GCSE AQA

A practical based course designed for students who have little or no dance experience. Ideal if you are enthusiastic about dance and want to learn new skills.

What Previous Qualifications Do I Need? It is helpful but not essential, if you have experience in the field of dance but no previous qualifications are needed.

Course Outline
Module 1 - Dance Appreciation
Students study the meaning and significance of dances, both professional and their own, through description and analysis.

• Students analyse one set work and four other professional dance works. Assessment - A written paper (2 hours) 20% of total marks.  The written examination is set by AQA and marked externally.

Module 2 - Performance
This unit will include a study of:

• Good studio practice - Health and safety in studio and practice, injury care and prevention, nutrition and preparation for rehearsal and performance.
• The technical and expressive nature of dance skills - Action, dynamics, space and relationships as well as strength, flexibility, control and mobility. Learning to develop performance skills such as focus, projection, musicality and communicating a choreographic idea.

Classes are practical based and focus on developing a Contemporary dance technique.

Students are taught a set dance by the teacher.

Assessment - Students perform the set dance which will be approximately one minute’s duration. The performance will be marked by the teacher and moderated by AQA - 20% of the total marks.

Module 3 – Performance and Choreography (2 parts)

• Part 1 - Performance (20%)

Classes are practical based developing skills to perform with others and the process of creating choreography.  Students are required to perform in one group dance.  The dance lasts 2 ˝ -3 minutes, is marked by the teacher and is moderated by AQA.

• Part 2 - Choreography (30% + 10%) for ENP

Classes are practical based students learn the techniques of choreographing group and/or solo work. Students choreograph one dance.  This may be a solo lasting 1˝ - 2 minutes or a group dance of between 2 - 3 minutes.  The choreography will be marked by the teacher and moderated by AQA.  In addition, an expanded programme note for ENP is required to support the choreographic idea.

Assessment - A practical exam, 60% of total marks.
This course is an ideal foundation if you want to study dance or other related subjects in more depth.  Even if you are not studying Performing Arts related subjects, this course can offer depth to your studies and variety to your timetable.

*Please note that your enrolment on to a particular course must be approved by the Head of that department.