Dance

Head of Department : Mrs Speke - CSPEKE@LARKMEAD.VALE-ACADEMY.ORG

Key Stage 3

In Key Stage 3 students will experience a variety of dance styles. We aim to extend technical dance skills through teaching new dance vocabulary, develop choreography skills through individual, group and leadership tasks and improve confidence through performance.

Key Stage 4  

What will my child learn in Dance?

Dance is about being able to communicate and express yourself through movement. It provides a learning experience, which is physical, emotional and intellectual.

In Dance students will have the opportunity to: Work creatively individually and in groups, Develop an aesthetic and artistic sense, Improve dance skills, Evaluate their own and others work. Develop understanding about Dance as an art form, Learn about historical and cultural contexts and most importantly students will get many opportunities to perform and watch performances both amateur and professional to extend their understanding of performance skills.

How is Dance taught?

If students take GCSE dance they will learn mainly through practical exploration of movement ideas and themes. We use a variety of resources – DVD’s, ICT, theatre trips & workshops, working outside the classroom/dance studio to discover how dance can be developed in different sites and stages. Students will develop their knowledge and skills by creating their own work, work for others, in collaboration with the teacher & their peers. Learning is not only practical but requires focus, concentration and analysis of professional work whilst students and their peers are watching, listening & practically experimenting with ideas. There is a big focus on Kinaesthetic learning or learning through movement based activities.

Key Stage 5

What will my child learn in A-Level Performing Arts?

A practical based vocational course in the Performing Arts which allows you to specialise in dance, drama or technical production skills; lighting, sound and stage management, or a mixture.

You have the opportunity to develop your skills either as performer or technician. You will learn about the theatre, other performance venues, production and design companies and job roles within the arts. As a performer/ technician you evaluate your present skills and look to develop these further. As a dancer you attend a variety of different technique classes and explore these techniques in performance, as well as exploring the physical anatomy of a dancer. In drama you will develop your movement and vocal skills in order to create character; you will have the opportunity to create your own pieces as well as performing different play texts. As a technician you will develop your skills in lighting, sound and stage management.

Throughout the course your acquired knowledge and skills is showcased in a number of performances both in schools, college and within the local community.