Subject Information

Dance

Intention:

Dance is the study of physical literacy, efficiency and fluency. Dance allows learners to explore expression and a universal language in relation to cultural, historical and contemporary contexts. Dance develops understanding, discipline and control of our bodies whilst activating original, personal and critical thinking. 

Key Stage 3

Dance lessons refine students' ability to collaborate on creative forms of movement. Removing the competitive elements of typical physical education, these lessons encourage exploration and expression of original movement-based communication. Students are guided through a discovery of global language and expression whilst refining their ability to appreciate subject specific approaches and techniques in their work. Creating movement is the main focus in the fortnightly lessons with experiences of technical dance content layered in to increase demand and sophistication of physical literacy.

Implementation - curriculum sequence

Key Stage 4

The course is highly demanding both academically and practically, encouraging quality from all students by examining written appreciation of dance (40%) performance and choreography of dance (60%). The specification gives space to interpretation and originality, challenging dancers to develop the highest level understanding and technique.

Students are expected to work collaboratively with others to develop their own creative areas of interest and realise these ideas in choreographed performance. Students are examined on technical and performance ability in two set dances and as part of a duet or trio. The written examination covers six set works all developing an appreciation of different genres and choreographers as well as ensuring students reflect on and explore their own practice. Students have 5 periods a fortnight divided between practical and theory as well as additional rehearsals.

Implementation - curriculum sequence

The Dance department follows the AQA GCSE specification, which can be found here:

https://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/dance/specifications/AQA-8236-SP-2016.PDF

Drama

Intention:

Drama is the study of physical and vocal techniques to communicate personal and empathetic understanding of the world in our own experience and beyond. It is innovation and appreciation of culture, creativity and communication that interconnects development of spoken word and non-verbal language. 

Key Stage 3      

In Drama, students experience working in a highly creative environment and are encouraged to explore their own ideas and professional work within lessons. The curriculum is mapped across Key Stage 3 to broaden students’ cultural, social and creative development. Faciliting advanced creative responses to the world around us, students address topics and themes that demand maturity, empathy and innovation in practice to develop both dramatic techniques and transferable skills.

Drama lessons, predominantly practical combined with theoretical and contextual understanding, are twice fortnightly throughout key stage 3.

Implementation - curriculum sequence

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9 

Key Stage 4

Throughout years 10 and 11, students develop a highly professional and insightful way of learning. Drama hones skills in devising, performing and appreciating drama.

Drama students develop highly articulate understanding of how professional designers and actors communicate with an audience and how to apply this advanced form of understanding to their own practical and written work. The GCSE develops students into well-rounded academics through 3 modules; Understanding Drama written exam (40%) Devising Drama written coursework and devised performance (40%) and Texts in Practice scripted performance (20%).

Students receive 5 lessons fortnightly split between practical and theory with additional rehearsals.

The Drama department follows the AQA GCSE specification, which can be found here:

https://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/drama/specifications/AQA-8261-SP-2016.PDF