.  Teacher, Dancer, Choreographer, Administration for Company, Animateur, Community Arts worker.

University course, e.g. Chichester, Middlesex, De Montfort.

Conservatoire for Dance e.g. Laban, London Contemporary, Rambert Dance.

Stage School London Studio Centre, Italia Conti, Urdang, Doreen Bird.

Wider applications would be to any career which requires excellent presentation skills, creativity and incisiveness, original thinking, teamwork and negotiation, e.g. Management in general, advertising, public relations, personnel management and media careers.

Exam Board

AQA

Contact Name

For further information please see Mrs Gooch – Head of Dance or Mrs Briggs - Dance Teacher.