Curriculum
Dance
“Dance is the international Language of the world” Sam Starling
Dance inspires pupils to become creative, develop confidence and fitness. It plays an important part in our school community. Through Dance in education an importance is placed on making links to the social, cultural and historical context of the world. Dance has a unique role to play in the curriculum by combining physical skills, anatomy with imagination and creativity. Students experience a wide range of different Dance styles and gain transferrable skills which increase confidence, self-esteem, and discipline in a safe and stimulating environment.
Key stage 3 content
Students have a Dance lesson each week on a rotation basis.
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Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
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Year 7 |
Dancers Tool kit: Exploring and introduction to Dance and physical skills Assessment: practical and written test |
Then and Now: Students will explore Dance styles and crazes from the 1920s, 1940s 1960s 1990s and Dance today. Assessment: practical work and Homework project |
Viral Dance crazes- This has been inspired by new Dance crazes that have been formed and linked by specific music/ songs Fitness and healthy living Assessment: practical and written test
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Year 8 |
African Dance unit- linked with Black History Month Tiriba, Azonto, Shoki, Afro Beat Assessment: practical and written test |
Around the World/Identity- Exploration of Dance styles and culture. Assessment: practical work and Homework project |
Physical skills and Locking fitness and healthy living Assessment: practical and written test |
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Year 9 |
Physical skills – linked to Dance genres Assessment: practical and written test |
Technical skills – linked to Dance genres Fitness and healthy living Assessment: practical and written test |
Physical, technical, expressive and mental skills Assessment: practical and written test |
Outside the classroom
The department offers a wide variety of opportunities in which students can get involved. Students get the opportunity to perform at a range of venues including Sadlers Wells, BRIT school, South Bank Centre, Arts Depot- North Finchley.
At lunchtime there is an open studio where any students are welcome to come to train or rehearse and develop new skills. We have regular clubs after school ranging from Contemporary to Hip-Hop.
We offer regular trips to the West End to broaden student’s knowledge and appreciation. Beckton Gymnasium is a termly trip where students get to train on a fully sprung floor, sponge pit and air track to develop their physical and technical skills. Our annual trip is to Germany where we take part in the UDO Street Dance Championships.
The Dance department has a partnership link with Sadlers Wells where students have worked with ReBourne Matthew Bourne’s professional company, Zoo Nation, Breaking Convention, Impact Dance and the Jack Petchy Foundation funded by the Royal Academy of Dance.
Progression pathways and careers
Students that study Dance enter a wide range of career areas including Business, Physiotherapy, Education, Performers and Choreographers, Events Management, Youth work. It can also give you the opportunity to travel. Studying Dance provides you with a range of valuable and transferable skills through a range of enriched opportunities and can lead you to broad and diverse world of employment.
Useful links
https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/our-dance-projects/nt.com
Contact
Miss Rena Choolun Head of Dance - ChoolunR@hendonschool.co.uk