Course details

At AS Level the focus of the course is on the development and performance of own choreography and performing within a duo/trio. Students will have weekly practical lessons in contemporary technique and choreography; they will also have theory lessons to develop critical skills for the analysis of choreography and performance within their own work and in professional context.

At A2 students will have the opportunity to continue developing skills from AS. The focus of choreography shifted to group dances. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of a specific area of study, e.g. Ballet or Contemporary, making an analytical study of one set work and its cultural and artistic context. Practically students will work to develop skills performance skills in relation to this area.

Assessment:

Unit 1: Understanding Dance

This is a written paper that contains structured and essay style questions focusing on the dancers as a performer, the process and craft of choreography and the significance of dances.

  • 1 hour 30 minutes
  • 60 marks
  • 40% of total AS / 20% of total A Level marks

Unit 2: Performance and Choreography

Students will answer two questions, one on solo choreography and performance and one other on performance in a duo/trio. These are marked by the teacher and moderated by AQA90 marks.

  • 60% of total AS / 30% of the total A Level marks

Unit 3: Appreciation: Context and Content

This written paper requires students to investigate one area of study – ballet, modern dance or jazz and critical analysis and appreciation of a set work. There will be one question on chosen area of study and one on the set work.

  • 1 hour 30 minutes 80 marks
  • 25% of total A Level marks

Unit 4: Group Choreography and Solo Performance

Section A: Students will choreograph a group dance, in which they will not perform and question a question set by AQA. The duration of this piece will be between 2 and 3 minutes.

Section B: Students will be required to present a solo performance of two to three minutes, which demonstrates understanding of a performance style linked to a specific practitioner from the area of study prescribed in Unit 3. the dance performed may choreographed by the teacher, candidate, or both.

This practical examination is set by AQA and marked by a visiting examiner.

What could I go on to do after the course?

Study Dance at University as a single honours, or part of a joint degree. Further Dance training at a Dance School, Performance/Choreography work.