2. Course and Grade Information
This is a Level 2 course. It has exactly the same value as a GCSE.
There are only four grades; Pass (equal to a C grade), Merit (equal to a B grade),
Distinction (equal to an A grade) and Distinction* (equivalent to an A*)
It is a vocational course. This means there is no final “must remember everything”
exam. It does however mean that you are being assessed in every lesson rather
than just two hours at the end of 2 years. If you are a consistent hard worker this
will be excellent news for you. If you have a tendency not to do any work until the
last minute, this course may not be right for you.
3. How will you be assessed?
You will be assessed in the following areas;
Your attendance at rehearsals, kit, hair etc. This means without being told!
Your effort in lessons. For most of you these are easy, easy marks!
How much progress you make. Put in the effort and the progress will come.
Your ability to set and meet targets. Be challenging but realistic
How analytical you are in your write ups. Use the help sheet and it’s easy
How well you use rehearsal time. Again, for most of you, easy marks
Your final Summer Show/Showcase Performance
4. Unit 4 – Dance Skills
Unit 4- Dance Skills – In this unit we will be exploring contemporary and jazz styles
of dance. We will look at how a technique class runs, we will set targets in areas
such as strength, flexibility, stamina etc and we will work on how to improve them,
you will learn how to perform in the style of various choreographers for example
Martha Graham and Merce Cunningham. You will learn how to create and perform
technical phrases, solos, duets and group pieces. You will create and rehearse a
final performance at the end of the unit to showcase your skills. You will record
everything we do on ItsLearning
5. Unit 2 – Plan, Prepare and Perform
You will brainstorm, research and develop your own performance for the summer
show. You will be assessed not just on your own performance but on your whole
process, from the initial idea to how you go about creating, developing, sound
designing, costuming and preparing the final performance.
6. Unit 1 – Individual Showcase
This will be the final thing we do. You will receive a job advert for either a
performer of a teacher/workshop leader. You will have to create a letter of
application for the job referring to your real life experience. Having taken part in
shows, choreographed performances, run workshops etc in real life will be a huge
boost to your grade here. You will also have to create 2 audition videos either of
your own performance or of the workshop ideas/plan you have.
DO NOT worry about performing solos now. By the time you get to January of
Year 11 you will know everything you need to, to perform 2 fantastic solos.
7. Performance Opportunities
You will prepare group performances for the National School’s Dance Competition
You will perform your assessment piece for Unit 4 in the Summer Show 2017
You will have a BTEC Showcase performance for your Unit 2 assessment in
November 2017
You will run a primary schools/KS3 workshop based on one of your performances
depending on your target audience.
8. ….and finally…..
This course is hard work both physically and mentally but it is good fun. There will
be lots of opportunities to perform and for you to teach and learn about other
roles in dance beyond just that of a performer.
Word of advice from past students “Stick to deadlines, try your best and you’ll
love it and get a brilliant grade”
Good luck and enjoy it!
