Dance - Shireland Collegiate Academy

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.

Mrs Prince studied Dance and Professional Practice at Coventry University, subsequently gaining her PGCE in Secondary Dance from Staffordshire University. Mrs Prince has a wealth of professional industry experience, including managing her own dance company. She has provided opportunities for young people to enter regional, national and international dance competitions with students achieving great success. She has been working at Shireland since 2009, has been Head of Department since 2010 and now also holds the position of Creative Director, running Theatre School in collaboration with Birmingham Hippodrome.

In Year 7 students explore the following schemes of work;

a) Dance around the world

A scheme of work that explores Ballet, Hip Hop, Salsa, Capoeira, Haka and Bhangra.

b) Chance Dance

A unit of study in which students learn about the six dance actions, using these to choreograph sequences.

c) Contemporary Dance Technique

An introduction to the key features of contemporary dance.

In Year 8 students explore the following schemes of work;

a) Hip Hop Dance Technique

An introduction to the key features of hip hop dance, including physical, technical and interpretive skills.

b) Contemporary Dance Technique 2

A scheme of work that builds on the basic contemporary technique studied in Year 7, focusing on physical, technical and interpretive skills.

c) Choreography

Students create their own performances using choreographic tools to understand contextual features, such as action, space and dynamics.

In Year 9 students explore elements of the GCSE course to prepare for options. This includes;

a) Dance Analysis

Students analyse professional dance works and practitioners from the GCSE specification, building up the confidence to apply analytical vocabulary to a dance work.

b) Performing a Set Dance Phrase

Students are taught the solo performance used in GCSE dance. This solo is assessed on musicality, performance technique and mental preparation.

c) Dance Technique

A scheme of work that explores dance techniques from styles such as jazz and tap, to further their understanding of rhythms and physical form.

To build on students confidence and self-awareness they are encouraged to perform to a live audience or to their peers.

At KS4 we deliver the AQA GCSE Dance Specification. This qualification involves the following components;

a) Dance Performance -Internally controlled assessed externally

Solo and Duo / Trio 30%

b) Dance Choreography -Internally controlled assessed externally

Solo or Group 30%

c) Dance Appreciation- External Exam

Written Exam 1. 5 Hours. The written assessment is clear, well-structured and easy for students to understand. Question styles include multiple-choice, short and extended answers.

The GCSE Dance 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.

At Shireland we have bridged the gap between GCSE and A-level Dance, giving your students the skills and experience to better prepare them for the demands of AS and A-level if they choose to progress with their study.

At KS4 we deliver the AQA GCSE Dance Specification. This qualification involves the following components;

a) Dance Performance -Internally controlled assessed externally

Solo and Duo / Trio 30%

b) Dance Choreography -Internally controlled assessed externally

Solo or Group 30%

c) Dance Appreciation- External Exam

Written Exam 1. 5 Hours. The written assessment is clear, well-structured and easy for students to understand. Question styles include multiple-choice, short and extended answers.

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.