Dance is taught as part of our mini options in Year 9 and as a GCSE in Years 10 and 11 (AQA). 

Curriculum Ambition: Our ambition is to deliver a Dance curriculum that enriches knowledge, skills, and cultural capital. Through coherent and sequenced planning, pupils collaborate creatively to confidently present their ideas to an audience via live performances. We strive to enhance pupils' interpersonal skills and stimulate their imaginations to explore issues beyond their own experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

Rationale for Years 7, 8, and 9: The Dance curriculum is skill-driven, aiming to build personal competencies that are valuable not only in Dance lessons but also in life beyond school and future employment. Dance promotes self-esteem and provides a sense of achievement for all pupils, regardless of academic ability. Our curriculum is inclusive and ambitious, meeting the needs of all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs.

Core Skills Development: Dance centres on social and communication skills, enabling pupils to enjoy and achieve.. It prepares young people to live and work confidently in the wider world by promoting creativity, empathy, and problem-solving skills. Dance challenges pupils to engage critically and emotionally, moving from superficial to sophisticated responses to stimuli and situations.

Skills Fostered in Dance:

• Confidence in speaking individually and in groups
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Formulating and sharing opinions
• Adapting language to different situations
• Respect for others
• Empathy and understanding
• Staying on topic and deepening understanding
• Listening and responding appropriately
• Effective communication of wants, needs, and ideas

Learning Environment: We provide a safe and non-judgmental environment where pupils can explore, experiment, and express themselves. Dance allows pupils to expand their thought processes and articulate their ideas, opinions, and feelings. With various roles available (performer, designer, director, writer), all pupils have the opportunity to thrive.

Cultural and Artistic Exposure: Students experience Dance as an art form and relate to its elements while being exposed to a wide range of cultural experiences to develop their cultural capital. They will:

• Participate in performances of varying scales
• Critique Dance and receive evaluations of their work
• Learn technical elements of Dance (lighting, sound, costume, makeup, props)
• Work as an ensemble
• Make connections with other art forms and subjects
• Devise original work from stimuli
• Work from scripts to create performances
• Explore different styles and genres of Dance

Assessment: Assessment in Dance is continuous and multifaceted, focusing on both the process and the final performance. It includes:

• Formative Assessment: Regular feedback during lessons to guide improvement.
• Summative Assessment: Evaluation of final performances and projects.
• Peer Assessment: Students critique each other’s work to develop critical thinking and constructive feedback skills.
• Self-Assessment: Encouraging students to reflect on their own progress and set personal goals.
• Practical Assessments: Observations of rehearsals and performances.
• Written Assessments: Reflections, evaluations, and analysis of dance pieces.

Career Links: Our Dance curriculum prepares students for various career paths, including:

• Performance and Production: Dancer, choreographer, dance instructor, stage manager, lighting and sound technician.
• Creative and Cultural Industries: Arts administrator, cultural program coordinator, event planner.
• Education and Therapy: Dance therapist, drama and dance teacher, youth worker.
• Media and Communication: Dance critic/journalist, media producer.
• Leadership and Management: Artistic director, project manager.

By developing skills such as confidence, teamwork, communication, and critical thinking, our Dance curriculum equips students with the tools they need to succeed in these and many other careers. We aim to inspire students to aspire, be ready, and lead in their chosen fields.

Overall Aim: The Dance department aims to develop confident individuals who are aware of their worth and value, capable of creative problem-solving to make positive changes in their lives and the world.