Exam Board: AQA

Exam Board: AQA

  • How do choreographers communicate their ideas?
  • What are the stages of the choreographic process?
  • What important role did Rambert Dance Company play in the development of the world of dance?
  • What are the key physical training elements for a dancer?
  • What skills help a dancer to produce an expressive performance?


Entry Requirements

You must have achieved at least 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including Maths and English Language.

Acceptance onto the course is through a practical audition when your suitability for the practical element of the course will be assessed.


Is this course for me?

  • You want to gain experience in choreography and performance, as well as engaging in critical thinking about dance as an art form.
  • You are prepared for the physical and academic demands of studying Dance.
  • You want to learn how to become a confident and critical performer.
  • You are keen to perform in both group and solo pieces and create your own imaginative dances.
  • You wish to study through a mixture of practical work and theory – combining your creative and academic abilities.


Where does it lead?

This course is suitable for anyone wanting to pursue performing arts or pure dance at Higher Education level. It is also complementary for any course requiring good communication, analysis and group work skills. It provides a thorough insight into the breadth of skills and knowledge required for dance practitioners which students could later extend through a vocational training course.

Whether you plan to become a professional dancer, actor or singer, this Dance course will greatly benefit the development of your movement and dance skills. In addition to performing, choreographing and teaching, this course might lead to other exciting careers such as dance therapy, arts journalism or movement therapy.


What will I learn?

Year 1

Choreography & Performance

You will take part in dance technique classes. You will learn about the process of choreography and will participate in the creation and performance of a group dance. You will also learn and perform a solo of dance of between 2-3 minutes duration.

Critical Engagement

You will develop an understanding of dance, an appreciation of dance in different time periods and critical skills for dance analysis. You will study two topics in depth including the dance works of choreographers from these two topics


Year 2

Performance & Choreography

You will perform a solo dance of between 2-3 minutes that is based on the style of one of the practitioners from a given range of study areas. You will also perform in a quartet dance of between 3-4 minutes duration. Finally you will choreograph a group piece of between 3-4 minutes from a choice of starting points.

Critical Engagement

You will gain an appreciation and critical understanding of the historical and cultural context of dance through studying two set works and their locations within corresponding areas of study. You will learn to demonstrate an in depth knowledge and understanding of these set works and study areas through essay writing.


How will I be assessed?

  • At the culmination of the first year you will be assessed internally in both practical and written components.
  • The practical assessment will involve performing a solo dance and performing in a group dance. The written assessment will consist of essays on the two topics and choreographers.
  • The A Level exam at the end of the course is 50% practical performance and choreography and 50% written exam.
  • The practical assessment will involve choreographing a group piece, performing a solo dance and performing in a quartet. The written exam consists of essays on the two set works and the two taught topics.


What activities can I get involved in?

There will be opportunities for all dance students to perform in group performance pieces. This will involve rehearsal time during lunchtimes or after College. You will also have the chance to attend live professional performances throughout the year. 

The College has lots of exciting enrichment and CV building opportunities including the chance to earn the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award, learn a new skill, learn a language, join a club, take up or develop a sport or take on a new challenge. See the College Prospectus for further information about what is on offer.


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