Curriculum
The Dance Department at Shireland makes dance accessible to all
Offering students technical training in a wide range of styles, whilst also providing students with the space and support to express themselves individually. Many of our students have gone on to study dance in further education and gain careers in this field.
Dance is taught in our beautiful dance studio, complete with mirrors, sprung floor, ballet barres and sound system, and performances take place in our state-of-the-art Theatre. Our links with Birmingham Hippodrome Education Network enable us to offer incredible performance opportunities, both within the Academy and the local community, as well as regular contact with professionals currently working within the Creative Arts industries.
Dance enables students to develop transferable skills such as confidence, self-esteem, communication, time management and problem-solving, as well as the technical skills required to be successful in Dance.
WHAT IS COVERED IN
In Year 7 students explore two units of work before rotating to another area in PE:
Unit 1: An Introduction to Dance at SCA
Students explore safe working practices, including the importance of warmups and cool downs.
Unit 2: Chance Dance
A unit of study in which students are introduced to the 6 Dance Actions, using these to choreograph and perform sequences.
In Year 8 students explore two units of work before rotating to another area in PE:
Unit 1: Dance Around the World
A scheme of work that explores a variety of cultures and styles, including Capoeira, Bhangra, Ballet, and the New Zealand Haka.
Unit 2: Dance Technique
Students create their own performances using choreographic tools to expand their choreography knowledge from Year 7 by using features such as action, space and dynamics.
In Year 9 students move on to explore professional works and their practitioners, building on their prior knowledge of practical and academic skills within Dance. Students explore the choreographic process in further detail appreciating, reflecting and analysing the professional works studied.
Unit 1: Mad Hatters Tea Party-
Students explore the work of choreographer Kate Prince and her professional Dance company ZooNation. This unit explores the topic of Mental Health, underpinning work covered in Personal Development sessions.
Unit 2: Introduction to Hip- Hop
Students continue to expand their knowledge of styles from Year 8, exploring Hip-Hop culture. They study the professional work of Emancipation of Expressionism by Kenrick Sandy and his company Boy Blue Entertainment.
To build on students’ confidence and self-awareness they are encouraged to perform to a live audience or to their peers.
Year 10-13:
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Component 1: Set phrase solo performance. Component 2: Dance Appreciation | Component 1: Performance Duo/Trio. Component 2: Dance Appreciation | Component 1: Performance Duo/Trio. Component 2: Dance Appreciation | Component 1: Set phrase solo performance. Component 2: Dance Appreciation | Component 1: Choreography Exploration (Mock) Component 2: Dance Appreciation | Component 1: Choreography Exploration (Mock) Component 2: Dance Appreciation |
| 11 | Component 1: Choreography Component 2: Dance Anthology | Component 1: Choreography Component 2: Dance Anthology | Component 1: Performance (Set Phrase & Duo/Trio) Component 2: Dance Anthology | Component 1: Choreography Component 2: Section A & B Written Exam | Exam revision and practice | |
| 12 | Component 1- Performance in a solo. Component 2- Critical Engagement (Rooster) | Component 1- Performance in a solo. Component 2- Critical Engagement (Rambert) | Component 1- Performance in a quartet. Component 2- Critical Engagement (American Jazz Dance Scene). | Component 1- Performance in a quartet. Component 2- Critical Engagement (Singing in the Rain). | Component 1- Performance in a solo. Component 2- Critical Engagement | Component 1- Performance in a quartet. Component 2- Critical Engagement |
| 13 | Component 1- Choreography Component Component 2- Critical Engagement | Component 1- Choreography Component Component 2- Critical Engagement | Component 1- Solo Performance, Quartet Performance & Choreography Component 2- Critical Engagement | Component 1- Solo Performance, Quartet Performance & Choreography Component 2- Critical Engagement | Exam Revision and Practice |
KS4 COURSE
WHAT CAN THE SUBJECT LEAD TO?
Studying Dance can lead directly to a career as a dancer or choreographer. It can also lead to the study of a Level 3 Performing Arts course. It is important to remember that the study of Dance also develops several key interpersonal skills that are applicable to any career, such as communication, confidence, creativity and presentation skills.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
60% internally controlled assessment. 40% external examination.
WHAT SKILLS ARE REQUIRED?
Students who choose to study Dance will have shown some aptitude for the subject in Key Stage 3. Students will need to perform to a live audience on several occasions throughout the course, so must enjoy performing. All students must have good standards of literacy.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Shireland Collegiate Academy has a partnership with Hippodrome Education Network. This partnership enables us to offer professional experiences to the students, with performance opportunities and regular contact with professional performing artists. There are several opportunities to watch live professional performances at the theatre.
