The Dance A Level course is designed to extend students’ knowledge and understanding of a variety of Dance genres using the medium of both practical and theoretical work. It is suitable for students who have a genuine interest and passion for Dance, and will enhance opportunities available for those who wish to pursue a career, or undertake further study in Dance or the Performing Arts. Aside from this the course is an excellent foundation for anyone wishing to study a different subject or profession at University.
Aside from improving dance technique, the course provides the opportunity for students to explore a range of skills to prepare students for work or university. Students will learn how to be independent learners, develop leadership skills, work collaboratively with peers, as well as gaining confidence in front of an audience.
The PE Department has outstanding facilities including two designated theory classrooms with ICT facilities, a four badminton court sports hall, dance studio, gymnasium, and a state of the art fitness studio.
As part of the Dance course, all students are given free membership to the Fitness Gym.
Courses Offered
A Level Dance (AQA)
Syllabus Breakdown
A Level syllabus:
Course Components: 50 % Theory 50% Practical.
Component 1
Performance and choreography (practical examination)
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Solo performance
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Performance in a quartet
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Group choreography
2 – 4 minutes for each practical piece.
Component 2
Critical engagement (theory examination)
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Written examination split into two sections.
Section A: short answer questions and one essay.
Section B: two essay questions.
2 hours 30 minutes
Subject Key Concepts
#1 Performance #2 Choreography #3 Physical and technical skills #4 Expressive skills
#5 Mental skills #6 Anthology #7 Choreographic processes #8 Choreographic content
Please click here for Subject Key Concepts.
Minimum Entry Requirements
All students must meet our general Sixth Form entry requirements of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above. It is not essential to have taken GCSE Dance. For those who have undertaken the GCSE course, a grade 4 or above is necessary. However, it is essential that students have experience of dancing beyond lesson time.
Why Study Dance?
The Dance A level develops many transferable skills: time management, leadership, communication, resilience, independent thinking and creative problem solving; as well as the ability to draw together knowledge and observation to analyse sources to construct extended essay type answers. All of which are essential for further study or future employment.
Wider Opportunities
These include opportunities to take part in theatre trips to London and Milton Keynes.
Visits to professional dance companies and other schools to experience a range of dance styles.
Workshops will be held with professional dance companies and there will be performance opportunities both in and out of school, at a variety of venues.
Further performance opportunities include Christmas concerts, gym and dance display, dance showcases and school productions.
What Our Students Say:
‘A Level dance is an exhilarating and enjoyable subject that allows you to improve both your physical and communication skills. It enables you to work together as a group to produce new and exciting dances that you would not normally do outside of school. The theory section, is one of my favourite parts to the course. You learn about American Jazz and the developments of it which I have really enjoyed doing as I really enjoy the style of our main practitioner Gene Kelly.’
What Can I Do Next?
Many former students have gone into higher education to study dance related courses, such as Theatre Performance, Dance Teaching and Dance and Drama Studies.
However, some students have gone into employment in other areas such as the police as well as business apprenticeships, or on to higher education to study Biology, English and History.
