GCSE Dance

Exam Board & Specification: AQA GCSE Dance

Subject Lead Contact:

Mrs L Levy

What will students study at Key Stage 4?

Year 10: Performance technique and confidence are built while students choreograph/devise in response to stimuli and study set works/practitioners. Structured logs capture intention, rehearsal refinement and evaluation.

Year 11: Students finalise assessed performances (solo/duet/trio or scripted), complete choreography/devising components and prepare for written analysis of set works and live theatre with precise terminology and justified judgments.

What do assessments test?

• Performance: Technical and expressive skills under assessed conditions
• Devising/Choreography: Create, develop and refine original work with logs/portfolios
• Written: Analyse set works/practitioners and evaluate performance

What are the expectations of my child in this subject?

Bring full equipment, participate actively, complete homework on time, and use retrieval practice and past questions regularly. Keep notes organised and act on feedback promptly.

What should my child do if they feel they are struggling in this subject?

Speak to the teacher early, identify specific topics/skills to target, attend clinics/interventions, and use recommended resources (knowledge organisers, revision platforms, model answers).

How can I best support my child in this subject?

Discuss progress, help plan short and frequent study sessions, encourage targeted practice ahead of assessments, and ensure use of department‑recommended resources and past papers.