Dance

A level dance is a dynamic qualification which encourages students to develop their intellectual and creative capacity, alongside transferable skills such as team work, communication and problem solving. All are sought after skills by higher education and employers, whatever the students’ career choice or pathway. It is desirable to have previous experience in the subject and a sound knowledge and understanding of the technical demands of contemporary dance. The first year focuses on developing a student’s technical ability to perform in a quartet. Students also gain an understanding of how the body works, performance skills, interpretive skills and the relationship of dance to music in order to choreograph a group performance. Theoretically students will study a compulsory set work and a corresponding area of study. In the second year, students will study another set work and area of study as well as choreographing a solo linked to a specific practitioner within their written work. Contact provider for more information as this may not be up to date course information.

A minimum of five GCSE’s at level 4 or equivalent from five separate subjects with an average points score of 4.0 or more. It is desirable to have at least a level 4 in GCSE dance.

Students complete two components over two years. Component 1 assesses choreography and performance skills practically and is worth 50% of the entire A Level. Component 2 examines knowledge, understanding and critical appreciation of two set works and corresponding areas of study. This is assessed in the form of a 2 hour 30-minute written paper and is worth 50% of the entire A Level.