INTENT

Our dance program offers energetic and engaging lessons that introduce students to a diverse range of dance styles and cultures, focusing on more than just technique. Through the art of dance, students develop essential life skills such as effective communication and self-expression, creative problem-solving, and analytical thinking. The programme fosters respect for diversity, resilience in the face of challenges, and a sense of responsibility and commitment. In addition to mastering dance techniques and performance skills, students use dance as a medium for personal growth and artistic exploration, gaining skills that support their development both in and out of the studio. Dance is a tool for broadening experiences and skills for life.

IMPLEMENTATION

In our program, students engage with a variety of dance styles and work with professional choreographers, exploring stimuli that empower their choreographic and technical growth. Reflective practice is central, as students evaluate their work and peers’ performances, using iPads to film, review, and get live feedback to embed improvements and progress in their practice.

We offer a range of enrichment opportunities for our students. Lunchtime clubs include Just Dance at Lunch, KS3 Open Space, and KS4 Open Space. Additionally, we run a highly successful Cheerleading Program, which has been thriving for over 10 years. This program provides students from all year groups the chance to train and perform at diverse venues, including School Sports Days, Plymouth Speedway, Plymouth Argyle Football Club, and local events such as the RNLI fundraiser and Polperro Summer Festival.

Year 7

In Year 7 Dance, students learn the basics of actions, dynamics, space, and relationships while exploring Capoeira, Indian Dance, Bollywood, and Lindy Hop. They develop skills in linking movements, creating structured dances, and performing sequences with control and coordination. The curriculum emphasises cultural understanding, group collaboration, and the ability to give and utilise feedback for improvement. Students also learn to dance to specified rhythms and reflect dynamic changes, enhancing both their practical and evaluative abilities in dance.

Year 8

Students are encouraged to explore and expand their movement vocabulary, work collaboratively, and understand the deeper implications of dance on overall well-being. Through the integration of characterisation, props, and a refined use of space, rhythm, and shapes, students learn to perform with greater precision and expressiveness. Evaluative skills are honed using dance-specific language, fostering a supportive environment for continuous improvement.

Year 9

Students refine their techniques and expand their creative abilities through both group and solo work. They study professional dance works to gain insights into various styles and choreographic approaches, applying these lessons to their practice. Key skills include composing dances with clear intentions, understanding movement phrases and structures, and maintaining control, accuracy, and fluency in performance. Students focus on using eye contact and facial expressions effectively, expressing specific emotions and characteristics, and sustaining stylistic qualities. Through consistent rehearsal and critical evaluation, they work to improve their performances and deepen their appreciation for the art of dance.

Dance Overview in KS4 - GCSE Dance

Dancers need to be able to perform, choreography, direct and have an eye to analyse and critique other professionals’ work, supporting the student to be a well-rounded and knowledgeable artist. Students on this course will investigate how various professional dance pioneers create their work. This will be done through practical workshops and research tasks. Students will work with numerous visiting professional artists and are strongly encouraged to attend a minimum of one organised theatre trip during the year.

The course consists of two components;

Component 1: Performance and Choreography. Performance: Students will learn set phrases through solo performance and perform as part of a duet/trio performance piece. Choreography: Solo or group choreography – a solo or a group dance for two to five dancers based on a stimulus given by the exam board.

Component 2: Dance Appreciation. A written exam based on students' own practice in performance and choreography and the GCSE Dance anthology.

What is the assessment?

Component 1: Performance and Choreography

Perform 30%

Choreography 30%

Component 2: Dance Appreciation

Written exam 1h3 30 minutes 40%

IMPACT

Engaging in a dance curriculum and pursuing careers such as choreographer, performer, critic, producer, or photographer profoundly impacts personal and professional development. It enhances self-awareness, confidence, and emotional resilience, while fostering strong presenting skills and teamwork. Choreographers and producers develop leadership and project management abilities, performers build stage presence and public speaking skills, critics refine their analytical and communication abilities, and photographers hone their artistic vision and collaborative spirit. A lifelong passion for dance and theatre cultivates versatility, emotional intelligence, and resilience, connecting individuals with a vibrant community and enriching their personal and professional lives. This sustained engagement with the arts not only shapes a fulfilling career but also nurtures a well-rounded, enriched life.

Possible career pathways are Circus Performer, Dancer, Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer, Pilates Teacher, Primary school teacher, Sports Coach, Stunt performer.