The Dance Department is continually expanding and we now offer it across all Key Stages. In addition to GCSE Dance at KS4 and modules in BTEC Performing Arts at KS5, we now offer one hour of Dance per fortnight at KS3. We believe that Dance develops our students’ confidence, creativity, social skills and health and wellbeing.

The Dance curriculum constitutes 3 core components; Choreography, Performance and Dance Appreciation.

Choreography is the ability to create and shape dance sequences and focuses mainly on use of Action, Space, Dynamics & Dance Relationships.

Performance ability is developed through technique exercises alongside expressive skills and the ability to engage and communicate with an audience.

Dance Appreciation is the ability to express understanding, make judgments and evaluate Dance in all its forms. Students are encouraged to reflect and evaluate their own work and that of other students, on a regular basis.

The syllabus for Dance in KS3 is centred on core Dance skills, as a foundation for GCSE. Some examples of topics covered at KS3:
• Using Space
• Exploring Canon & Unison
• Dancing using a stimulus
• Dance Formations & Shapes
• Rhythm & Timing
• Storytelling through Dance

GCSE Dance is now fully integrated as a year 10 option and students study it during 5 hours per fortnight. The course is based on Choreography, Performance & Appreciation which builds on the KS3 syllabus. The assessment breakdown is as follows:
- Choreography 40 % (15% in year 10, 25% in yr 11)
- ‘Set Dance’ Practical Piece 20% (Set by the exam board)
- Group Dance  20 %
- Written Exam 20%

The Dance Department also run a range of extra-curricular clubs, covering styles such as Jazz, Salsa, Street, Ballet, Modern & Contemporary. Dance plays a key part in Specialist Status Events and Whole School Productions.

Department Staff
Miss H Keville – Subject Leader for Dance
Miss R Milton  – Dance/Drama Teacher
Miss J Warburton – Dance/Music Teacher