The practical, theoretical and contextual study of dance as an art form contributes to a students artistic, physical, aesthetic, cultural and social development. It enables pupils to find their own voice as creator, performer and critic. Dance makes a special contribution to both physical and arts education, supports learning in other subjects, such as Art, IT, Science due to tailored dance units within the PE curriculum providing strong cross curricular links and facilitates the development of key skills, which are transferable to all areas of lifelong learning. It plays an important role in promoting physical fitness and well-being and most importantly, Dance harnesses the power to build a new found sense of confidence in every student here at Hurst.
The AS Level dance course gives students a wide appreciation of dance through practical and theoretical studies with an emphasis on choreography and performance. The course is taught in whole group practical and theory sessions, with individual tutorials at regular intervals. It is recommended that students go to see as much live dance as possible and trips are arranged throughout the year.
A minimum of five GCSE passes is required, along with some practical experience of dance training. A pass in GCSE Dance is not essential but will provide a firm grounding of subject specific knowledge, including both technical and performance skills, as well as understanding and experience in the application of choreographic devices. Students considering taking dance at this level need to be prepared to work with dedication and self motivation in order to ensure that they succeed within this subject and meet their fullest potential.
The AS course consists of two units and is designed to engage students in critical thinking about Dance as an art form, to develop a significant foundation of knowledge for the study of Dance through Higher Education, gain personal experience of performance and choreography and develop a healthy lifestyle through an awareness of the importance of exercise and training. At AS Level, students focus on the development and performance of their own choreography and perform within a duo/trio. Candidates will receive training on technique and the health and safety of the dancer. They will begin to develop critical skills for the analysis of choreography and performance within their own work and in professional repertoire.
The A2 consists of two units, where candidates have the opportunity to develop skills and extend and apply knowledge gained at AS level. The focus of choreography is shifted towards group dance. Candidates will develop knowledge and understanding of a specific area of study related to the development of one of the following: modern dance, ballet, jazz dance. Performance skills will be developed in relation to one of the specific areas of study. Candidates will continue to receive instruction on technique and the health and safety of the dancer. Candidates will make an analytical study of one set work and its cultural and artistic context.
The two units covered in the Lower Sixth are:- Understanding Dance (40%of AS 20% of full A level) (1 ½ hour written exam) which comprises two sections, A and B. Both structured and essay style questions will be set on the dancer as a performer, the process and craft of choreography and the significance of dances. The second unit is Choreography and Performance (60% of AS 30% of full A Level). The unit comprises two sections, A and B. Candidates answer two questions, one on solo choreography and performance and one other on performance in a duo/trio. Assessment is by Practical Coursework. In Section A – Solo Choreography and Performance candidates choreograph and perform a solo dance, between two and three minutes' duration. In Section B – Performance in a duo/trio candidates are required to demonstrate performance skills within the context of a duo/trio. The dance to be performed can be choreographed by the candidates, teacher or both; can be presented in any genre or style; with or without aural accompaniment. The dance must be between three and four minutes in duration.
In the Upper Sixth there are two further units; one is Appreciation: Content and Context (25% of full A level) (1 ½ hour written exam) where candidates answer questions in two sections, one on a chosen area of study within ballet, modern dance or jazz dance and one other on the set work studied. The fourth unit is Group Choreography and Solo Performance (25% of full A Level). The unit comprises two sections, A and B. Assessment is by practical examination. Section A is Group Choreography where candidates choreograph a group dance, of two to three minutes' duration, in which they do not perform. Section B is solo performance where candidates present a solo performance, of two to three minutes' duration, which demonstrates understanding of a performance style linked to a specific practitioner from the areas of study prescribed in Unit 3. The dance performed may be choreographed by the candidate, teacher or both.
Students may study for a degree in dance or another subject at University. Typical careers include teaching, dance development officer, community dance workers, education officer or, for the exceptional student, performing.
07 February 2012