Dance

Dance curriculum statement:

Dance curriculum
The dance curriculum focuses on performance, choreography and dance appreciation, with a view to building confidence and appreciation of the aesthetic in conjunction with the promotion of a healthy, active lifestyle. A wide range of dance styles are taught, with ample opportunities for students to learn set repertoire, develop their own choreography and work with others.

Dance Facilities
The dance department has recently moved to a different area of the building where we are fortunate in having a very large dance space, wall mounted and free-standing mirrors, and a large changing room area that is directly linked to the main stage, making it perfect for performances! We have recently had Harlequin™ flooring fitted throughout the studio, making it a great space for young dancers to develop their learning in the subject. Since being renovated, the studio has been officially opened by, and named after, Professor Angela Pickard, a truly inspiring dance practitioner.

Year 7
Students begin by learning how to create and perform simple dance structures with an introduction to dance and choreography. As they progress, they are introduced to Rock and Roll dance, working from a stimulus, African dance and contact work. This aims to build performance and interpretive skills in varying styles of dance.

Year 8
Students delve deeper into the various dance styles from across the globe this year, including Jazz, Commercial, Contemporary and Indian dance, applying the choreographic skills learned in year 7 within each style studied. Students also learn about the evolution of dance through the decades and end the year learning how to analyse professional dance, which encourages opinion and debate.

Year 9
Students are introduced to the more specific terminology used within the courses taught at KS4 and 5, and focus on developing performance skills, more complex choreographic devices and the use of props in dance. Students also complete an in-depth study of a professional dance practitioner and explore the various roles within the performing arts, including non-performance roles such as make-up, costume and set design. The year ends with students choosing their preferred role and completing a production project as a group. This is similar to the final exam unit of year 11 but on a smaller scale. By the end of year 9, students have a diverse and wide range of dance knowledge that prepares them for further study of the subject.

GCSE Dance at KS4
In Years 10 and 11, dance students study the AQA GCSE in Dance. This course consists of 2 assessed components, giving students the opportunity to choreograph, perform and appreciate dance, both theoretically and practically. The specification focuses on the aesthetic and artistic qualities of dance and the symbolic use of movement to express and communicate ideas and concepts through the processes of choreography, performance and appreciation. We acknowledge that most students choose dance for the practical rather than theoretical focus. Therefore, there is only one written exam with varying question styles making it clear for students to understand. The practical element enables students to study professional works and critically appraise dances of different styles and cultures, as well as apply their skills and knowledge within their own choreography. 
More information on the course can be found at: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/dance/gcse/dance-8236/introduction

BTEC at KS5, Level 3
In Years 12 and 13, students can continue their BTEC dance studies through the level 3 BTEC Dance course. Students will look at the work of various professional choreographers to enhance their understanding of performance and choreography and create high level, original choreography both solo and in groups. The dance course consists of 4 units, 2 internally and 2 externally assessed, one of which is a written exam of the study of chosen practitioners. The other units focus on the development of dance skills and techniques across different styles of dance, and the application of choreographic skills and the components of dance. Students will get the chance to learn professional repertoire and express their own creativity through solo/group choreography. Alongside this, we provide many performance opportunities, whether that be assessed or extra-curricular, to build experience and expertise in performing in front of an audience.
More information on the course can be found at: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-nationals/performing-arts-2016.coursematerials.html#filterQuery=Pearson-UK:Category%2FSpecification-and-sample-assessments

Co-curricular Activities
The dance department offer after school clubs for all, regardless of ability. In addition, we have the very successful Kinisi (junior) and Terpsichore (senior) dance companies who are formed of gifted and talented dancers from all year groups who gain a place by successful audition. All dance clubs take part in many performances throughout the year, giving students an opportunity to showcase their wide range of dance talents. We also welcome and encourage students to audition their own pieces for our shows.

Links
Our Dance Department appreciate the value of working with a variety of dance practitioners and companies and are always looking to explore links with performing arts organisations. In past years, we have worked with the Royal Ballet School, where we were selected to participate in the aDvANCE national project with our sixth form dance students performing at the Royal Ballet School. We have also established a links with Loop Dance Company and Canterbury Christchurch University and regularly support Dance Education BA students from the university in their work experience. Our connection with Canterbury Christ Church also allows us to bring in different practitioners to deliver workshops to our students, as well as opportunities to take our students over to the Canterbury campus for workshops, tours and shows.

Trips
The Dance Department regularly offer a range of trips and workshops to support the curriculum and to foster and develop the students’ interest in dance and the performing arts. Some examples of past visits include Pineapple Dance Studios, Move It dance convention, several West End shows including Dirty Dancing, The Bodyguard, Ghost, Mamma Mia! and Phantom of the Opera, as well as visits to dance performances both in London and the local area.