20th December
Dance
Curriculum Intent
Students at KS5 level will have embedded and developed a plethora of dance skills across units that are both practical and theoretical. They are expected to analyse, choreograph and perform to a high standard, embedding practitioners’ techniques and styles into their own performances. Students are able to push their knowledge further by ensuring links between skills are used successfully. Thus, developing a level of complexity and sophistication to their work and successfully impacting audiences across a range of dance styles. The course content is accessible but also ambitious, to ensure every learner makes progress at this higher level of education in Dance.
Dance; a creative art form and physical activity. A language without words.
BTEC Level 3 in Performing Arts (Dance)
Course Details
In KS5 students can study the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Performing Arts (Dance), which is equivalent to 1 full A-Level. The course is delivered across 2 years and includes 4 units of work. 3 of these units are mandatory and 1 is optional, 2 units are externally marked by the exam board and the remaining 2 are internally marked then moderated.
Students who chose the BTEC Dance course follow the Pearson/Edexcel 2016 specification. This course offers a broad variety of practical and theoretical work across 10 fortnightly lessons. The split of practical to theory lessons is dependent on the unit being delivered. Live performances and milestone target setting are two of the ways students are assessed. Students are graded using the Pass/Merit/Distinction grading descriptors and will be aware of which grade they are working at for each unit. Improvement and reflection is embedded into all lessons, with students regularly reviewing video footage and analysing themselves and their peers.
Year 12 and 13 dance students will have 5 hours of homework per week and could be both practical rehearsal and theory. Revision is required for Unit 1, which is the full theory unit and externally assessed. Reherasals for group choreographies and performances are required to take place outside of lesson time. All homework tasks are planned to build on the knowledge learnt and gained in lesson and frequently these tasks make use of technology.
The course is heavily weight and assessed in practical ability, therefore students are expected to be dancing regularly outside of school for more than 1 hour a week – this could be with a dance school or part of our co-curricular provision. It is therefore vital that parents actively encourage students to be involved with as much dance as possible.
Assessment
The 4 units are as follows;
Unit 1 – Investigating Practitioners’ Work
Learners investigate the work of 2 performing arts practitioners and develop critical analysis skills and contextual understanding of how practitioners communicate themes in their work.
Unit 2 – Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance
Learners explore technical performance skills with a focus on developing skills and techniques in at least two performance styles – typically this is musical theatre.
Unit 3 – Group Performance Workshop
Learners explore and integrate creative and physical skills, working collaboratively to create a 10-20 minute performance in response to a given stimulus.
Unit 12 – Contemporary Dance Technique
Learners develop their knowledge, skills and technique with an emphasis on practical development, application and performance skills across different contemporary disciplines.
|
Exam (1 hr) |
Investigating Practitioners’ Work |
25% of the qualification |
|
External Assessment |
Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance |
25% of the qualification |
|
Internal Assessment |
Group Performance Workshop |
25% of the qualification |
|
Internal Assessment |
Contemporary Dance Technique |
25% of the qualification |
Enrichment Opportunities
Blenheim offers an extensive Dance Co-Curricular programme which runs through the entirety of the academic year. Students in all year groups are able to join the Blenheim Ambition Dance Academy and separately audition to be part of the Elite Dance Teams who compete at both regional and national level. Students also have the opportunity to perform in the annual Blenheim Dance Show. There are also opportunities for school trips to watch live performances in theatres. Our innovative and diverse offer provides students with high level dance coaching in a range of styles, local performance opportunities and complete IDTA external examinations. Our boys only dance club is growing and we are proud to be fully inclusive of all who want to dance. This showcases our true team Blenheim community, with students across different year groups working together, supporting each other and representing the school.
Progression
The BTEC Level 3 Performing Arts (Dance) course is excellent preparation for those wishing to continue their students in Dance/Performing Arts at degree level, whether that be at University of at Dance/Performing Arts colleges. Careers include, but are not limited to; performer, choreographer, teacher, arts administrator, fitness instructor, dance photographer/videographer, costume/clothing designer, physical therapist and dance medicine specialist.
Student Voice
“I I love BTEC dance because it is an active and creative subject which is very enjoyable. The course has increased my confidence and equipped me with skills I will use for the rest of my life”
