At King Ethelbert School we recognise Dance as a part of Creative exploration as well as physical well-being. As a result pupil creativity and artistry is continually fostered and developed through Dance lessons, whilst encouraging and nurturing pupils to lead healthy life styles through active participation in stimulating and enjoyable physical exercise.
Dance features prominently in the ‘Well-being’ zone with the brand new dance studio suitably motivating pupils with its fantastic facilities!
Key Stage 3
Dance is currently taught through the P.E curriculum, with pupils exploring aspects of the subject mainly through performance and choreography. Through Years 7, 8 and 9, schemes of work continually develop skills and technique, whilst experimenting with a variety of stimuli, including; different types of music and dance styles, props and choreographic devices. Evaluation and critical analysis is an important and constant element, with a focus on how to modify and improve pupil work.
Key Stage 4
Performing Arts: Dance is offered as a GCSE subject and appeals to many pupils with an interest in dance and performance. The course continues to develop and further extend pupil performance and choreography, whilst introducing a more comprehensive study and appreciation of professional dance works.
The diverse assessment areas for the examination cater for all pupils;
• Set Study – technical performance
• Performance Duo – expressive performance
• Choreography
• Extended Programme Note (supporting choreography)
• Written Examination
It is an exciting and enjoyable course which has experienced much success in recent years.
Out of Hours Learning
The Dance department offers a huge variety of learning opportunities outside of the curriculum, as detailed below.
Dance Clubs: These are held weekly and are available to each year group; they are well attended and clearly enjoyed by pupils!
Educational Visits: The department has organised a variety of opportunities for pupils to experience dance in different settings, including;
• Ballet and Contemporary dance companies at local theatres
• Chicago at the West End
• Dance Conference in London
• Dance Exhibition – ‘Move It’
All of these visits have been extremely beneficial to pupils and have successfully allowed pupils to experience dance in new ways!
Events: Pupils have participated in a number of different events within and outside of school, including;
• Rock Challenge
• Local Variety Shows
• Dance Auditions
• Royal Ballet Workshops
• School Drama Productions
• Company Workshops
• House Dance Competition
• GCSE coursework performances
Finally, last year saw the first and extremely successful 'Evening of Music and Dance' Show, which saw over 40 pupils performing many dance numbers to family and friends. We hope to build upon this success with the 2008 show!
