Dance “Dance is a universal human activity that can be performed anywhere. Its benefits extend beyond the studio; it instils selfconfidence and discipline, it teaches you team building skills and fills you with joy. Dance in all its forms is both physically exhilarating and a rewarding experience and offers the opportunity to express emotions through movement and music which results in the overall feeling of well-being.” (Lynn Wallis, Artistic Director of the Royal Academy of Dance) GCSE Dance develops your skills, knowledge and understanding of a range of dance styles through the interrelated processes of performing, creating and appreciating dances. You will develop physical, technical and expressive skills through which you are able to communicate choreographic intention and develop your individual qualities as a performer. Critical appreciation of dance in its physical, artistic, aesthetic and cultural contexts will be developed throughout the course in preparation for the written examination. In addition to helping you acquire subject knowledge, Dance promotes an understanding of fitness and healthy lifestyle choices as well as transferable skills including time management, communication, teamwork and creativity. What you will study There are two components: Component 1: Performance and Choreography (60%) Performance (30%) • Solo performance made up of two movement sequences set by AQA (approximately one minute in duration). • Duet/trio performance which will include movement set by AQA which we will develop and manipulate to suit a group setting (approximately three and a half minutes in duration). Choreography (30%) • You will be given five starting points to choose from by AQA. You will choose one of these starting points and create a solo or group choreography for the assessment.
Examination Board – AQA Optional Subject Choice 08 NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS GDST
Component 2: Dance Appreciation (40%) Written examination paper of 1 hour 30 minutes. You will be asked questions on the six professional works within the AQA Dance Anthology as well as your own experiences in performance and choreography. In lessons, all your practical work will be underpinned by theory to prepare you for the written paper. You will also study and analyse the professional works from the AQA Dance Anthology. The written paper will consist of a variety of questioning styles including multiple choice, short and extended answers. How you will be assessed Assessment is by written examination and practical examination at the end of the two year course. All practical assessments are performed live in front of a teacher and recorded. They are marked internally and moderated externally by the examination board.
