Why study A level dance?
A level dance fosters creative and intellectual development with transferable skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving nurtured through practical and class-based learning.
Students will discover contemporary and historical dance practices, attempt repertoire replication, undertake critical analysis of choreographers’ method and body of work, and develop their own practice and style.
How will this subject be delivered?
A level dance requires you to develop, demonstrate and articulate practical and theoretical knowledge, understanding and experience of:
• Technical and performance skills
• The process and art of choreography
• The interrelationship between the creation, presentation and viewing/appreciation of dance works
• The development of dance placed within an artistic and cultural context
• Professional dance works and the significance of these works
• Subject specific terminology and its use.
Core content:
1. Performance: solo performance linked to a specified practitioner within an area of study and performance in a quartet
2. Choreography: group choreography in response to examination stimuli
3. Critical engagement: knowledge, understanding and critical appreciation of one compulsory set work and one optional set work
How is it assessed?
All exams and submission of assessments take place at the end of the course in year 13. This is made up of:
- Performance and Choreography
Practical exam
80 marks (50%) - Critical Engagement
Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
100 marks (50%)
Progression
The qualification is the equivalent of one A level and carries UCAS points recognised by higher education providers or vocational establishments in meeting admissions requirements for many courses if taken alongside other qualifications as part of a two-year programme of learning.
This A Level also provides a route to gain an apprenticeship or training in Performing Arts industries. These may then lead to careers within dance and Performing Arts such as a performer, entertainment, arts education, choreography and production or arts administration.
Additional costs relating to this course
There may be additional costs with this course such as contributions towards the cost of trips, specialised uniform/footwear etc.
Course type: A level
Board: AQA
Entry requirement: Five grade 5s or above at GCSE including English language and maths
Merit/grade 6 or above in music, dance or drama
