CONTENTS
Year planner / Page 4
Rules and expectations / Page 7
Resources / Page 8
Unit 1: Critical Appreciation of Dance / Page 10
Unit 2: Set Dance / Page 11
Unit 3: Performance in a duo/group / Page 12
Unit 4: Choreography / Page 14
GCSE Dance Grade Boundaries / Page 17
1
GCSE DANCE – An Overview
Examining body: AQA
Course overview:
The following topics will be covered in the Dance GCSE course:
· Performance skills – you will learn about and improve your physical skills in dance to ensure good posture, alignment, co-ordination, balance, strength, stamina, flexibility, mobility and control. You will also study the dancing body in relation to action, space and dynamics.
· Expressive qualities – you will improve your focus, projection, sense of style, musicality and communication of choreographic intentions in order to improve your dance performance skills.
· Safe practice – you will study safe practice in the studio to ensure your personal care, nutirition, prevention and treatment of injury and personal presentation.
· Choreography – you will be able to demonstrate increasing effectiveness as a choreographer through your response to different stimuli, improvisation, investigation and evaluation. You will understand motif development, dance structure, formations and relationships.
· Critical appreciation – you will be able to critically reflect on the work of professional practitioners with a focus on aural setting, physical setting, costume and movement content.
Assessment:
Unit 1: Critical Appreciation of Dance – written paper of 1 hour (50 marks – 20% of GCSE)
Unit 2: Set Dance – Practical Examination – solo performance of 1-1.5 minutes (30 marks – 20% of GCSE)
Unit 3: Performance in a duo/group dance – 3-3.5 minutes controlled assessment performance (30 marks – 20% of GCSE)
Unit 4: Choreography.
Task 1: Solo Compostion 1-1.5 minutes (20 marks – 15% of GCSE)
Task 2: Choreography for a duo/group (40 marks – 25% of GCSE)
YEAR 9 PLANNER
Autumn Half-term 1 / Autumn Half-term 2Topics / Course Introduction:
• Handbooks
• Technique class
Unit 1: Dance Criticism ‘Still Life at the Penguin Café’ by Bintley. / Unit 1: Critical Appreciation of ‘Nutcracker!’ by Bourne.
Unit 4: Choreography using Matthew Bourne as a starting point.
Assessment / Performance as a duo based on the work of Bintley. / Choreography in a group performance.
Spring Half-term 1 / Spring Half-term 2
Topics / Unit 2: Set Dance
Mock set study performance. / Unit 4: Solo Choreography
Based on a given/chosen stimulus.
Assessment / Performance of the set dance in pairs. / Choreographic journal and performance of piece.
Summer Half-term 1 / Summer Half-term 2
Topics / Unit 3: Performance in a Group
Public performance of work based on Bintley.
Rehearsal, choreography and performance. / Unit 1: Critical appreciation of Dance
Assessment / Performance in a public setting. / End of year written paper based on knowledge gained in Year 9.
1
YEAR 10 PLANNER
Autumn Half-term 1 / Autumn Half-term 2Topics / Unit 1: Critical Appreciation of Dance
Comparison study – ‘Still Life’, ‘Nutcracker!’ and ‘Swansong’.
Unit 2: Set Dance Preparation / Focus on technical skills in a range of contemporary styles.
Assessment / Presentations. / Limon, Graham and Cunningham practical class assessments.
Spring Half-term 1 / Spring Half-term 2
Topics / Unit 4: Choreography
Solo composition based on Matthew Bourne’s ‘Nutcracker!’ / Unit 4: Choreography
Solo composition based on Matthew Bourne’s ‘Nutcracker!’
Assessment / Choreographic journal / Choreographic journal and performance of work.
Summer Half-term 1 / Summer Half-term 2
Topics / Unit 2: Set Dance
Learning of the 2013 Set Dance for examination / Unit 2: Set Dance
Learning of the 2013 Set Dance for examination
Assessment / Performance review / Practical Examination
1
YEAR 11 PLANNER
Autumn Half-term 1 / Autumn Half-term 2Topics / Unit 3: Performance in a Group
Using stimuli chosen by the group. / Unit 3: Performance in a Group
Using stimuli chosen by the group.
