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Dance

AQA

WHY SHOULD I STUDY A LEVEL DANCE?

“Dance (A Level) is a dynamic qualification which encourages students to develop their creative, physical, emotional and intellectual capacity” (AQA Exam Board).

A Level Dance is about being creative, developing your own style and becoming a confident performer.

You will explore dance from a range of genres, styles and cultures, while developing your technical, performance and choreographic skills. Your individuality is important, and you will be encouraged to explore your own interests and strengths. For your final exam work, you can choose from Contemporary, Ballet or American Jazz.

You will also study professional dance works, develop your ability to analyse and discuss dance, and learn to work independently and collaboratively. Throughout the course, there are opportunities to explore your own interests beyond the specification. You may also have the chance to audition for our Choreographer in Residence project, where a visiting professional choreographer creates work with selected dancers in our Dance Company.

COURSE CONTENT

A Level Dance develops students as technically skilled, creative and critically engaged artists. Through performance, choreography and the study of professional repertoire, students develop their technical, creative and analytical skills, while exploring the relationship between dance, society and culture. The course connects theory and practice; inspiring students’ own creative and performance approaches.

PROGRESSION ONTO YEAR 2

Progression to the second year of the A Level depends on satisfactory progress in the first year, including achieving at least an E grade in the Year One formal assessment and maintaining good attendance and commitment.

FINAL ASSESSMENT AT THE END OF YEAR 2

Component 1: Performance and Choreography.

What’s assessed?

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

*There is an opportunity to perform a Jazz/Contemporary/Ballet solo and quartet connected to one of the Named Practitioners.

How it’s assessed?

Practical exam – 50% of A Level.

Component 2: Critical engagement.

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 – 50% of A Level.

MINIMUM ENTRY CRITERIA 

Standard College entry requirements (see page 16 of the prospectus) and a minimum of

Grade required Subject required

Grade 5

GCSE Dance (if taken)

or

  

MERIT

BTEC Level 2 Dance/Performing Arts (if taken)
and  
Grade 4 GCSE English Language or English Literature  
and  
  Appropriate skills/ background in Contemporary Dance, Ballet or American Jazz

 

WHAT CAN I DO AFTER STUDYING A LEVEL DANCE?

Studying Dance at A Level does not limit you to only becoming a dancer or a dance teacher. There are options to continue with the study of dance at higher education at a university, conservatoire or dance school.

Information regarding potential dance industry careers can be found on https://onedanceuk.org/programme/careers-hub

 

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