Dance
Specification: Pearson-GCSE-Dance
This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.
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Topics
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Objectives
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Exam Tips
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Key Features
- Master key concepts
- Develop exam technique
- Apply knowledge effectively
About Edexcel GCSE Dance
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.
Assessment Structure
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.
Why Choose Edexcel?
- The Edexcel specification offers a well-balanced assessment structure, with 60% practical coursework allowing students to showcase their performance and choreographic talents, making it ideal for those who learn best through doing and creating.
- The use of a fixed anthology of professional works provides clear, focused material for analysis, removing the unpredictability of unseen repertoire and enabling deep, sustained study of specific choreographic approaches and cultural contexts.
- Edexcel provides extensive support materials, exemplars, and teacher training, making it a transparent and accessible course for schools, plus its widespread recognition ensures seamless progression to A Level Dance or performing arts pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Assessment Objectives
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
What Gets Top Grades
Knowledge & Understanding
Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge
- Uses correct subject-specific terminology
- Shows detailed understanding of concepts
- Makes accurate connections between topics
- Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge
Application
Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts
- Selects relevant knowledge for the question
- Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
- Uses examples appropriately
- Shows awareness of context
Analysis & Evaluation
Develops sophisticated analytical arguments
- Constructs logical chains of reasoning
- Considers multiple perspectives
- Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
- Acknowledges limitations and nuances
Key Command Words
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
Specification Topics
No curriculum content available for this specification yet.
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