A Level Dance
John Henry Newman Catholic College - Solihull
01217705331
Chelmsley Road, Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham, B37 5GA
Course summary

You should have previous experience in dance, with a desire to improve your technical and physical skill level. The confidence to perform dance and work effectively in a group and independently is essential. You should enjoy the appreciation of live dance performance and professional works plus have the ability to communicate your contextual understanding through written communication and in performance. What will I study? There are 2 components; Component 1 – Performance and Choreography Performance -You will develop and apply the knowledge and skills required to perform dance, as a soloist and in a quartet. You will develop an understanding of physical skills such as neuromuscular coordination and kinaesthetic awareness and apply knowledge and understanding of safe practice: including a healthy approach to training. You will study specified practitioners in depth, analysing their technique and choreographic approaches. Your solo performance will be in the style of a specified practitioner. You will also perform as part of a quartet in a specific dance style (such as Jazz/Urban, Contemporary/Ballet). Choreography – You will learn how to create an original piece of group choreography in response to an examination question. Component 2 –Critical Engagement You will study prescribed set works, critically engaging with dance; understanding the interrelationship between the creation, presentation and viewing/appreciation of dance. You will also develop and demonstrate an in -depth knowledge and understanding of dance through time and location, relating to features of genre including: style, technique, influences and key practitioners.

Entry requirements

Prospective students may be invited to an audition before beginning the course. It would be an advantage if you have studied GCSE Dance, or gained a Merit or higher in BTEC Level 2 Performing Arts. Experience of performance and choreography is essential.

How you'll be assessed

Component 1 – marked by AQA 50% of A Level Practical examination. Live performance of solo, quartet and own choreography marked by a visiting examiner. Component 2 – marked by AQA 50% Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes Short answer and essay questions on compulsory set works and all areas of dance study.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionWest Midlands
Local AuthoritySolihull
Ofsted RatingGood
Gender TypeCo-Educational
AddressChelmsley Road, Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham, B37 5GA