Department Overview
Dance allows students to develop an understanding and appreciation of a range of dance styles, through performing, choreographing and watching routines.
Students will have opportunities to learn new dance techniques, take part in choreography workshops and view professional dance works both on video and at the theatre.
The department has an extensive extra-curricular programme including Biddenham Dance Company, a multi-award winning competitive cheerleading squad – the Biddenham Gold Stars, Body Conditioning, theatre trips, annual Dance performance showcases, the School Musical, Dance workshops with professional artists. Student also have access to performance and education links with the University of Bedfordshire and surrounding primary schools.
Subject Learning Journey
Who to contact for extra information:
Miss Warden
amy.warden@biddenham.bed.sch.uk
Assessments
| Key Stage 3 | Key Stage 4 | Key Stage 5 |
| Autumn Year 7 Focus: Infra – ability to follow a technical warm up and create a piece of choreography using a given criteria (practical assessment) Year 8 Focus: Emancipation of Expressionism -learning a new dance style and using contact within choreography (practical assessment) Spring Year 7 Focus: Shadows – using a prop within choreography as well as performing taught choreography (practical assessment) Year 8 Focus: Artificial Things – performance of challenging dance skills, motif development and creating choreography using a given criteria (practical assessment) Summer Year 7 Focus: A Linha Curva – performing a taught motif, motif development and creating choreography using a given criteria (practical assessment) Year 8 Focus: Within Her Eyes – summative assessment based on understanding how to make creative and engaging choreography whilst considering contact and prop work |
Component 1: Non-exam assessment Set Phrase Performance exam (10% GCSE) Duet/Trio Performance exam(20% GCSE) Choreography exam (30% GCSE) Component 2: Critical Appreciate (written exam, 40% GCSE) |
Component 1: Non-exam assessment with a live examiner (50% of A Level) Group Choreography exam (25% of A Level) Solo Performance (12.5% of A Level) Quartet Performance (12.5% of A Level) Component 2: Critical Appreciation (written exam, 50% of A Level) |
Exam Board Information
