AQA A-LEVEL DANCE

Sandbach College

Curriculum

Why study this course?

A-level Dance is a dynamic qualification, which encourages students to develop their creative and intellectual capacity, alongside transferable skills such as team working, communication and problem solving. All of these are sought after skills by higher education and employers and will help them stand out in the workplace whatever their choice of career.

This specification reflects both historical and current dance practices, making it more relevant, and inspires a lifelong passion and appreciation for dance. The role of dance in young people’s lives is recognised and students will be able to study a range of dance styles. Exciting sources are set for choreography and there is broad range of areas to study. Students can perform and choreograph in a style of their choice for the group work. The assessment structure allows all abilities the chance to excel. 

Sandbach College at Sandbach High School Entry Requirements

We ask that all students achieve grade 4 or equivalent (a Level 2 pass) in at least 4 subjects, alongside the following subject specific entry requirements:

  • Grade 6 in GCSE Dance

or

  • Equivalent assessment grade with an external provider

What will I learn on this course?

The A-level Dance specification will teach students to develop, demonstrate and articulate practical and theoretical knowledge, understanding and experience of:

  • technical and performance skills
  • the process and art of choreography
  • the interrelationship between the creation, presentation and viewing/appreciation of dance works
  • the development of dance placed within an artistic and cultural context
  • professional dance works and the significance of these works
  • subject specific terminology and its use.

Knowledge, understanding and skills will be developed and demonstrated within performance, choreography and critical engagement with the study of professional repertoire located within specific areas of study. The study of professional dance works, within the areas of study, promotes the integration of theory and practice and underpins students’ own approaches to performance and choreography.

Areas of study provide students with the opportunity to investigate the key changes in the development of dance linked to a genre(s) and allow students to demonstrate contextual understanding through written communication and performance.

Examinations & Coursework

Practical:

What's assessed

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

How it's assessed

  • Practical exam
  • 80 marks
  • 50% of A-level

Non-examination assessment (NEA) marked by an external assessor from AQA during a visit to your centre. 

 

Theory: 

What's assessed

Knowledge, understanding and critical appreciation of two set works.

  • One compulsory set work within the compulsory area of study
  • One optional set work within the corresponding area of study, from a choice of four.

How it's assessed

  • Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • 100 marks
  • 50% of A-level

 

Potential career paths

Choreographer/Director

Lighting Designer/Set Designer

Stage Management/Production Crew

Company Managing/Administration

General Arts Administration

Dance Writer

Dance Physio Therapist

Yoga/Pilates Teacher

Massage Therapist

Graphic Designer

Athletic Coach/Personal Trainer

Costume Designer

Photographer/Videographer

Group Fitness Instructor

School Teacher

Enrichment opportunities

Students will regularly be encouraged to take part in performance opportunities. This could include school shows and performances at local theatres and venues. We will also regularly watch professional work live at the theatre or on screen. Many dance students assist in lower school dance lessons and create their own dance clubs or performance companies. Leadership in dance is actively encouraged to build confidence for creative group projects.