Assessment / Development of piece. / Performance for Examination
Spring Half-term 1 / Spring Half-term 2
Topics / Unit 4: Group Choreography
Based on work chosen by the group. / Unit 4: Group Choreography
Based on work chosen by the group. / What to revise / How to revise
Assessment / Development of piece and choreographic journal / Performance of group dances for examination
WRITTEN MOCK EXAMS
Summer Half-term 1 / Summer Half-term 2
Topics / Revision for Unit 1 written paper of 1.5 hours. / Rehearsal of work for moderation period. / Rehearsal and revision
Assessment / Past papers
Performance of work in preparation for external moderation (examiners visit) / Final exams.
1
RULES AND EXPECTATIONS IN GCSE DANCE
1. You will ALWAYS have your Dance kit for class.
2. You will tie long hair back and not wear jewellery during class.
3. You will remove your socks for every lesson.
4. You will work hard in lessons to improve your dance technique – ‘no pain, no gain!’
5. You will work with anyone in the class without argument. We are all in this together and will help each other when we can.
6. You will watch others’ work respectfully by sitting silently and clapping at the end. You will only give constructive criticism.
7. You should attend as many extra-curricular classes, workshops and projects as you can. The more experience you can get, the better your work will be.
8. You should try and watch as much dance (of any dance style) as you can. You can learn a lot by watching the work of professionals, friends, other schools and your teachers.
9. Complete your IL fully. If you find something difficult, speak to your teacher before the deadline.
9. Do not be afraid of making mistakes – this is a vital part of being a dancer.
10. Familiarise yourself with the criteria for the GCSE grades – they are in this book.
11. If you are below target, ensure that you know exactly what to do to get back on track.
Resources & Useful Links
Fronter Independent Learning
Some of your IL tasks will be on the Dance Fronter page – please familiarise yourself with the set-up and speak to your teacher if you are having difficulties accessing any area.
Fronter videos
Throughout the three year course, some of your work will be put on Fronter in order for you to practice at home, remember the dances and analyse each other’s work. This will be trated respectfully in forums at all times.
Text books
AQA GCSE Dance
Dance – AQA GCSE Performing Arts
AQA Dance Workbooks
There are a wide range of Dance books in the LRC for your use. Please do use them! They will give you extended knowledge and understanding of the Artform.
This course handbook!
This handbook gives you a definitive guide to what you need to do to get top marks in each unit. Ensure that you are familiar with these criteria.
Revision guide
During the course, you will be issued with a revision guide, which includes useful tips and strategies to help revise for exams or controlled assessments in all four units of work.
Past papers
A wide range of past exam papers are available to download for free on the AQA website. Mark schemes are also available.
DVDs
There are a variety of Dance DVDs in the LRC and the Arts workroom that you can sign out and borrow. Watching as much dance as possible will help you with choreographic ideas, performance skills and critical appreciation of a range of dance.
YouTube - www.youtube.com
YouTube is a fabulous free way to watch dance of any dance style. Get ideas, note your favourites and watch as much as you can!
Flipcams
We will video your work at many intervals throughout the three years. If you want to borrow a camera at any time to re-record a piece during rehearsal, ask your teacher.
Unit 1 – Critical Appreciation of Dance
Written Examination
20% of the marks
Candidates will answer a short and concise written paper focusing on critical analysis and perceptive understanding of two professional works selected by the centre from the list above. Questions may also refer to the candidate’s own performance and/or choreography.
Key principles
• describe, analyse, interpret and evaluate features of dance using appropriate terminology
• compare and contrast different choreographers, dance works, styles and cultural influences
• understand the relationship between choreography, performance and production including aural and physical settings, costume and dance for camera
• understand the physical, aesthetic and artistic contexts of dance.
Criteria for assessment
• accurate description, evaluation and analysis of the constituent features of two professional dance works
• accurate description, evaluation and analysis of action, dynamic, spatial and relationship content of the chosen works
• ability to use appropriate dance terminology
• ability to reflect on own performance and choreographic work.
Critical Appreciation of Dance
(maximum mark = 60)
Grade / Mark RangeA* / 54-60
A / 48-53
B / 42-47
C / 36-41
D / 30-35
E / 24-29
F / 18-23
G / 12-17
U / 0-11
Unit 2 – Set Dance
Practical Examination, externally assessed
20% of the marks
Candidates will demonstrate their physical competence and effectiveness as performers and their knowledge of safe working practice.
