Dance Curriculum Overview
‘Dancing with your feet is one thing, but dancing with your heart is another’ – Anon
Dancing is unique and is one of the most physical of all art forms. Not only does dance allow students to be creative and artistic, but it also allows learners the opportunity to express themselves using the body as a medium.
The Performing Arts Department aims to provide learners with the skills to develop their confidence, leadership, communication, resilience, creativity, and self-discipline, all of which are key in helping to shape our learners into emotionally intelligent, well-rounded individuals who are confident to explore and question the world around them.
We aim to build these qualities in our learners through engaging and creative practical based lessons that encourage their curiosity, to take risks and seize opportunities. We aim to inspire learners to be adventurous and reach beyond their potential, both through classroom learning and through extracurricular activities that will develop their knowledge and understanding of a range of performance style opportunities.
Throughout their time studying Dance, learners will be given opportunities to develop their mastery in specific areas; this could take the form of stage performances in dance and musical theatre and to have a knowledge and experience of professional works in dance. The curriculum is designed in chronological order.
The structure, content, and assessment builds year on year; thus, preparing learners for a Performing Arts/Dance option should they wish to take this. Key stage 4 students will study Eduqas Technical Award in Performing Arts over two years which will continue to build on practical and theoretical knowledge gained at key stage 3, as well as inheriting many new dance and choreographic skills. Throughout, we cover a range of skills and knowledge that are explored practically, in written coursework and in a written and practical controlled assessment. The course requires a great deal of commitment to extra rehearsal time, research and written work. Some of the practical work is based on professional repertoire, to include steps and movements, technical and performance skills. The theory work investigates the choreographers, the stylistic qualities, creative intent, and processes used to create the works and the set design, costume, props, lighting, and sound elements.
Performing Arts is a subject that naturally lends itself to the development and continued growth of our learners’ cultural capital. Through the study of Performing Arts, opportunities are given to visit a variety of live theatre performances and attend workshops with specialists as well as in-house lunch and after school clubs. Each year, we stage school productions where all learners are invited to be involved. Through this, we also encourage them to be proud of their work, support, appreciate and value each other and a variety of performing genres leading to the well-rounded individuals of the future.
Teaching Staff
- Mrs J Rose (Area Leader)
- Miss C Gilbert
- Miss K Goldsby
Useful Documents
