No, you don't have to have danced before or have any dance experience, you simply need to have an interest in dance. 

No, the course is designed for both genders and we thoroughly welcome anyone who wishes to choose the subject. 

over a two week period you will have 5 dance lessons.  3 of those will be practical based and the other two will be theory based. 

You will not work with the same people each time.  Your class teacher will ensure you work with a wide range of people in your group meaning that you will have the opportunity to get to know everyone in your group.  You may work with people of similar ability more often in your lessons which allows you to feel challenged and supported throughout your study of the course. 

Yes, although these courses both have practical aspects they are two very different courses both practically and theoretically. Speak to your teacher to find out more information.

Usually your first set phrase will be filmed before Christmas in Y11 and your second set phrase and duet will be filmed before February half-term.  Your choreography will be filmed before April Easter break.  This means that 60% of your course will be filmed and completed before you are required to revise for theory exams.  This will also mean you can solely focus on the one written paper at the end of Y11.

The written paper is an hour and a half and is worth 80 marks in total. 

Small class sizes mean that you get one to one help with your work which helps to produce our excellent exam results.  We also study elements of the course practically and theoretically which increases your knowledge in those areas further.  The assessment of the course is also filmed.  This means that if you go wrong you can have another go.  The practical element of the course also means that you are given time in the week to be active and learn in a different climate other than a classroom. 

GCSE Dance can really help to enhance your English skills especially when we are focusing on professional works and looking at the meanings behind the professional works and how these can be communicated to the audience through the movement content.  Essay skills can enhance most subjects which is a very positive element of the course. 

There are many events and opportunities to extend your knowledge and become more skilful and confident within dance including; theatre trips, dance shows and performances, healthy mind healthy body day where you will be required to lead and teach dance to Y7 students as a group as well as being a part of older student's choreography which means you will gain an insight into the choreography task a year beforehand. 

GCSE Dance requires high level thinking and complex thought processes to be able to  create a piece of choreography which is thought provoking and of interest.   As well as this, in theory lessons we will be reflecting on the professional works and considering many ideas based upon how the choreographer communicates the theme(s) and idea(s) of the performance.  For example, when we study Emancipation of Expressionism we will be discussing how society is restrictive and ways in which people seek individual expression as well as how chaos and order can be viewed in society.  We will then discuss how this is communicated through the dance content, lighting and accompaniment.  The subject also requires you to include your own personal interpretation alongside the choreographic intent (theme). If you would like more information regarding this area please see Miss Rodgers or Miss Simpson to explain more.