Modules

Level 4
Dance Technique
Develop the technical skills required to meet the expected standard for Level 4. The module involves intensive practice not only to provide knowledge and understanding but also to train the body to perform dance movement safely and accurately. Correct posture and alignment and muscular coordination will be a strong focus for the year, helping you to build strength and flexibility, and dynamic versatility.

Creative Workshop
This module is a precursor of the choreography module, providing you with opportunities for creative dance work in collaboration with your peers. It is designed to give you an understanding of methods of composition and structure while allowing every opportunity for individual creative contributions to the workshops and the material generated. You will be introduced to a variety of stimuli and will make an artistic response to these as a collaborative activity.

A performance piece will be devised and taken into a community venue.

Performance Project
At Level 4, you will develop important performance skills which can lead to a professional career. Audition techniques will be included to teach you how to present yourself as a performer. You will learn, rehearse, and perform a piece of choreography by a professional artist and will present this to a community audience. It will also be part of your summative assessment.

A written evaluation of the process and product of the performance encourages the application of theoretical understanding.

Safe Dance Practice
This area of study is vital to the emerging dance performer and ensures that safe practice is observed to protect the body from injury as more and more demanding movement is required. You will learn how to build strength, flexibility and stamina, as well as, supporting correct diet and mental well-being. The delivery is partly practical through a variety of body-conditioning sessions and partly theoretical where the foundation in sports science is explored and applied to dance.

Personal and Professional Development
You will complete a Reflective Work and Development Journal to assess your practical learning.

There will also be an element of contextual studies which will culminate in a written assignment. Taught areas will include reflective practice, study skills and approaches to academic writing, exploration of the historical and social context of dance performance and basic research skills.

Level 5
Dance Technique
This module continues to build on the learning and physical training undertaken at Level 4.

Performance Project
The Performance Project 2 at Level 5 becomes a more significant element of the year of study. This module prepares you for professional life.

Influential Practitioners (optional)
This module will provide you with the opportunity to develop your knowledge of influential dance performance practitioners.

Choreography Project (optional)
This module is designed for you if you have an interest in creating and composing dance pieces and are seeking the opportunity to choreograph your own pieces for performance.

Personal and Professional Development
Prepare for the next steps in your chosen career path. You will explore possible future employment and self-employment opportunities, paying attention to auditioning, self-marketing, and self-management.

Assessment methods

Formative and summative assessments are used to motivate, stimulate and inform learning.