Dance is taught with in Key Stage 3 core PE lessons during Years 7, 8 and 9. Students learn a range of styles of Dance such as Street, Contemporary, Jazz and Capoeira. Students will develop their knowledge and understanding on the history and key characteristics of the style, and they will be able to explore them practically in lessons. During the schemes of work pupils will develop and apply their skills and techniques for performance and review their own development and contribution to the performance. Students are also given opportunity to create their own sequence with creative tasks to complete which, will help them produce a routine. In Year 9, students also complete a Performing Arts rotation every half term in mixed gender classes. In the rotation students experience Dance, Design, Drama and Music. This allows the students to explore all the aspects of Performing Arts.
There are fantastic extra-curricular opportunities available to students such as Dance clubs, school Showcases and productions. Performances at a variety of venues, festivals and theatres. Students are also given the opportunity to enter Dance competitions. All abilities are welcome to the Dance clubs after school. Dance workshops are organised for students to participate in both in and outside of school. In April 2023 students attended a one-night residential Dance tour to London where students attended Dance workshops in Pineapple Dance studios and BASE Dance studio. Students also went to a theatre performance and managed to do some sightseeing too, we are hoping to organise more Dance tours in the future.
In Years 10/11: students may choose to study BTEC Dance Level 2. The qualification is equivalent to one GCSE. The study of this sector at Key Stage 4 will provide an opportunity for practical exploration and application alongside conceptual study, leading to strong opportunities to progress post-16. The course extends pupils’ learning following on from Dance at Key Stage 3. The course offers an engaging programme for those who are keen to broaden their knowledge, understanding and experiences in a variety of dance styles. This course compliments any GCSE subject, and it develops student’s life skills for any career they choose to have.
In Year 12/13: students may choose to study BTEC level 3 Performing Arts. The qualification is equivalent to one A Level. The course allows students to investigate practitioners’ work (a research unit using critical analysis and extended writing skills). Students develop skills and techniques for live performances and complete a group performance workshop where they create their own performance meeting a brief and perform it in front of an audience!
Pupils are given opportunities to showcase their talent in a range of platforms such as “The Great Big Dance Off” National Competition, local dance festivals and Dance showcases and productions at The Chase. In June 2023 we have had a duet in the National Finals for the competition!
We also host a Dance festival every year which include Primary and Secondary schools.
A number of pupils go to local dance schools and perform and compete in National and International competitions.
We have had people in from Dance in Motion, Cecilia Hall Dance Centre, Dance XChange, DanceFest and Chantry Dance Company running a variety of dance workshops.