Click here for the Dance Curriculum Map

Content 

At Key Stage 3, the students take part in a number of different units covering different styles of dance such as Bharatanatyam, Break-Dance and Lindy Hop. However, there is focus on Contemporary dance and contact work throughout most units. The units also make cross-curricular links with other subjects such as Art, Drama, English and Music. Lessons include a range of choreography and appreciation tasks to encourage students to experiment with ideas and be reflective learners. The content encourages students to work effectively in groups, sharing and listening to others’ ideas.

Assessment, Marking and feedback 

Students are assessed using the attached criteria and complete short assessments at the end of every unit. Students are made aware of the assessment objectives and assessment evidence required at the beginning of each unit. Students’ technical progress is monitored in class via self, peer and teacher assessment during practical tasks. Instant feedback is given orally and termly targets are set.

Assessment Grids

Please click here for the Year 7 Dance assessment criteria

Please click here for the Year 8 Dance assessment criteria

Content 

Dance is a powerful and expressive subject which encourages students to develop their creative, physical, emotional and intellectual capacity, whatever their previous experience in the subject.

The subject content details the knowledge, understanding and skills that students are expected to learn during the course of study. This is set out in three core areas of dance: performance, choreography and appreciation.

This specification recognises the role of dance in young people’s lives and students will study a range of dance styles and style fusions. Apart from the solo performance, they can choose any style in which to perform and choreograph, providing it meets the assessment criteria.

The study of the anthology of professional works will develop their ability to critically appraise professional dance works and provide a springboard for engaging in practical tasks.

Assessment, Marking and Feedback

At Key Stage 4, students are fully assessed against the AQA mark schemes at the end of each unit of study. Students are made aware of the assessment objectives and assessment evidence required at the beginning of each unit. Students’ technical progress is monitored in class via self, peer and teacher assessment during practical tasks and technique classes. Instant feedback is given orally and smart targets are set.

Component 1: Performance and choreography

Practical Exam – Choreography (Solo/Group) and Performance (Solo and Trio)
60% of GCSE

Component 2: Dance appreciation

Written exam (1hrs 30 mins) – 40% of GCSE

Specification 

Please click here for the GCSE Dance grade descriptors 

Please click here for the AQA GCSE Dance specification 

Content 

A level Dance is a dynamic qualification which encourages students to develop their creative and intellectual capacity, alongside transferable skills such as team working, communication and problem solving. All of these are sought after skills in higher education and by employers and will help them stand out in the workplace whatever their choice of career.

The course involves studying Dance in both practical and academic contexts. Technical training, predominantly in contemporary dance will focus on developing physical and performance skills. Choreography and repertory performance which are central to the course, are developed in the studio through workshops and rehearsal in preparation for public performance and a practical exam. Classroom based analysis of professional works and contextual study of significant companies and choreographers, will inspire practical development and prepare students for an essay based written exam. Theoretical content includes two areas of study (Rambert Dance Company & Independent Contemporary Dance in Britain 2000-present). The course provides an excellent grounding in the practical and academic skills required for degree level study and training in Dance. A Level Dance is accepted as a valid qualification (as one of your three main subjects) by most university courses.

Assessment, Marking and Feedback 

Component 1: Performance and Choreography
Practical Exam – Choreography (Solo/Group) and Performance (Solo and Quartet)
50% of A Level
Component 2: Critical Engagement
Written Paper (2hrs 30mins) - 50% of A Level

Specification

Please click here for the AQA A Level Dance specification 

Potential Careers

• Dance teaching
• Dance performance
• Dance arts officer
• Choreography
• Dance education
• Dance film making
• Dance production
• Pilates/yoga instructor
• Youth work
• Dance project coordinator
• Dance journalism
• Dance photography
• Costume/set design
• Lighting and technical design
• Nutrition adviser
• Dance therapist

Alumni 

We are proud of many students who have gone on to study dance both at university and specialist dance schools, such as London Studio Centre, The Brit School, Northern School of Contemporary Dance and the Trinity Laban Conservatoire.

Rambert2 Dancer - Caití Carpenter

My name is Caití, and I am currently dancing and studying for my Masters degree with Rambert2.

I studied Dance at GCSE which was inspiring as it kickstarted my exposure to Contemporary - we got to go and watch performances and I expanded my knowledge beyond just Ballet, which is all I had done before. I studied Ballet alongside my studies at Central School of Ballet Associates. Whilst still at school I also auditioned for CAT schemes, which are programmes around the UK that provide pre-vocational training for students.

https://www.centralschoolofballet.co.uk/classes-courses/associate-programme/

I left Highworth in 2016 after completing my GCSEs, and in September 2017 I went on to train at Rambert School for three years. It was eye-opening, exciting, challenging, and now over a year after graduating. I feel like a completely different person. Training at Rambert was intense - we took a ballet class and a contemporary class every day, had workshops, pilates and conditioning classes, and received lectures in dance history, physiology and psychology. More than just getting used to such a physical routine, I discovered how diverse and interesting the world of dance really is, and how dance is about so much more than just performing steps. By the end of my three years I had had some incredible opportunities to create my own pieces of choreography, work with renowned dancemakers, and perform in amazing spaces around London, but most of all to share those experiences with some truly wonderful and talented people whom I am lucky to call my friends. I graduated (mid-pandemic!) with a first class BA Hons in Dance, which I’m extremely proud of.

