A Level Dance
Examination Board: AQA
Course Leader: Miss K Benn
Contact Email: kbenn@tgschool.net
What Will I Study?
The course is has 2 main components with Component 1 being split into 2 areas:
Component 1: Performance and Choreography 50%
Component 2: Critical Engagement 50%
Entry Requirements
• GCSE Dance Grade 5 or above/BTEC Level 2 Performing Arts Merit or above*
• GCSE English Grade 4 and GCSE Maths Grade 4
*A strong dance or gymnastics background/experience considered if course not taken.
Assessment
This qualification is linear. Meaning that students will sit all their exams and submit all their non-exam assessment (practical work) at the end of the course.
For the performance aspect students will perform in a solo as well as a trio or quartet. For choreography they will respond to an exam paper set by AQA to create either a solo or group choreography. For critical engagement students will sit a written paper exam based around the professional works studied in lessons.
Where Next?
A Level Dance can lead to a range of higher educational training routes, whether that is vocational training at a conservatoire specialising in Dance or a university.
The skills that Dance teaches provides excellent progression into higher education and work because of their application to the real world, even if not directly doing something in Dance.
BTEC Dance
BTEC National Level 3 Extended Certificate
Examination Board: Pearson
Course Leader: Miss K Benn
Contact Email: kbenn@tgschool.net
What Will I Study?
Extended Certificate in Dance
360 GLH equivalent in size to one A level. The course consists of four units, three are mandatory and one is optional.
Mandatory
Unit 1: Investigating Practitioner’s work
Unit 2: Developing Skills for Live Performance
Unit 3: Group Performance Workshop
Optional Units
(Dependent on cohort’s strengths/ interests):
Unit 10: Jazz Dance
Unit 12: Contemporary Dance
Entry Requirements
• GCSE Dance Grade 5 or above/BTEC Level 2 Performing Arts Merit or above
• GCSE English Grade 4 and GCSE Maths Grade 4
Assessment
The course is assessed through a range of assessment types and styles suited to vocational qualifications in the sector.
There are two main forms of assessment: internal and external. Most units are internally assessed and subject to external standards verification. The styles of external assessment are examination and set tasks. Emphasis is on practical assessment along with written coursework.
Where Next?
The BTEC Dance courses can lead to a range of higher educational training routes, whether that is further vocational training at a conservatoire specialising in Dance or a university. BTEC’s in Dance are widely regarded by these institutions as equipping students with relevant practical skills.
They provide excellent progression into higher education because of their application to the real world.