Curriculum
Dance
The Subject Way
Our subject has a ‘Subject Way’ at the heart of it. Our Subject Way is designed to help students become young subject specialists. The Subject Way has two main purposes:
Firstly, to teach students the vital skills they need to achieve their full potential and gain the very best grades they can. Secondly, to teach students how each subject relates to the wider world, incorporating the life skills they will learn.
It is our belief that knowing how what you learn links to the wider world brings a subject to life and therefore improves overall understanding and engagement.
Curriculum Plan
Year 7
Units Taught
- Introduction to Choreography.
Main Skills Developed
Students will learn what a motif is and how to apply the 6 basic dance actions when creating one. They will understand how to develop their motif using formations, the 16 choreographic devices and consider why it is important to consider structure when choreographing a dance. They will develop physical, technical and expressive skills through practical exploration and learn what motif development is and why it is important when choreographing a dance.
Year 8
Units Taught
- Performance Skills of a Dancer.
Main Skills Developed
Students will know what Physical and Expressive skills in dance, how to apply these and the benefit these have to a performance. This will be learnt by applying these techniques successfully into pieces of repertoire, from a variety of dance styles.
Year 9
In Year 9 students have the opportunity to experience more Dance lessons by choosing it as an option in PE. This provides an excellent platform for students to progress onto GCSE Dance, whilst studying dance all year. During this year students will study the following:
HT1
Contemporary dance technique with a focus on physical, technical, expressive, mental skills and safe practice. Students explore contemporary choreography.
HT2
Jazz dance technique with a focus on physical, technical, expressive, mental skills and safe practice. Students explore jazz choreographers.
HT3 and 4
Students will understand the routes of a motif and explore the ways a Motif can be developed to create a piece. Inspiration is taken from a variety of professional works.
HT5
Students will develop the skills required to lead a dance session. They will take part in and plan a full dance session consisting of arm up, starter activity, main choreography, performance, feedback and plenary.
HT6
Students will learn what Dance for Camera and to create their own Dance for Camera pieces. This will involve use of camera angles, techniques and editing skills. Students will also gain an idea of site specific work.
BTEC Dance
Courses Studied
- Jazz
- Musical Theatre
- Contemporary
- Rock n Roll
- Latin/Ballroom
- Hip Hop
- Plus more
Why Study Dance?
BTEC Dance is a progression from studying Dance at KS3. This route will develop your performance skills and knowledge of dance techniques. It will prepare you for progression to study Dance at A-Level or Level 3 at college.
What Will I Study?
You will develop skills learnt throughout Years 7 and 8 and refine action techniques and performance skills for performance. You will learn how to choreograph and coach for performance and take a stimulus to stage. You will learn warm up routines, develop independent working and progress tracking skills, knowledge and application of health and safety procedures, negotiation and communication skills and confidence in performing to an audience.
How will I be assessed?
There are three components:
- (30% of overall grade) Students take part in a wide range of research and practical activities linked to professional practitioners. This unit helps students understand how practitioners create successful performances in the world of performing arts.
(30% of overall grade) Students learn how to develop skills and techniques to reproduce professional repertoire. To complete this unit of work, candidates must perform repertoire to an audience. The written element identifies strengths and areas to improve, setting targets for progression and reviewing skills.
(40% of overall grade) Completed in Y11, Responding to a brief is where the exam board set a stimulus and students have to choreograph a routine using the skills and techniques learned in components 1 and 2. This will finish with a performance infront of a audience.
What Skills Will I Need?
You must be a confident communicator and have a love of performing. You need to be able to work with others and be able to remember and progress dances for performance. Basic knowledge of Dance skills and techniques from Year 7 and 8 or external dance classes is essential.
Department Staff
C Mills
Director
- cmills@gainsboroughacademy.com
Miss E Porter
Find out more
If you would like more information about our curriculum, please contact the school using the details on our contact page.
Our Subjects at KS4
CORE SUBJECTS
EBACC SUBJECTS
OPTION SUBJECTS
