Dance

Optional
AQA

The choice of specification recognises the role of dance in young people’s lives and students will study a range of dance styles.

Download Options Booklet

The choice of specification recognises the role of dance in young people’s lives and students will study a range of dance styles.

Download Options Booklet

This subject offers you the opportunity to

Develop your creative, physical, emotional and intellectual capacity, whatever your previous experience in the subject.

Choose any style to perform and choreograph in, providing it meets the assessment criteria.

Study an anthology of professional works that will develop your ability to critically appraise dances of different styles and cultural influences and provides a springboard for engaging practical tasks.

Course Content and Assessment

Students wishing to take this GCSE do not need to have studied dance outside school, although this would be an advantage. Students will need to be committed and enthusiastic about dance and prepared to invest time and effort in a very rewarding subject.

It is important to be aware that students who opt for Dance as a GCSE subject will not have the option to take Physical Education at GCSE level.

Performance & Choreography

Component 1

Performance and Choreography, students will engage in both solo and group performances. The solo performance will last one minute and requires each student to master specific phrases of movement. The duet or trio performance will last for three and a half minutes, providing a collaborative platform for students to perform cohesively with their peers. This component is critical, accounting for 30% of the overall GCSE, with marks divided between the solo set phrases and the duet or trio performance. Additionally, students will either create a solo choreography lasting between two and two and a half minutes or a group dance for two to five dancers that will last between three and three and a half minutes, also making up 30% of the GCSE.

Dance Appreciation

Component 2

Dance Appreciation, makes up the remaining 40% of the GCSE and is assessed through a 1 hour and 30 minutes written examination. This component evaluates the students' knowledge and understanding of choreographic processes and performing skills. It requires students to critically appreciate their own work, alongside professional works. This involves analysing and interpreting dance pieces by professional choreographers, enabling students to explore a wide range of dance styles and contexts, deepening their appreciation and understanding of dance as an art form.

Related Subjects

Art & Design

Optional
AQA

Drama

Optional
OCR

Discover More

Our mission is to nurture confident, considerate and intellectually curious young women.

Admissions