GCSE DANCE COURSE
Audition Dates for 08/09 Course:
Monday 7th July 6 - 8pm
or
Monday 1st September 6 -8pm
Open to all ages 13 - 18, in school year 9 and above.
To book an audition place or for further information about the course please contact Ana Little on 020 8444 4544 or follow the contact us link.
This course looks at Dance mainly as a practical subject, but with a study of dance history and theory. It helps to develop skills in choreography and performance, alongside knowledge of dance history.
AIMS:
A course based on this specification should encourage candidates to:
• Develop understanding and appreciation of a range of dance styles;
• Develop aesthetic and artistic sensibility to dance works;
• Develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to perform, choreograph and appreciate dance including an awareness of its artistic contexts;
• Develop life skills and attributes including decision making, critical and creative thinking, aesthetic sensitivity and the ability to co-operate with others.
ASSESMENT OBJECTIVES
The scheme of assessment will require candidates to demonstrate:
• Knowledge, skills and understanding of dance appreciation including social and artistic contexts;
• Knowledge of skills of the technical nature of performance, performance skills and interpretation of dance ideas/concepts and apply this information in evaluating and improving performance;
• Knowledge, skills and understanding of choreography and apply this information in improving and evaluating choreography.
This will enable students to:
Respond creatively to various stimuli
Create their own dance works
Develop technical dance ability
Develop a sound knowledge of a dancer’s health and lifestyle
Develop imagination and self confidence
Gain personal skills Improve communication skills through group work
By the nature of the course, dance promotes equal opportunities to all in terms of gender, ethnic background and avoids religious, political or any other form of bias.
Coursework - Performance and Choreography 60%
• Performance (20%)
Candidates are required to perform in one duo/group dance. The dance should last 2½ - 3 minutes, be marked by the teacher and moderated by AQA.
• Choreography (30%)
Candidates must choreograph one dance. This may be a solo lasting 1½ – 2 minutes or a group dance of between 2½ – 3 minutes. The choreography will be marked by the teacher and moderated by AQA.
• Expanded Programme Notes (10%)
A study into the students own choreography including description, interpretation and evaluation.
Written Paper 20%
A single examination paper of 2 hours. The students will answer three sections in the exam; Section A comprises short-answer questions which focus on the syllabus content section. Section B comprises questions based on the study of a set work and comparison and contrast with at least four other professional dance works, in at least two different styles. Section C comprises one question based on the Area of Study.
Practical Examination (Set Study) 20%
Candidates will be required to perform the set study which will be of approximately one minute’s duration. The performance will be marked by the teacher and moderated by AQA.
All practical and written coursework is assessed by the teacher in the Centre and moderated by an external AQA examiner.
Christmas Mock Exam: In order to ensure students are progressing on the course in line with the exam board guidelines, we hold a mock exam at the end of the Autumn term to assess all students. The course tutor is then able to discuss results with both students and parents and then if necessary, suggest ways in which to bring students up to the correct level or in some cases look at the option of extending the course to two years.
EXAMINING BOARD: AQA
CLASS DETAILS: 1 year course run Mondays, from 6.00pm – 8.00pm
FEES: £150.00 per term (3 terms in total)
£50.00 non-refundable exam entry fee
£35.00 year membership to the Centre
NOTES: The course aims to enable the students to enjoy and appreciate dance in all its forms. Together with the course tutor, NLPAC provide full support for the students throughout the year as well as regular communication with parents. Trips and conferences are organised for the students in order to support and develop their work.
100% attendance is expected from students, any absences must be reported to the office in advance of the missed lesson. Students will be expected to attend at least one other dance class during the week in either ballet or contemporary. The class we recommend is contemporary, which takes every Wednesday from 5.00pm – 6.00pm.
The GCSE sessions will be 2 hours every week, divided equally into theory and practical. There will also be some written or practical homework, approximately one hour per week.
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