GCSE Dance - Key Stage 4

What will students do in the subject?

In GCSE Dance you will learn how to work imaginatively and creatively both independently and collaboratively. You will learn how to develop and demonstrate competence in a range of practical, creative and performance skills. To do this you will be introduced to a range of dance styles and dance fusions. You will also explore the anthology of 6 professional Dance works and will learn to appreciate, interpret and evaluate these works. Skills learned will also include how to write about dance, including reflection and evaluation of their own performance and choreography.

Who is it suitable for?

This course is suitable if you that have an interest in performing and creative arts. GCSE Dance is not just about learning and copying routines but is built for those who wish to study dance as a whole art form. Dance is a distinct art form, which has its own history, body of knowledge, aesthetic values, cultural contexts, and artistic products. GCSE dance is also designed to build and increase confidence and self­esteem, improve problem solving skills and refine your creativity to shine to it’s highest standard.  This qualification is also available if you wish to absorb a wealth of transferable skills that are used to thrive in a variety of different careers in the future.  Teamwork, leadership and collaborative skills are needed when working together.  Rehearsing and refining technical exercises and choreography enables students to build tenacity, perseverance and resilience 

What might the subject lead into?

Many of the skills acquired in following GCSE Dance are those which are essential to the students’ other areas of study within the world of work. The course is also a useful introduction that stretch far beyond the familiar roles of dancer, teacher and choreographer to include health care practitioners, researchers, dance scientists, writers, producers, programme managers, costume designers and many more. Dance and Performing Arts courses are available at local colleges, and favour students who have this qualification. Universities offer Dance and combination of various creatives courses and some linked with Science. Alternatively, there are many well renowned Dance academies, schools and conservatoires. 

GCSE Drama - Key Stage 4

Why choose this course?

The new specification engages and encourages students to become confident performers and designers with the skills you need for a bright and successful future.  You’ll learn to collaborate with others, think analytically and evaluate effectively.  GCSE Drama students will gain the confidence to pursue their ideas, reflect and refine their efforts. Whatever the future holds, students of GCSE Drama emerge with a toolkit of transferable skills, applicable both in further studies and in our ever­ changing global workplace.  

Who is it suitable for?

WHAT WILL I STUDY? The subject content for GCSE Drama is divided into three components:  

1. Understanding drama  
2. Devising drama  
3. Texts in practice  

HOW WILL I BE TAUGHT? There is as much opportunity as possible for you to do what you like the best – participating in performance. All students devise drama. All students explore texts practically and work on two text­-based performances. Students can choose to develop as a:  

- performer  
- designer (lighting, sound, set, costume, puppets)  
- performer and designer.  

Whichever option you choose, you can be sure to learn invaluable skills, both theatrical and transferable, that will expand your horizons. 

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED? The written exam paper is designed to help all students realise their full potential. We use a variety of question styles and ask students to combine what they’ve learned about how drama is performed with their practical experience and imagination.  

This specification ensures continuity for progressing from GCSE Drama to AS and A ­level Drama and Theatre. Students who go on to AS or A ­level are already familiar with studying a whole set text for the written paper. They have built solid foundations in reviewing a live theatre production and in interpreting key extracts 

What might the subject lead into?

You could go on to further study at 6th Form, College or a specialist Drama school, which could then lead to University. Future pathways could include Production Arts, Film Studies, Psychology, Philosophy, English, English Literature, and Media Studies. These can lead to careers in broadcasting, film, media, TV and theatre such as actor, director, stage manager.