Dance

Dance expresses joy better than anything else

Bob Fosse

Dance at Southlands High School brings variety to our whole school curriculum, as well as offering an opportunity for creativity and expressiveness. Our department provides an engaging and inclusive learning environment where students can grow and develop.

The Dance curriculum not only allows students to develop their dance ability, but will encourage students to become confident and independent thinkers, who will be able to create original dance work as well as critically analyse professional and non-professional repertoire. Students will have an appreciation of their own work and that of others, always demonstrating respect and empathy towards each other.

Our Dance curriculum intends that students come to lessons focused and engaged as well as providing them with a time of fun and enjoyment. The topics chosen are of a wide variety of genres that explore different cultures, historical/ geographical contexts and social backgrounds. This varied curriculum allows students to learn in a cross-curricular form, as well as allowing students to know and understand the technique, skills and knowledge within Dance.

 Here at Southlands High School, Dance is taught once per fortnight at KS3 to all students and at KS4 to those who have chosen Dance as an option subject.

From the beginning of year 7 students are encouraged to think like a dancer, therefore, we believe Dance is important at KS3 because they will be expected to use transferable skills including discipline, confidence, communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity which will aid students’ progress in many other lessons as well as further life and careers. Students will be taught a range of skills, knowledge and content which will be challenging at times, however, our high expectations and positive relationships between staff and pupils will help to ensure that they become successful and resilient.

At KS4 we will be following AQA’s GCSE Dance programme which gives students an opportunity to perform, choreograph and analyse some of the world’s most prestigious dance companies. The course is 60% practical and 40% written, however, some theory lessons will also be taught practically to allow students to access the theoretical element of the course in a way which will engage and help them for their written exam. The skills that they have learnt at KS3 will prepare our GCSE students for this course.

Overall, the Dance curriculum provides knowledge through clear teacher modelling and instruction, as well as practice and feedback allowing all students to flourish within their learning experience.

Please see below an overview of what our Southlands students study in Dance at KS3 and KS4 including our exciting extra-curricular opportunities.

Extra-Curricular

Here at Southlands High School, students are encouraged to develop their talents and get involved with extra-curricular activities. As a faculty, PE and Dance offer a wide range of opportunities outside of curriculum time. The opportunities available for students are vibrant and varied and allow students to continue their personal development and engagement as well as prepare them for the Lancashire and District competitions.

Extra-curricular Dance includes activities which develop communication and collaboration skills as well as creating our own performances. This year we will also aim to work towards an end of year showcase. The opportunities on offer are endless!