Dance for Pathway 2-4 Pupils
For information on Dance for Pathway 1 see Pathway 1 Curriculum.

In Dance we provide pupils the opportunity to develop a wide variety of skills which include: mimicking movement, dancing in unison, group performances, duets, solos, technique, choreography, dance analysis and coaching.

Please see the Curriculum Matrix for more details of what your child will be studying:

In Key Stage 3

We have created in-depth programmes of study in line with the National Curriculum.  However we choose to offer Dance as a stand alone subject, so that pupils can develop greater depth of knowledge and fine motor skills.  As a Faculty we recognise the very specific physical needs of our pupils and have evolved our practice and learning requirements to specifically support the physical needs of pupils with Dyspraxia and fine motor skills difficulties. 

Schemes of work have been designed in order to develop analytical and practical areas of study. These include: Sensory/Physio integration, Dance Therapy movement, Dance technique, Musical theatre history, Expressive dance, Critical knowledge and understanding, Stage Performance skills and cross curricular links including PSHCE, literacy, numeracy, computing as and thematic links to other subjects.

Thematic Dance is run over a 3 year rotation cycle. The Schemes of work also link to topics taught within their normal teaching cycle and the other Performing Arts subjects. Topics encourage the acquisition of technical skills and theory combined with a therapeutic and social development onus.

In Key Stage 4 & 5

Where applicable pupils study AQA Unit Awards in Key Stage 4 Dance and learn to develop their technical, self awareness and performance skills. More able students have the option of progressing to the Dance Leadership Award. Pupil uptake for options year 10  has increased steadily and it has become popular within 6th form for AQA and the Dance leadership award. Dance leadership is aimed at developing pupils ability to coach and lead others. These are skills that we believe are fundamental to future employment and many of our pupils have gone on to use these skills as coaches, running community clubs and in the workplace after leaving school.

Unit Award - The Unit Award Scheme is a unique recording of achievement scheme, with a variety of different units to suit the ability of each group. This allows us to tailor the course to the needs of the students and means the course can change from year to year if needed. Students are encouraged to take this course if they have a particular interest in dance and music and wish to develop their skills gained in KS3. Students analyse dance pieces in reflection of the style and choreograph group performances working with others.

In the first year we focus on developing knowledge and understanding of essential performance skills and confidence by working through the following units:

Dance Technique - Students will have the opportunity to master the correct positions and perform dance moves with the basic technical accuracy.

Dance Performance - The students will demonstrate knowledge of a variety of dance styles through discussion and group work.

In the second year the emphasis is much more on creating dance:

Choreographing Dance - Students will use skills from the previous year to create their own routines. . There will be opportunity to perform their work and gradually build on developing their routine throughout the year to teach others.

Group Dance - This will give students the opportunity to focus on one style of dance and classes also learn the historical and social background of how this dance style evolved. Through research and watching performances students will discuss and evaluate dance.

Dance Leadership Award- Level 1 Dance Leadership qualification an ideal course for more able pupils to develop their skills and empower them with the skills to deliver short coaching sessions to younger participants.

It gives learners the understanding of what makes a good leader and develops the skills required to coach and support teaching Dance. This covers 6 modules through coursework and performance evidence. The students  learn how to communicate to others and demonstrate support to others when learning Dance. They work on understanding how to keep a healthy lifestyle and have opportunities to: lead tasks within Dance club, independently explain dance movement in an activity of their own choice and show their leadership skills. This course is ideal for students who wish to take Dance further and gain some responsibility. One of the main focuses of the dance is school productions and supporting clubs, but it also allows students to learn good life skills through teaching those less able and developing ways of interacting with others, encouraging others to enjoy performance and showcase a strength they did not think they had.

The school has developed its community links to other schools within the area for Dance.  Students visit each other’s facilities and take part in dance workshops led by the leaders to demonstrate their skills from the course.

 

 

Miss C Kepinska - Faculty Lead, Arts