AS & A-LEVEL Dance

The AS Dance qualification offers specialist study for those with previous dance training and a keen interest in the theoretical aspects of dance which include dance notation, anatomy and physiology, dance history and dance appreciation. The course also covers practical work including contemporary dance technique, choreography and performance skills.

The course focuses on three main areas of study:

Unit 1 Solo Choreography and performance. 40%
Unit 2 Coursework Essay Analysis and Recording 30%
Unit 3 Written Exam Understanding Dance 30%

Unit 1 - You will choreograph and perform a solo dance lasting between two and three minutes. Specific questions are set based on different dance stimuli provided by the board (for example visual, kinaesthetic, auditory and ideational) from which you will select one. You will also produce a page of programme notes to accompany the dance on the day of the exam which is externally assessed. Marks are equally weighted for Choreography and performance.

Unit 2 - You will analyse and comment on your own choreographic progresses of the solo for Unit 1. Your essay will identify the salient features of the dance i.e. the choice of movement, the choreographic devices used, the form and structure of the piece and its significance in terms of the question selected. You will include written descriptors, floor plans and notation and make reference to the process of experimenting, selecting, choreographing, rehearsing, technical development and performance training.

Unit 3 - You will need to answer compulsory short paragraph questions and short structured essay questions in this externally assessed unit. The focus is on the dancer's experience in training, choreographing, interpreting, understanding of anatomical features, notating and draws on your knowledge of a set professional dance work.

The A2 qualification offers a specialist study for those who have successfully completed the AS level in Dance. It offers a natural progression in developing your performance, appreciation, notation and choreographic skills in dance.

The course will focus on three main areas of study:

Unit 4 Group Choreography 30%
Unit 5 Set study Solo & Notation Performance 30%
Unit 6 Written Exam Understanding Dance 40%

Unit 4 - You will choreograph and structure a group dance lasting between two and three minutes for 3, 4 or 5 dancers in which you do not perform. Specific questions are set based on different dance stimuli provided by the board for example visual, kinaesthetic, auditory and ideational) from which you will select one. You will also produce a page of programme notes to accompany the dance for the examiner on his/her visit.

Unit 5 - You will perform a set solo dance which constitutes two thirds of the mark. Unseen notation score -you will be required to interpret and reconstruct a sequence of either Ballet of Modern dance from a notated score and perform it for the examiner after 30 minutes of preparation time.

Unit 6 - You will need to answer compulsory longer paragraph questions and structured essay questions. The focus is primarily on ‘the dancer in action', the constituent features of dance, and analysis of two professional dance works. You will need to draw on your knowledge, skills and understanding of performance, choreography and appreciation.

You may also take the BTEC National Award in Dance alongside this qualification.

This year the students had a 100% pass rate. AS Dance had 60% A-Grades and A2 had 100% A-Grades.

Website: www.aqa.org.uk

Co-Educational Day School and Boarding from 0-18 years

AS & A-LEVEL Dance

Dance