Dance

Curriculum Overview 

Dance Vision

At St Aidan's CE Academy we believe that students deserve a broad and ambitious Dance curriculum, rich in skills and knowledge, which immerses students in a range of styles.  

The Dance curriculum encourages students to become confident and independent thinkers, who will be able to create original dance work and 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. 

Our Dance curriculum will give students the opportunity to develop creativity through understanding the benefits of participation in the arts, performance and creativity during their school journey. Pupils will develop co-operation & collaboration, building their confidence in communication through developing physical and interpretative skills.  

Having access to a creative subject such as Dance, plays a major part our students’ development. This is an environment where many transferable skills are encouraged and embedded within learning, helping our students become well-rounded members of the community. The study of Dance involves students experiencing and discussing emotions, creativity, risk, empathy and understanding, stimulating a deep sense of self-esteem. 

Use the link to read our Dance intent for KS4.

Dance Curriculum Overview 

Use the links below to explore the Dance curriculum journey. 

Curriculum Team 

Mr. A. Goodwin - Head of PE

Mr. E. Gnaglo - Teacher of PE

Mrs. A. Sudlow - Teacher of PE

Miss L. Sproates - Teacher of Movement and Dance

Key Stage 4 Courses

BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts- Dance

Homework

Homework within dance is based around the piece that is being studied. It is expected that pupils will find and read newspaper articles, reviews and interviews based around the chosen work.  

There are also written tasks based on completing research and sections of coursework to allow more extensive writing during lesson time.  

Enrichment Opportunities

As part of our curriculum, we often take pupils outside of the Academy to watch a variety of professional dance works at prestigious theaters across the North East. 

Pupils have experienced workshops based on a variety of dance styles at local theatres such as The Hippodrome and Newcastle Theatre Royal.  

Additional opportunities have included performing at The Sunderland Empire, providing pupils with firsthand experiences of how a theatre works.  

We have excellent relationships with external providers such as the DProject and Dance City, both have delivered workshops within the Academy to further enrich the Dance curriculum.  

Alongside this, as part of our extra-curricular provision, there are weekly opportunities to attend dance academy. This allows our pupils to work on their fundamental skills and techniques which they can then refine in lessons.  

Exploring Careers in Dance

• Dancer 
• Choreographer  
• Lighting Designer  
• Sound technician  
• Company manager  
• Theatre manager