Dance
Dance at Rainhill High School offers pupils the opportunity to develop as confident performers, creative thinkers and reflective practitioners. Through practical performance, choreography and the study of professional dance works, pupils learn how movement can communicate ideas, emotions and stories to different audiences.
As part of the BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts (Dance), pupils develop technical ability, expressive performance skills and an understanding of how professional performances are created. They explore a range of dance styles and practitioners while building confidence, creativity, teamwork and discipline in a supportive environment.
The course combines practical performance with written analysis and evaluation, helping pupils develop transferable skills including communication, resilience, collaboration and self-reflection. These skills prepare pupils for further study in Dance, Performing Arts and a wide range of creative careers.
Year 10
Term 1 – Exploring Professional Dance Work (Component 1)
Pupils begin by exploring the work of professional dance practitioners and companies. They investigate how choreographers use movement, space, dynamics and structure to communicate themes and ideas to an audience. Pupils take part in practical workshops inspired by professional repertoire and learn about the roles and responsibilities of performers and creative contributors such as choreographers, lighting designers and costume designers. Written work supports understanding of how professional dance is created, rehearsed and performed.
Examples may include: contemporary dance works, street dance pieces or choreographers such as Matthew Bourne or Akram Khan.
Terms 2 & 3 – Developing Dance Skills and Repertoire (Component 2)
Pupils work practically from existing dance repertoire, learning and reproducing movement accurately while developing technique, control and expressive performance qualities. They explore rehearsal processes, health and safety, spatial awareness and ensemble work. Pupils reflect on their progress and learn how to improve performance through feedback. Alongside practical work, pupils develop teamwork skills and professional behaviours required in rehearsal and performance settings.
Assessment includes a performance or presentation and a written review of the development process.
Year 11
Terms 1 & 2 – Responding to a Brief Through Dance (Component 3)
Pupils respond to an externally set brief by creating a dance performance or choreographic idea for a specific audience and purpose. They generate ideas from a stimulus, select appropriate dance styles and techniques, and rehearse collaboratively. Pupils perform or present their work and evaluate how effectively it meets the brief, reflecting on strengths, areas for improvement and group contribution.
This unit is externally assessed and requires both practical performance and written evaluation.
By the End of the Course
By the end of Year 11, pupils will have developed strong dance technique, performance confidence and creative thinking skills. They will understand how professional dance work is created and how choreography communicates meaning. Pupils are well prepared for further study in Dance, Performing Arts or related creative subjects, as well as for participation in dance beyond school.
Mrs J Thorogood – Principal
Rainhill High School, Warrington Road, Rainhill, Merseyside, L356NY
A paper copy of the information on our website is available on request.
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