Dance
Dance Program at Gable Hall School:
The Dance program at Gable Hall School is designed to provide students with opportunities for expression, creativity, and imagination through movement, fostering communication with others.
Intent: The Dance curriculum aims to ensure that all students:
- Develop a life-long enjoyment of dance, understanding its role in supporting physical fitness and well-being.
- Open their minds to different dance styles from around the world and throughout history, supporting them to become effective choreographers.
- Develop a range of skills, particularly confidence, self-esteem, physical effort, and determination, ensuring they become effective performers.
- Learn to articulate and critically appraise their own dance performance as well as that in a professional environment.
Implementation: To achieve these goals, teachers at Gable Hall School will:
- Plan and deliver lessons to develop the skills necessary for students to produce original dances, fostering confidence, ambition, resilience, and a love of dancing.
- Provide opportunities for students to discuss critically the approaches and skills, and appraise dances of different styles and cultural influences.
- Plan opportunities for students to study various dance types beyond the classroom and meet dancers who regularly perform and can inspire them.
- Ensure the curriculum focusses on the progression and continuity of skills over time to help students develop skills and techniques in a range of styles.
- Celebrate students' work through classroom displays, school performances, Gateway Times, and competitions throughout GH and the trust and the wider community.
- Provide opportunities for students to work in groups to foster confidence and creativity.
- Plan and deliver an inclusive curriculum for all students.
Impact: The Dance program anticipates the following impact on students:
- Make good progress from their starting points and achieve well.
- Articulate knowledge and appreciation of dance in various forms, styles, and contexts.
- Confidently perform in front of an audience and develop a love for the Arts.
- Foster a life-long passion for dance.
Elevating Expression: Dance as an Artistic Voyage
Within the vibrant realm of the Dance Department, a passionate team is committed to nurturing creativity through the art of movement. Our collective enthusiasm is a driving force that propels students into a world where expression knows no bounds.
A Curriculum of Empowerment
Our curriculum is carefully crafted to empower pupils with the tools they need for success not only in KS4 BTEC Dance and A Level studies but also beyond, in their artistic journeys. Through our curriculum, students embark on a transformative exploration of dance, fostering skills that encompass performance, composition, and appreciation.
Crafting Proficiency Through Performance
Performance is at the heart of dance, and our curriculum recognises its significance. Pupils are guided through the intricacies of performance, honing their ability to convey emotions, stories, and ideas through movement. This practical experience not only refines their dance prowess but also nurtures self-confidence.
Embarking on Creative Composition
The art of dance is not just about performing but also about creating. Our curriculum inspires pupils to explore their creativity by engaging in composition. Guided by their imagination, they craft original dance pieces, giving life to their artistic visions.
Appreciating the Dance Landscape
As students progress, they develop an appreciation for the depth and diversity of dance. They explore various dance forms, styles, and cultural contexts, fostering a well-rounded understanding of the art. This appreciation enriches their own dance endeavours.
A Journey Beyond the Classroom
Our curriculum isn't just about mastering dance steps; it's about nurturing a lifelong passion for movement. As pupils evolve through the curriculum, they aren't just acquiring skills but also forging a connection with dance that extends far beyond their time within the Dance Department.
In essence, the Dance Department is more than a place of learning; it's a haven of artistic growth. Through our curriculum, we empower students to express themselves through dance, fostering not just technical proficiency but also a profound appreciation for the art form. We nurture creators, performers, and individuals who find liberation and joy in every step they take.
Key Stage 3
A Journey Through Dance: Nurturing Skills and Appreciation
During Year 7 and 8, pupils are immersed in a biweekly dance curriculum, while Year 9 witnesses a weekly engagement. This progressive journey ensures that each student has the opportunity to develop their dance skills and deepen their understanding of the art.
Cultivating Fundamental Skills
In these formative years, pupils master the essential technical skills that lay the foundation for their dance endeavours. The curriculum emphasises warm-up techniques and movement, enabling students to connect with their bodies and develop a strong base for their dance exploration.