During my third year I also spent a lot of time auditioning for companies and postgraduate dance programmes, which was terrifying but a lot of fun. Auditions can be challenging because there is so little time to show yourself, but my advice would always be to let focus on showing the best version of yourself you can be in the room that day. It stands out when you are being authentic and open, which is what a lot of choreographers and directors are attracted to.  I was lucky enough to make it to the end of the Rambert2 auditions which was the most gruelling 4-day process I have ever experienced, but my hard work paid off and I was offered a place.

Since January, I have been studying for my MA and dancing with Rambert2 - we have toured our double bill around the UK, which includes works by Micaela Taylor and Sharon Eyal, and worked with our Artistic Director Benoit Swan Pouffer creating a live-streamed performance, both of which have been incredible experiences. Our final performance of the year will be at Sadler’s Wells theatre in a few weeks’ time and I cannot wait to dance on such a prestigious stage with my wonderful colleagues.

I am so grateful for what I have learned since ‘becoming’ a dancer - I have discovered improvisation, a love of choreography, the value in teaching, and how to work well in a group. I have learned that anyone can dance anywhere, and that you don’t have to be on a stage in front of hundreds of people to feel like you’ve ‘made it’. I am learning never to underestimate the value of kindness and integrity - it is hard to stay true to yourself when you are in a dance school or company where often there is a right and wrong way to do things, but I would encourage everyone to find their own unique qualities which they can bring to everything they do, and to celebrate the uniqueness of everyone around them too. Dancing takes so much hard work and dedication and can be so physically and mentally exhausting, so it is so important to find what you really love about it and to share the joy with other people. For me nothing compares to that, and I am thankful to experience it every day.

The Dance Department will be watching Caiti perform with Rambert2 at Sadler’s Wells on Thursday 11^th November https://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/rambert2-home-and-killer-pig/

London Contemporary Dance School - Megan Whorlow

Megan Whorlow has been offered a place at the London Contemporary Dance School (LCDS). Here is a report on her experience and the school:

"My audition for London Contemporary Dance School (LCDS) was due to take place on the 24th of March, however, it was changed to a video audition due to coronavirus. I sent in my showreel of my best dance moments as my audition tape and a few days later I was informed I had a call-back interview with teachers from LCDS. Although I came away from the interview feeling positive, I was informed that I had not got a place on the course but I was on the reserve list, so if anyone didn’t take their place, it would be offered to me. 

Luckily, on the 29th of April, they sent me an email informing me a place had become available if I wanted it so of course I said yes! 

I’ll be on the BA (Hons) Contemporary Dance undergraduate course which runs for 3 years and includes various modules such as Ballet, Performance, Choreography and Professional Studies. Whilst studying, I have the opportunity to work with leading choreographers and renowned dance practitioners to create and perform a broad range of works, and to grow as a versatile artist. I will be able to perform my work to public audiences in the theatre and on tour.

London Contemporary Dance School was founded by Robin Howard in 1966 and as part of its courses LCDS also offers pilates, body conditioning, free electives in Choreology, Anatomy and Scenography, and ballet studies. LCDS is home to some renowned choreographers as LCDS's first year's intake included Richard Alston, Ian Spink and Siobhan Davis who went on to perform with the main company before founding their own. Students of the School have gone on to accept contracts from a variety of prestigious dance companies including Adventure in Motion Picture, Random Dance Company, DV8, CandoCo, Diversions and the Rambert Dance Company at Sadlers Wells."

Northern School of Contemporary Dance - Pranju Rai

Pranju Rai has secured a place at the Dance Conservatoire, Northern School of Contemporary Dance. They are keen to nurture versatile and independent dance artists to shape the future of dance. Pranju has written this review of her journey:

"Hello, my name is Pranju Rai and I am part of the class of 2020 graduates here at Highworth. I had for the longest time planned to continue my education through university, just like most of my peers, where I would study Human Biology.  With my subjects being Maths, Biology and Dance and a genuine interest in the course, I felt it was a suitable path to follow. However, I took a leap of faith when I decided to audition for an established dance school. The majority of my dance training has been within Highworth, I took GCSE and A Level dance purely as the fun exciting subject to have on the side of other academic classes. This interest soon grew into a passion and dance quickly became a career option I pondered over many times throughout Sixth Form.

