S3 Elective Dance

The course has two main sections:

1. Technical
2. Choreography

Technical

During this part of the course, candidates will study three different dance styles; Jazz, Hip-Hop and Contemporary.  They will learn the fundamental techniques of each genre, as well as a routine which will be performed as a group.  Candidates will investigate and discuss their strengths and development needs for each genre.

Choreography

During this section of the course, candidates will learn about the importance of various elements of dance in relation to a chosen theme for their chorography.  They will practice using various devices to create pieces of choreography.  Candidates will then plan and create a piece for themselves and two other dancers to perform, taking into consideration the use of music, various devices, costumes etc.

Assessment

Candidates will each have a booklet to complete.  They will further keep a logbook of all the workshops they complete throughout the year.

Candidates are required to create a mood board on one of the three genres of your choice.

The main course assessment involves performing all three technical routines and the choreography pieces in a small dance showcase at the end of the year.

Requirements

All black, fitted clothing must be worn (preferably leggings and a leotard or vest top).  No socks must be worn during the contemporary section, bare feet or ballet shoes only.  Jazz shoes or bare feet are acceptable for jazz.  Trainers can be used for Hip-Hop.  You must be dedicated and prepared to work hard.  Dancing outside of school is essential if choosing to progress to National 5.

 

National 5 Dance

 There are three parts to the National 5 Course:

1. Technical Skills
2. Choreography
3. Question Paper

 Technical Skills

Candidates will learn to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a selected dance style by:

 Describing the technical skills and characteristics of the selected dance style

1. Explaining the development of the selected dance style

They will further apply technical dance skills in contrasting dance styles by:

 Demonstrating the technical skills and fundamental principles of two contrasting dance styles.

1. Performing two tutor-choreographed dance sequences in contrasting dance styles.
2. Applying knowledge of safe dance practice when demonstrating technical dance skills.
3. Evaluating technical dance skills in own and another’s work

Final Technical Assessment (35% of overall grade)

• A single technical taught solo dance performed to an examiner and the class teacher.  Candidates will be assessed on their appropriate technique and performance skills.

Choreography

Candidates will be expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of choreographic principles by:

 Demonstrating knowledge of theme and stimulus and, appropriate to a dance for two people, choreographic structures, devices and special patterns.

1. Explaining the impact of theatre arts n choreography.
2. Evaluating the impact of choreographic principles used in dance.

 They will then learn to apply choreographic principles to create a piece of choreography. They will do this by:

1. Investigating a chosen theme or stimulus.
2. Planning a short choreography for two people using a range of appropriate choreographic devices and structure.
3. Developing and presenting the short choreography for two people.
4. Evaluating the choreographed dance.

 Final Choreography Assessment: (45% of overall grade)

Section 1 – Choreography (35marks)

Section2 – Choreography Review (30marks)

Question Paper

The question paper is set and marked by SQA and will be completed under exam conditions. Candidates will be given one hour to complete the question paper.  It is marked out of 30 and therefore is 20% of the overall course award.

 

 

Higher Dance

The course inspires and challenges candidates by giving them the opportunity to create, appreciate and perform dance. Candidates use knowledge and understanding of dance techniques and choreographic skills to inform practice, and develop skills in appreciating and evaluating dance practice and theatre arts.

Candidates learn how to use dance techniques and choreography creatively to enhance performance. They experiment with a range of dance styles and learn how to apply them to enhance their own performances and the performances of others. Candidates also explore the use of theatre arts in dance.

The higher dance course has three sections:

1. Technical Skills
2. Choreography
3. Question Paper

 Technical Skills

Candidates explore a minimum of two contrasting dance styles through structured technique classes. They then apply these dance techniques in tutor-choreographed solos. Candidates develop knowledge and apply safe dance practice. They develop their understanding of the social and cultural factors influencing dance, and apply critical-thinking skills through studying contrasting dance styles, dance history and influential choreographers and practitioners.

Choreography

Candidates explore choreographic principles to enhance their creativity and develop the skills and knowledge they need to plan and create a group choreography. Through this process, candidates gain knowledge and understanding of theme and/or stimulus, complex structures, choreographic devices and spatial elements. They explore the use of theatre arts in choreography and develop creative, organisational, problem-solving and evaluation skills

Question Paper

The question paper is set and marked by SQA and will be completed under exam conditions. Candidates will be given two hours to complete the question paper.  It is marked out of 40 and therefore is 30% of the overall course award.