Dance allows you to express yourself, connect with other classmates and learn how to push and improve yourself to become a better dancer.    Isabel Y10

Key Stage 3 Overview

Year 7 Year 8 Year 9
Autumn Introduction to 6 key actions and portraying characters Musical Theatre
Exploring a range of professional dance works with links to GCSE Dance
Spring

Creating from different Stimuli

Street Dance
Taster sessions for GCSE Dance
Summer
Professional choreographers and repertoire
Contemporary Dance

Students are assessed on the 3 following areas: Choreographing, Performing and Evaluating. There are regular assessments which will focus on one of the 3 areas.

Dance in Years 10 & 11

GCSE

Course Leader: Miss Benn
Contact Email: kbenn@tgschool.net
Examination Board: AQA
Assessment: 60% practical 40% coursework

Why should I study this subject at Key Stage 4?

GCSE Dance allows students to develop their personal dance skills as well as to appreciate those of professional dancers and choreographer. It is a fun and social subject that also brings with it important skills in communication and confidence, which are transferable to so many other fields of employment. 

What does the course involve?

This is a creative, exciting, and diverse course that challenges students’ practical and theoretical ability in choreography, performance and appreciation. Students will build skills in organisation, time management, independent and collaborative work, selecting and refining information, as well as a host of others. The course is practically based which provides lots of opportunities for creative and performance work. From this course students can continue their study of dance at A level or Level 3 BTEC or look to careers in the Performing Arts such as performance, technical work, arts administration, teaching and community work. 

Component 1: Performance- Learners will develop their dance skills and technique through lessons and will be assessed through a 1 minute solo performance as well as a 3-5 minute duet/trio performance piece. 

Choreography- Learners will take part in lessons to develop their ability to create their own dances. They will then be given the opportunity to either choreography a solo or group piece in response to a theme set by the exam board. 

Component 2: Dance Appreciation: Learners will develop knowledge and understanding of choreographic processes and performing skills. In the written exam learners will be asked about their own performance and choreography pieces as well as the set professional works. 

Skills developed 

Critical analysis of professional dance; choreography skills; contemporary technical and performance skills; physical fitness; confidence; creative and problem solving; working with others; leadership and resilience; rehearsal discipline; and safe dance practice. 

Studying Dance at Sixth Form

Students can continue to study dance as a vocational qualification here at Thomas Gainsborough School.

Department Staff

Miss K Benn (KBE) Teacher of Dance Contact