GCSE Dance
Examination Board and Specification Code: AQA 8236 http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/dance/gcse/dance-8236 Course description GCSE Dance is a practical course designed for students who have some dance experience. It is an ideal course to study if you are enthusiastic about dance and want to learn or develop new skills. Dance is an empowering and powerful form of non-verbal communication which enables the development of creative, imaginative, physical, emotional and intellectual capacities. Dance is both physical and expressive – this is what makes it similar to and different from other art forms and physical activities. The GCSE course is split into 2 components which explore both theory and practice allowing students to develop physical and performance skills alongside critical thinking and appreciation. The units are examined through a written paper and performance moderation. Dance makes a significant contribution to the annual school production and GCSE Dance students are encouraged to take part in this as well as Enrichment and Dance Performances. KS4 Dance students can also access extra classes through the UDO Academy as well as opportunities to work with external choreographers through the planned GCSE Dance workshop programme.
Exams/Assessments COMPONENT 1 – Performance and Choreography component 1 PERFORMANCE
Weighting 30% 40 Marks
Assessment Internally marked Externally Assessed
1 CHOREOGRAPH Y
30% 40 Marks
Internally marked Externally Assessed
Content A1)Student learn how to perform as a solo dancer and must replicate two of the set phrases set of by the exam board. A2)They also must learn how to perform a part of a duet/trio – students will use two of the remainder set phrases to develop and generate dance content for their choreography. Students learn how to respond creatively to an externally set stimulus, this can be any style of dance. This can be done as a solo or group.
COMPONENT 2 – Dance Appreciation Unit 2
Weighting 40% 80 marks
Assessment Written Exam
Content Students are assessed on Knowledgeand understanding of choreographic processes and performing skills Critical appreciation of own work Critical appreciation of professional works The questions are based on students own performance and choreography as well as the GCSE dance anthology that they study in their theory lessons.