CURRICULUM
Dance
Head of Year 7/Teacher of Dance & Drama – Mrs H Brogden
Intent
The study of dance as an art form contributes to students’ aesthetic and social development. As a physical activity it promotes fitness and well being. Dance also supports learning across a range of subjects.
As performers, students develop confidence and self-esteem. They develop self and body awareness as well as sensitivity to others and team-working skills. Effective performance requires physical effort and the determination to succeed and improve. As choreographers, students employ the skills of problem solving and creativity. Effective choreography requires imagination and the ability to synthesise a number of elements. In directing others, students develop their interpersonal and communication skills. As critics, students make informed decisions about the dances they see. They articulate their knowledge, opinions and preferences. Viewing professional dances fulfills students’ cultural entitlement and broadens their artistic experience.
The dance curriculum has been designed to allow our students to aspire, achieve and enjoy. Students will be encouraged to break down stereotypes and understand how skills can transfer to other settings and subject areas. The curriculum has been developed to provide opportunities for students to develop their performance and physical skills, as well as understand the place of dance in a professional environment. Students will also develop their analytical skills through interrogating both professional and live performances in order to support improvements to their own and others work. Schemes of work have been designed to promote progress in the skills needed as a performer, but also lead clearly into the GCSE dance course.
The dance curriculum has been developed alongside the other performing arts subjects (drama and music), identifying skills and methods, which correlate across the faculty. Developing key life skills such as confidence, leadership and teamwork are evident across all schemes of work to support the student’s progress in other subject areas and outside of the school setting.
Theoretical skills are addressed in all year groups with students learning how to write about dance and their own performances supporting whole school policies. Students are encouraged to use subject specific terminology and to speak in full sentences in all scenarios.
Above all, we want students at Maghull High School to enjoy dance, whilst understanding the importance of the skills developed to transfer into numerous settings.
What are the key concepts that have to be mastered for pupils to be successful in this subject?
- To critically analyse professional dance and a wide range of dance styles
- To explore choreographer techniques through devising dance
- To develop performance, physical and mental skills
- To explore a variety of performance settings and the importance of accompaniment
Key Stage 3
In years 7 and 8, Dance is taught within the PE curriculum. Each student is given a 6 week block of dance lessons where they learn skills in basic movement and choreography.
In year 9, every student has one dance lesson a fortnight as part of the performing arts curriculum. These are taught in mixed sex tutor groups and build on the work started in year 7 improving student’s performance and technical skills.
Scheme of Work Overview
Year 9
Key Stage 4
We currently offer GCSE Dance at KS4 and follow the AQA Dance specification. The course focuses on aesthetic and artistic qualities and the use of movement to express and communicate ideas. Students are assessed both in performance and choreographic tasks as well as a 1 hour 30 minute written paper at the end of year 11.
Scheme of Work Overview
Year 10 Theory
Year 10 Practical
Year 11 Theory
Year 11 Practical