A-Level Dance

Exam board AQA

Why study this subject

A-level Dance at Blackfen is both challenging and rewarding. The course provides students with the opportunity to gain experience of performance and choreography and to develop critical thinking about Dance.

The Dance department aim to create lessons that will inspire and motivate all our students. Dance is a powerful and expressive subject, which encourages students to develop their creative, physical, emotional and intellectual capacity. At Blackfen School for Girls we recognise the role of dance people’s lives and students will study a range of dance styles and style fusions. Students will also study a range of professional works, which will develop their ability to critically appraise and provide a springboard for engaging in practical tasks. The course will provide students with a platform to express themselves creatively alongside key industry skills they will need for the working world (for example, teamwork, leadership and creative thinking). These skills will be gained whilst choreographing to stimulus, responding to themes and motif creation and development. Studying A-Level Dance will provide students with the technical, physical, expressive and mental skills they need to execute a dance performance as well as production elements including lighting, sound, costume, physical setting. During the course students will also gain an awareness of safe dance practice. 

We recognise the role of dance in young people’s lives and your students will be able to study a range of dance styles. Dance A-Level includes the study of relevant and exciting sources for all choreography and broadened areas of study. Students can perform and choreograph in a style of their choice for the group work, providing it meets the assessment criteria. The assessment structure will give students of all abilities the chance to excel.

Assessments are clear, well-structured and easy to understand. Exam questions take a variety of styles; this helps to build students’ confidence and gives them the opportunity to be accurately and fairly awarded marks.

Syllabus

Dance provides a cultural learning experience that is individual to the subject area. We are continually refreshing our resources, to provide students with a current and thought-provoking learning journey in the school. They are challenged both physically, mentally and creatively in all lessons. Dance teaches students to work collaboratively and creatively as well as providing students with cultural capital. Dance can enrich a student’s experience both in the classroom and in other areas of life helping them to express themselves. Dance A- level is physically challenging and will encourage students to work on their physical skills and fitness. At A- level students will study a range of practical and theory lessons, that are spilt into teacher led workshops, choreography lessons, rehearsal lessons.

All practical lessons will focus on what the key skills are (Expressive, physical, technical and mental) and how to use them. Students receive regular verbal feedback each lesson. Theory lessons will be structured around watching and discussing professional works, class discussion and completing a folder of work. At the end of each unit students will complete practice questions and/or past papers.  Resources and home learning are put on Teams to support students further.

How will I be assessed

Year 12

Unit 1: Choreography and Performance

• Choreography and performance of a solo
• Performance in a duet/trio

Unit 2: Critical Engagement

Knowledge, understanding and critical appreciation of two areas of study:

• one compulsory
• one optional area of study, from a choice of four
• the reflection and understanding of own choreographic and performance practice.

Year 13

Unit 1: Performance and Choreography

• Solo performance linked to a specified practitioner within an area of study
• Performance in a quartet
• Group choreography
  • Practical exam
  • 80 marks
  • 50% f A-level

Component 2: Critical Engagement

Knowledge, understanding and critical appreciation of two set works.

• One compulsory set work within the compulsory area of study
• One optional set work within the corresponding area of study, from a choice of four.
  • Written exam: 2 hurs 30 minutes
  • 100 marks
  • 50% f A-level

This four-unit specification requires students to:

• develop understanding and knowledge as well as critical skills for the analysis of choreography
• perform within their own work and in professional repertoire
• gain experience of choreography and performance through practice
• gain in-depth knowledge of specific study areas and professional works

Future Careers

A-level Dance is a dynamic qualification which encourages students to develop their creative and intellectual capacity, alongside transferable skills such as team working, communication and problem solving. All of these are sought after skills by higher education and employers and will help them stand out in the workplace whatever their choice of career.

There are many careers explicitly in the dance sector such as: Choreographer, dance artist, costume/set designer, performer, administrator, health practitioner, dance manager, dance therapist, producer, dance scientist, teacher, education specialist, notation, yoga and pilates instructor, youth worker, business manager (dance company, school etc.) and more.

This specification reflects both historical and current dance practices, making it more relevant, and inspires a lifelong passion and appreciation for dance.