Specification: Pearson-GCSE-Dance
The EDEXCEL GCSE Dance specification covers 1 topic with 0 learning objectives (Pearson-GCSE-Dance). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.
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The Edexcel GCSE Dance course is an inspiring and challenging qualification that nurtures students' creativity, physical skill, and analytical mind. It is designed for those who wish to explore dance as an art form, develop their technical and expressive abilities, and gain insight into professional dance works. Throughout the course, you will engage in both practical and theoretical study, learning how to perform, choreograph, and critically appreciate dance. This holistic approach ensures you not only grow as a dancer but also as a thoughtful interpreter of movement and meaning.
A central theme of the specification is the exploration of the constituent features of dance—such as actions, space, dynamics, and relationships—and how these are manipulated to create meaning. You will study a range of dance styles and professional works from the Edexcel Dance Anthology, which includes pieces from diverse choreographers and cultural contexts. This anthology forms the backbone for your critical appreciation, enabling you to analyse and evaluate choreographic intent, technique, and performance.
The course is structured into two components: Performance and Choreography, and Dance Appreciation. The practical component encourages you to demonstrate your physical competence and creativity, while the written examination develops your ability to articulate informed responses to professional dance. By the end of the course, you will have a thorough grounding in dance as a performer, choreographer, and critic, ready to progress to further study or the professional world.
The qualification is assessed through two components. Component 1: Performance and Choreography is non-exam assessment (NEA) worth 60% of the GCSE. It is internally assessed by teachers and externally moderated by Pearson. This component includes the performance of two set phrases, a duet/trio performance, and a solo or group choreography task. Component 2: Dance Appreciation is a written examination lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes, worth 40% of the GCSE, and marked out of 80. The paper assesses students' knowledge and understanding of choreographic processes, performing skills, and critical appreciation of professional works from the prescribed anthology.
Perform dance, reflecting choreographic intention through physical, technical and expressive skills
Create dance, including movement material and aural setting, to communicate choreographic intention
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of choreographic processes and performing skills
Critically appreciate own works and professional works, through making analytical, interpretive and evaluative judgements
Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge
Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts
Develops sophisticated analytical arguments
Give a single fact or term
Name, select, or recognise
Set out main features briefly
Give an account of what something is like or what happens
Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains
State similarities AND differences (both required)
Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains
Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion
Make judgments about importance with justification
Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units
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