Key principles
• the physical, technical and mental skills necessary for effective performance
• the expressive skills necessary for effective performance
• understanding how to achieve high quality performance
• knowledge and understanding of health, fitness and safe working practice.
Candidates will perform one of two solo dances that will be set for the duration of the specification. The dances are choreographed by professional dancers in styles from within the contemporary dance genre.
Criteria for assessment
• technical ability: posture, alignment, co-ordination, balance, strength, flexibility, mobility and control
• accurate reproduction of action and spatial content, with reference to the choreography and the characteristic features of the particular chosen dance
• interpretation of dynamic and expressive qualities
• demonstration of style: ability to emulate the style and mood of the original choreography
• safe practice as a performer: execution of movements, clothing, jewellery, hair, footwear, appropriateness of choice of same
• overall sense of performance: focus, projection, musicality, sensitivity, communication, energy, commitment.
Set Dance
(maximum mark = 60)
Grade / Mark RangeA* / 54-60
A / 48-53
B / 42-47
C / 36-41
D / 30-35
E / 24-29
F / 18-23
G / 12-17
U / 0-11
Unit 3 – Performance in a duo/group – controlled assessment
20% of GCSE
Candidates will demonstrate their physical competence and effectiveness as performers and their knowledge of safe working practice.
Key principles
• the physical, technical and mental skills necessary for effective performance
• the expressive skills necessary for effective performance
• understanding how to achieve high quality performance
• knowledge and understanding of health, fitness and safe working practice.
Mark bands for Performance in a Duo/Group Dance
Band 1: 25–30 marks
The candidate demonstrates excellent technical ability and accurate execution of action, dynamic and spatial content in relation to the demands of the choreography. There is sensitive interpretation of the mood and meaning of the dance and this is communicated throughout the performance. The candidate is highly sensitive to other performers and produces a completely engaging performance which communicates a real sense of performance energy to the audience. All aspects of safe practice are evidenced and applied appropriately.
Band 2: 19–24 marks
The candidate demonstrates good technical ability and mostly accurate execution of action, dynamic and spatial content in relation to the demands of the choreography. There is good interpretation of the mood and meaning of the dance and this is communicated throughout the performance. The candidate relates to other performers with sensitivity and produces a committed performance which communicates well with the audience. Most aspects of safe practice are evidenced and applied appropriately.
Band 3: 13–18 marks
The candidate shows sustained evidence of technical ability and some accuracy in execution of action, dynamic and spatial content in relation to the demands of the choreography. There is some interpretation of the mood and meaning of the dance and this is communicated throughout the piece. The candidate relates to other performers and demonstrates some sense of performance and commitment throughout. Some aspects of safe practice are evidenced and applied appropriately.
Band 4: 7–12 marks
The candidate makes some attempt to evidence technical ability and there is some accuracy in execution of action or dynamic or spatial content in relation to the demands of the choreography. The mood and meaning of the dance are sometimes communicated but not sustained throughout the piece. At times the candidate makes an attempt to relate to other performers and there is some sense of the requirements of a performance but overall it lacks commitment and is not wholly sustained. Some aspects of safe practice are evidenced but choices made are not entirely appropriate.
Band 5: 1–6 marks
The candidate shows very limited technical ability and there is limited accuracy in the execution of action or dynamic or spatial content. The mood and meaning of the dance are barely communicated and the candidate shows limited ability to relate to other performers. There is limited evidence of performance and commitment to the piece. Few aspects of safe practice are evidenced and choices made are inappropriate.
0 marks
The candidate’s work shows no evidence of the skills being assessed in this unit.
Performance in a duo/group dance
(maximum mark = 60)
Grade / Mark RangeA* / 54-60
A / 48-53
B / 42-47
C / 36-41
D / 30-35
E / 24-29
F / 18-23
G / 12-17
U / 0-11
Unit 4 – Choreography – controlled assessment
Solo Composition (15%)
Solo or Group Choreography (25%)
Solo Composition Task (15%)
Candidates will demonstrate their increasing effectiveness as a choreographer and their ability to appreciate dance.
Key principles
• explore and synthesise ideas, thoughts and meaning through movement