Dance

Curriculum Intent

Our GCSE Dance course develops students as performers, choreographers and critical thinkers, with clear practical and written assessment components across Years 10 and 11.

Year 10 focuses on building technical, expressive and analytical skills. Students develop physical, technical and expressive performance skills in class and begin learning repertoire linked to the GCSE anthology, including A Linha Curva and Emancipation of Expressionism. They explore choreographic devices, structures, stimulus, motif development and aural setting, creating short pieces in response to a variety of themes. Students are introduced to the written component (Critical Appreciation), learning how to analyse professional works, describe movement accurately and understand choreographic intent, costume, lighting and set design. Informal assessments take place throughout the year to prepare students for the practical exams.

Year 11 is focused on completing the formal GCSE assessment components. Students complete:

• Performance (30%) – a set phrase and either a solo or duet/trio performance, assessed on technical skill, accuracy, timing and expressive quality.
• Choreography (40%) – students create and perform their own dance in response to an exam board stimulus, accompanied by a written choreographic process log. This is assessed on creativity, structure, use of space, dynamics and choreographic devices.
• Written Examination (30%) – a final exam in which students demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the anthology works and their ability to analyse and evaluate dance using appropriate terminology.

Throughout both years, students develop confidence, creativity, physical fitness and independent learning skills, ensuring they are fully prepared for examination success and progression into further performing arts study.

Curriculum Journey