GCSE Dance
GCSE Dance 

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR GCSE DANCE 2025

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

COURSE OVERVIEW
Our GCSE Dance Course is designed to help students develop technical and expressive skills, along with a deep knowledge and understanding of dance through performance, choreography, and critical appreciation. The course combines practical and written skills, with a strong focus on choreography, performance, and the analysis and critique of dance.


A COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE
GCSE Dance is not always widely available within the school curriculum, so we have designed a professional and comprehensive course for students passionate about pursuing Dance at Level 2. We are dedicated to providing the best possible experience and opportunities for our students, helping them achieve their personal and academic goals.


MISSION STATEMENT
At BDPA, our mission is to cultivate a supportive and inspiring environment where students can immerse themselves in dance as both an art form and a physical discipline. We are dedicated to nurturing the aesthetic and social growth of our students while promoting their fitness and overall well-being. Our goal is to create a space where passionate dancers can explore their creativity and experience personal and artistic development.


We prioritise small class sizes for GCSE Dance at BDPA, allowing each student to work closely with their teacher. This approach ensures that every student receives personalised attention and the best possible experience throughout the course.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Students enrolling in this course should be in Year 9 or 10 as of September 2024 and are expected to be currently training in dance, have prior dance experience, and be willing to perform a solo in front of an audience. All GCSE students must be available on Tuesday evenings and attend a contemporary training class at Base Dance for the full duration of the course. Participation in the 2025 annual school show is also mandatory.


TIMETABLE
The course spans two academic years, with classes scheduled as follows:

Course start date: Tuesday 24th September 2024

  • Monday Evenings: 4:30 to 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday Evenings: 7:30 to 9:00 pm (compulsory contemporary technique class during term time charged separately as per our regular classes)
  • Thursday Evenings: 4:30 to 5:30 pm


Following Lancashire Schools term dates


In the second year, there will be an intensive practical rehearsal period during the February half term of 2026, in preparation for the practical moderations. Mock practical and written exams will be scheduled, and additional revision sessions for the written exam will be organised from April (after Easter) up until the exam date.

COURSE UNITS


Unit 1: Performance and Choreography - Practical Exam (60%)

  • Perform set phrases through a solo performance (30%)
  • Solo or group choreography (30%)


Unit 2: Dance Appreciation - Written Exam (1.5 hours, 40%)

  • Based on the student's own practice in performance and choreography and the GCSE Dance Anthology


HOMEWORK
Throughout the course, students will receive both written and practical homework.


EXAM
Practical and written exams will be held between March and June of the second year. Students will need to take time off school to sit the written exam unless they have been granted study leave. A note will be provided to the school to excuse their absence.


LIVE ASSESSMENT PERFORMANCE
Students will be required to perform live in front of an audience for their 2025 practical assessment, which will be part of our annual school show. To prepare for this crucial event, students must commit to the following dates: Sunday, 22nd June, and the 5th and 6th of July 2025. These dates are essential for rehearsals and performances, ensuring that each student is fully prepared and can showcase their skills in a professional setting.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW COURSE SPECIFICATION

COST OF COURSE


Our GCSE Dance Course is billed as a comprehensive course fee that covers the entire cost of delivering the program, rather than being charged per class. The total fee is £780 per year, which averages to approximately £21.00 per week during term time, over the two-year period, excluding any additional classes.


The only additional expenses are the GCSE Dance Examination Entry Fee requested by the external awarding body (AQA) and the Exam Centre.


  • A non-refundable deposit of £50.00 is required to secure a place on the course. This deposit is due upon confirmation of your place and will be held on your account to be applied toward the examination fee. Please note that the deposit will not be refunded if the pupil withdraws from the course.
  • Various payment options are available if required such as monthly, each half term or termly. These can be discussed upon enrollment onto the course.
  • GCSE Dance Uniform: A bespoke GCSE Dance t-shirt (£15.00), jacket or hoodie (£25.00) is to be purchased. 
  • Students will also be required to wear dance attire to class which will be communicated to enrolled students.

Possible Additional Costs


The GCSE Dance study program may incur additional costs, such as:

  • Travel costs (minibuses or train fare)
  • Off-site visits 
  • Workshop costs
  • Private lessons (upon request)
  • Spectator tickets for performances (these are usually given FOC for educational visits)
  • Annual Show/Practical exam costumes/class uniform & accessories
  • Revision books & guides


APPLICATION
To apply for our GCSE Dance Course, you should be entering Year 9 or 10 in September 2025

Share by:
Cheerleading, Acrobatics, Streetdance, Performing Arts & Breakdance Classes in Ormskirk | BASE Dance Academy