In Year 13, I decided to apply and was fortunate enough to receive a place at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD) under their CertHe Contemporary course, which is a one year intensive programme consisting of modules such as: Dance Techniques: Ballet; Contemporary Dance; Dance Performance; Choreography; Dance Repertoire; and Contextual Studies. As described on their website, this course allows dance artists to take the necessary steps to prepare them for further in depth professional training in an institute like NSCD or another conservatoire.

A little background on NSCD, it was established by Leeds City Council in 1985 as the first dance school within the public sector. Its founding principal Nadine Senior was awarded an MBE for her services to dance, as well as the current principal Janet Smith who received hers in 2015. Just one of many successful students from NSCD is Akram Khan, who directed the 2012 Olympic opening ceremony."

Trips and Visits 

Regular theatre trips, residentials and workshops with visiting companies also form an important part of the enrichment programme. This past year we attending the ‘Move It’ dance exhibition, visited New York City for 4 days with Sixth Form students and attended many professional performances at theatres such as Sadler’s Wells and The Marlowe.

Clubs 

We provide a programme of enrichment activities for all students from September through to February in preparation for our annual show. Students audition to be part of the show and attend a weekly session as part of a Dance Company. In March we hold a ‘Dance Sharing’ to present the work created within timetabled dance lessons. Throughout the year we take groups of students to perform in outside venues such as: The ‘Breaking Waves’ Performance, ‘The Great Big Dance Off’, curtain raisers and other Dance platforms. The student prefects run a weekly class to create fun dances in a range of styles including lyrical, street, commercial and musical theatre. Those serious about pursuing a career in Dance may wish to challenge themselves by attending short programmes with visiting artists during the Spring and Summer terms.

Dance Department Timetable Term 6 2023

Matthew Bourne, A Level Dance workshop September 2021

Written by Year 12 Dance A Level student, Harriet W

One of the most exciting aspects of studying A Level Dance is receiving interesting and insightful workshops from professional dancers. During the course we study a number of artists including Matthew Bourne, most famously known for his renditions of Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and Romeo and Juliet. 

We recently had an amazing opportunity of working with Matthew Bourne’s company; New Adventures for a day. This recent workshop was based on Romeo and Juliet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NesVA-4d-g, where the story is set in an institution and young people are forbidden to express their emotions. Paul Smethurst (Resident artist for New Adventures) made us all feel very comfortable quickly with a series of activities which not only helped our acting skills but our confidence as well. We then learnt two dance phrases which were used in the actual stage production. The first allowed us to explore dance in an alternative way, where dance moves were derived from everyday chores such as washing the floor, hammering a nail and even kneading a loaf of bread, depicting the jobs that the characters in the institution had to complete daily. The second used a chair as the focus of the dance which was based on a group therapy session in the institution. We were able to make our own characters show their mood and story by developing the given choreography and making up our own phrases. Watching the dance later it was inspiring to see the movement phrases we learnt in the professional piece.

At the end of an intensive day training we were given the opportunity to ask Paul questions about Matthew Bourne's choreography and movement style which will help to develop and deepen our knowledge which will ultimately assist us in our exams. Overall, it was an enthralling experience which gave us an insight into working with a professional choreographer and the opportunity to evolve as dancers.

Jasmin Vardimon Workshop - October 2021

During October, A-Level dance students completed a workshop with the Jasmin Vardimon company based on the Greek mythological creature, Medusa.

Jasmin Vardimon are a local contemporary dance company based in Ashford, founded in 1998. The company is dedicated to the choreography of Artistic Director, Jasmin Vardimon – Associate Artist of Sadler’s Wells since 2006. Their style combines physical theatre, characterisation, technology, text and dance creating accessible, human-like works. The company's repertoire includes the well-known Pinocchio, 7734 and Medusa.

The workshop was led by Sabrina who is the JV2 Course Leader and part of the performing company. She supported us through our physically demanding warm-up which focused on mobility and partner work through to the learning of the repertoire. The choreography was derived from a woman grieving, allowing us to develop expressive skills and convey disheartened emotions throughout the dance.

The second half of the workshop allowed us to develop our own choreographic skills, after being instructed to combine all taught movement phrases into our own choreography. We then performed our choreography to the group in its original form before being asked to convey an alternative idea through our phrases. We were then instructed to display the ideas of being cold, being on the moon and even needing the toilet without changing our choreographed phrases at all - which proved to be quite a challenge!

To conclude, we had the opportunity to ask Sabrina questions about her experience in the Jasmin Vardimon Company and performing on stage. The workshop was an amazing experience to improve our performance skills as dancers, as well as gaining further practice of working with professional dancers and choreographers.