At The Dorcan Academy our mission is to instil a great love of dance, whilst inspiring self-confidence and discipline. Our aim is to build a deep respect for the performing arts by studying current practitioners in the dance styles of jazz, street and contemporary. In KS3 students will work as a team to experiment within these styles, and learn to perform, choreograph and evaluate with confidence. In KS4 these skills are built on further to encourage students to work independently and build the confidence to perform a solo piece and write detailed and informed evaluations demonstrating both knowledge and opinion. Our goal is to give each individual dancer the tools they need to take dance as far as they dream to take it. We believe if you can dream it, you can achieve it! We believe that every student has something to offer the arts and the arts has something to offer every student. We appreciate that the heart of a dancer is born into many different bodies and the love of dance can take on many different styles. Dance is something students can come back to during all stages of their life and so we urge each student to strive daily for their personal best, as well as to support one another in fostering a sense of teamwork and fun in the classroom.
In Dance last year, 77.8% of students achieved grades L2D* to L2M; and 100% achieved grades L2D* to L2P.
Key Stage 3
Students will be assessed through performance, composition and evaluation at KS3/KS4. Students will learn a variety of styles and learn repertoire from each dance discipline. At KS3 dance focuses on tackling topical issues such as anti-bullying and stereotypes. Students will study a range of dance styles, including, street dance, contemporary, Jazz and cheer leading.
Students will learn ensemble skills through counting music, putting movement to music, understanding verses and chorus (structure) and memory skills. Students will create movement through choreographing their own movements and will be given specific movements that need to be incorporated into the performance.
Key Stage 4
Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Performing Arts (Dance)
The Award gives learners the opportunity to develop sector-specific knowledge and skills in a practical learning environment.
Mrs Lucy Hodges – Head of Performing Arts
All students will study Dance throughout Years 7 and 8 at The Dorcan Academy and may choose to continue to follow through to GCSE.
In Years 7 and 8, all students have 1 lesson a fortnight. In Year 9 students, that have selected to specialise in Dance will receive 3 lessons a fortnight.
Students in Year 10 and 11 that select Dance as an option subject will receive 5 lessons a fortnight.
Dance and Drama are highly regarded and popular subjects at The Dorcan Academy. Both subjects are taught in year 7 and year 8 and offered as an options subject in year 9 and for GCSE. At KS4 students can follow the BTEC pathway in either Dance or Drama if they chose to do so.
During the school year, students are offered the opportunity to audition to perform in various shows, including the Christmas showcase and the summer production. Students are encouraged to be involved in all aspects of the rehearsal, production and technical elements of running a show. The shows are highlights in the school calendar, tickets sell out fast and is a strong demonstration and reflection of the values and culture at The Dorcan Academy.