Choreography and Performance Mastery
The dance experience extends beyond just physical movement. Pupils are guided through the intricacies of choreography, where they have the chance to craft their own unique dance compositions. Equally important is performance skills, as students learn to convey emotions and narratives through their movements.
Appreciation Through Observation
Our curriculum is enriched by the observation of both professional works and the performances of their peers. This practice instils in pupils a discerning eye for the nuances of dance. They learn to appreciate the artistry behind dance creations and recognise how choreographic techniques contribute to the overall impact.
Setting Targets and Encouraging Growth
A cornerstone of our approach is fostering self-improvement. Pupils are encouraged to set personal improvement targets, instilling a sense of responsibility for their own progress. Furthermore, they learn the art of constructive feedback, providing insights that aid their peers' growth.
Diverse Styles and Creative Expression
Throughout this key stage, pupils embark on a journey through a diverse array of dance styles. From contemporary to traditional, they engage with a spectrum of movement languages. Moreover, the incorporation of props in choreography encourages creative expression and expands their artistic palette.
In essence, the dance curriculum isn't just about movement; it's about empowerment. Our pupils evolve into individuals who not only master dance techniques but also grow to appreciate the art form deeply. They become choreographers, performers, and enthusiasts who find their voice through movement. Through our curriculum, we pave the way for them to explore, express, and excel in the captivating world of dance.
Key Stage 4
Embracing Excellence in Performing Arts: BTEC Technical Course
Our students will embark on an enriching journey through the BTEC Performing Arts Technical course, a pathway that unveils the captivating realm of performing arts in all its facets.
Holistic Assessment Structure
The course is thoughtfully structured around three core units, each delving into both theoretical and practical dimensions, seamlessly integrating theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience.
Component 1 – Exploring the Performing Arts
This component serves as a gateway to understanding the inner workings of the performing arts. Students delve into the realm of performing arts professionals, dissecting their work and the creative processes they employ. By doing so, learners gain a comprehensive grasp of the craftsmanship that underpins various performance styles.
Learning Outcomes
A. Investigate the creative process behind professional performance and production work.
B. Demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the skills, techniques, and methodologies utilized by professionals to craft remarkable performance or production work.
Component 2 – Mastering the Craft
This phase nurtures pupils' performing arts prowess through the meticulous reproduction of a piece of dance repertoire. Engaging in workshops and classes, students cultivate technical finesse, practical expertise, and interpretative acumen as they navigate the rehearsal and performance journey. Throughout, a critical self-review process fosters continuous improvement.
Learning Outcomes
A. Leverage rehearsal or production/design methodologies.
B. Apply acquired skills and techniques in riveting performances or realizations.
C. Conscientiously evaluate their personal evolution and application of performance or design skills.
Component 3 – Creative Expression in Action
In the exam format, students are presented with a brief outlining performance requisites and a target audience. Collaboratively, pupils embrace the creative process, leveraging the stimulus from the brief. The creative journey culminates in workshop performances where developed ideas are presented, employing skills and techniques to vividly communicate creative intentions.
Assessment Objectives
AO1: Develop an in-depth understanding of how to respond effectively to a given brief.
AO2: Carefully curate and enhance skills and techniques in response to the specific brief.
AO3: Articulate skills and techniques adeptly through workshop performances, aligning with the brief's demands.
AO4: Thoughtfully evaluate the developmental journey, critically assessing the process and outcomes in sync with the brief's parameters.
In essence, the BTEC Performing Arts Technical course isn't just about learning; it's a canvas for students to sculpt their artistic selves. Through theoretical exploration, practical immersion, and creative expression, our pupils emerge as performers, thinkers, and creators who master the multifaceted world of performing arts with finesse and fervour.
Key Stage 5
Staff
Mrs E. Dobson - Department Leader
Mrs A. Rate – Head of Year 7
Mrs N. Oakley
Miss F. Gard
