National 5 Dance
Entry requirements
A background in Dance is preferred but not essential.
Course summary
In National 5 Dance, pupils will be assessed through three components; Dance performance, practical activity and question paper.
Assessment structure
One Solo dance performance
- 1.5 minutes – 2 minutes long
- 35 marks – (35%)
During the course the pupils will learn a Jazz, Commercial and Contemporary dance. The pupils will then be able to pick which one dance style they will perform for their exam.
Physical activity
Choreography 35 marks
Choreography review 30 marks (40% overall)
- 2 dancers
- 1 ½ – 2 minutes long
During the course pupils will create a piece of choreography that will be presented as part of their overall grade in February-April time. Alongside their choreography, the pupils will write an essay (choreographic review) on their piece of choreography discussing their choice of music, choreographic device, structure and more, as well as presenting the research they have conduced based on their chosen theme.
Exam (question paper)
- 1 hour
- 30 marks (20%)
Pupils will sit an exam in the SQA exam diet where they will answer question in three different sections.
Section 1 – Evaluation of technical and performance skills
Section 2 – Knowledge and understanding of a dance style
Section 3 – Evaluation of a professional choreography
Progression
- Higher Dance
- Dance leaders
Higher Dance
Entry requirements
Must have achieved at least a B at National 5 or have dance experience outside of school.
Course summary
In Higher Dance, pupils will be assessed through three components; Dance performance, practical activity and question paper.
Assessment structure
Two solo dance performances
- 1.5 minutes – 2 minutes long
- 70 marks – 40%
During the course the pupils will learn a Jazz, Commercial and Contemporary dance. The pupils will then be able to pick which two dance style they will perform for their exam.
Physical activity
Choreography 45 marks
Choreography review 25 marks (30% overall)
- At least three dancers or a solo
- 2-3 minutes long
During the course pupils will create a piece of choreography that will be presented as part of their overall grade in February-April time. Alongside their choreography, the pupils will write an essay (choreographic review) on their piece of choreography discussing their choice of music, choreographic device, structure and more, as well as presenting the research they have conduced based on their chosen theme.
Exam (question paper)
- 2 hours
- 40 mark (30%)
Pupils will sit an exam in the SQA exam diet where they will answer question in two different sections.
Section 1 – Dance appreciation in context
Section 2 – Study of a professional choreography
Progression
- Dance leaders
- HNC/HND at Dance college
NPA Level 4 Dance
Course summary
There are three units in the course:
- Contemporary
- Alternative (Hip hop, commercial)
- Choreography
Assessment structure
- On going written and practical assessments
- Solo dance performance in two different dance styles
- Must choreograph a dance for two dancers
Progression
National 5 dance
Dance leaders
