Course Outline

A Level Dance is suitable for anyone wanting to pursue the arts or dance in Higher Education, or as support for any course requiring good communication and group work skills.

The A Level specification requires students to:

  • develop understanding and knowledge as well as critical skills for the analysis of choreography and performance within their own work and in professional repertoire
  • gain experience of choreography and performance through practice, and
  • acquire in-depth knowledge of specific study areas and professional works.

Why Study for an A Level in Dance?

In addition to performing, choreographing and teaching, this course can lead to such diverse careers as dance therapy or journalism.

This specification is designed to encourage candidates to:

  • think critically about dance as an art form
  • develop their knowledge for the study of dance in Higher Education
  • experience performance and choreography, and
  • lead a healthy lifestyle.

A Level Outline

At A Level, choreography is focused towards group dances. Candidates develop knowledge and understanding of a specific area of study related to the development of one of the following: modern dance, ballet, jazz dance. Performance skills will be developed in relation to a specific practitioner.

  • Unit 1: Performance and Choreography
  • Unit 2: Critical Engagement

Duration

GCE AS and A Level: 9.30am – 3pm on Saturdays during term time and runs over two years. Students are required to attend additional compulsory rehearsals during the Easter holidays, which provide additional support in the run-up to the assessments.

Assessment

Practical and written exams will be held between April and June for A Level.

A Level Dance

A Level: Unit 1: Performance and Choreography – Practical exam 50%

  • Solo performance linked to a specified area of study
  • Performance in a quartet
  • Group choreography

A Level: Unit 2: Critical Engagement – Written Exam 2 ½ hours 50%

  • Section A: Short answer questions and one essay question on the compulsory set work/area of study
  • Section B: Two essay questions on the second set work/area of study