Curriculum
Dance
“Dance is the hidden language of the soul” - Martha Graham
Dance inspires pupils to become creative, develop confidence and fitness. It plays an important part in our school community. Through Dance in education an importance is placed on making links to the social, cultural and historical context of the world. Dance has a unique role to play in the curriculum by combining physical skills, anatomy with imagination and creativity. Students experience a wide range of different Dance styles and gain transferrable skills which increase confidence, self-esteem, and discipline in a safe and stimulating environment.
Students have 3 lessons a week with one theory lesson
Exam board
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/dance/gcse/dance-8236
Course outline: Written paper and Practical units- Choreography and Performance
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Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
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Year 10 |
Group unit and set phrase Intro to choreography Theory – Section B and C |
Group unit Set phrase 1 Intro to choreography Section C |
Group dance, set phrase 2 Choreography Practical and written Mocks Theory section B and C
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Year 11 |
Group unit Independent choreography piece Set phrase 1 and 2 Mocks |
Set phrases 1 and 2 Independent choreography piece Set phrase 1 and 2 Practical exam 60% |
Theory exam 40%
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Outside the classroom
The department offers a wide variety of opportunities for which students can get involved. We currently have a competing BBoy crew and Street Dance crew. Students get the opportunity to perform at a range of venues including Sadlers Wells, BRIT school, South Bank Centre, Arts Depot- North Finchley.
At lunchtime there is an open studio where any students are welcome to come to train or rehearse and develop new skills. We have regular clubs after school ranging from Contemporary to Hip-Hop.
We offer regular trips to the West End to broaden student’s knowledge and appreciation. Beckton Gymnasium is a termly trip where students get to train on a fully sprung floor, sponge pit and air track to develop their physical and technical skills. Our annual trip is to Germany where we take part in the UDO Street Dance Championships.
The Dance department has a partnership link with Sadlers Wells where students have worked with ReBourne Matthew Bourne’s professional company, Zoo Nation, Breaking Convention, Impact Dance and the Jack Petchy Foundation funded by the Royal Academy of Dance.
Progression pathways and careers
Students that study Dance enter a wide range of career areas including Business, Physiotherapy, Education, Performers and Choreographers, Events Management, Youth work. It can also give you the opportunity to travel. Studying Dance provides you with a range of valuable and transferable skills through a range of enriched opportunities and can lead you to a broad and diverse world of employment.
Useful links
https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/our-dance-projects/
Contact
Ms Rena Choolun Head of Dance - ChoolunR@hendonschool.co.uk