28th March
Dance
Curriculum Intent
Students at KS5 level will have embodied and developed key dance skills across KS3 and KS4 in conjunction with each other, across units that are both practical and theoretical. They are expected to analyse, choreograph and perform to a high level, embedding practitioners’ techniques and styles in to their own performances. Students are able to push their knowledge further by ensuring links between the skills are used effectively. Thus, developing a level of complexity and sophistication to their work and successfully impacting an audience. The course content is accessible but also ambitious, to ensure every learner makes progress at this higher level of education in Dance.
Dance; a creative art form and physical activity. A language without words.
BTEC Level 3 in Performing Arts (Dance)
Course Details
In KS5 students have the option to choose the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Performing Arts (Dance), which is equivalent to 1 full A Level. The course is designed to be delivered across 2 years and includes 4 units of work. 3 of these units are mandatory and 1 is optional, 2 units are externally marked and the other 2 are internally marked.
Students who have chosen the BTEC Dance course follow the Pearson/Edexcel 2016 specification. This course offers a broad variety of practical and theoretical work. Students have 10 lessons every fortnight with the split of practical to theory being dependent on the unit. Live performances and milestone target setting are two of the ways students are assessed. Students are graded using the pass/merit/distinction grading descriptors and will be aware of which grade they are working on for each unit.
Students studying Dance in Years 12 and 13 will have 5 hours of homework per week. Revision will also be required for Unit 1, which is the written unit and is externally assessed with rehearsals for group choreographies and performance pieces required outside of lesson time. All homework tasks are planned to build on the knowledge learned in lesson, and frequently these tasks make use of student iPads or are computer-based.
As the course is heavily weighted in terms of practical ability, students must be participating in dance outside of lesson time. It is therefore vital that parents actively encourage students to be participating in dance classes both in and outside of school.
Assessment
The 4 units are as follows;
Unit 1 – Investigating Practitioners’ Work
Learners investigate the work of performing arts practitioners and develop critical analysis skills and contextual understanding of how practitioners communicate themes in their work.
Unit 2 – Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance
Learners explore technical performance skills with a focus on developing skills and techniques in at least two performance styles
Unit 3 – Group Performance Workshop
Learners explore and integrate creative, physical and vocal skills and techniques, working collaboratively to create a performance in response to a given stimulus.
Unit 12 – Contemporary Dance Technique
Learners develop their knowledge, skills and techniques with an emphasis on practical development, application and performance skills.
|
Exam (1 hr) |
Investigating Practitioners’ Work |
25% of the qualification |
|
External Assessment |
Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance |
25% of the qualification |
|
Internal Assessment |
Group Performance Workshop |
25% of the qualification |
|
Internal Assessment |
Contemporary Dance Technique |
25% of the qualification |
Enrichment Opportunities
There is an extensive Dance extracurricular programme which runs through the entirety of the academic year. Students in all year groups are able to join the Blenheim Ambition Dance Academy and separately audition to be part of Blenheim's dance competition teams. There are also opportunities for school trips to watch live performances in theatres.
Progression
The BTEC Level 3 Performing Arts (Dance) course is excellent preparation for those wishing to continue their studies in Dance/Performing Arts at degree level, whether that be at University or at Dance/Performing Arts colleges. Careers include, but are not limited to, performer, choreographer, teacher, arts administrator, fitness instructor, dance photographer/videographer, costume/clothing designer, physical therapist and dance medicine specialist.
Student Voice
“I I love BTEC dance because it is an active and creative subject which is very enjoyable. The course has increased my confidence and equipped me with skills I will use for the rest of my life”
