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Welcome to the Performance and Dance Departmentat Carmel CollegeThis is an ever-growing department with 2 members of staff and approximately 100 students. The courses are challenging, lively and have a good balance between theoretical andpractical work. Students enjoy trips out to theatre and community arts events and can takepart in up to 6 performances throughout the year. We hope to see you in September!

AS/A2 DanceAS/A2 Performance Studies

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meet the tutorsmeet the tutors

WHY CHOOSE DANCE ATCARMEL?

The Dance course allows students toacquire Dance knowledge, skills andunderstanding for further study and/or forfuture employment. The courseencourages students to gain skills inperformance and choreography and toengage in critical thinking about Dance. Itpromotes students’ interest in a healthylifestyle and allows students to explore theircreativity and express their ideas andinterpretations.

HOW WILL I BE TAUGHT?

Lessons vary depending on the unit beingfocused upon at that time. All practicalclasses take place in the newly built DanceStudio and theory classes take place in theclassroom.

In theory classes students will study dancehistory, analyse professional dance worksand study choreographic approaches andprocesses. They will be taught anatomyand learn about the physical andperformance skills required as a performerand choreographer.

Students will have a minimum of twopractical dance lessons each week: onedance technique class and at least onechoreographic workshop.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

The Dance course is made up of four unitsover the two years: Unit 1 - Understanding Dance:Written exam paper that assessesunderstanding of all concepts learntthroughout the year. The paper consists of

both short questions and essay questions.

Unit 2- Choreography and Performance:Students will be expected to individuallychoreograph and perform a 2-3 minute solodance piece which is based on a chosenexam question and to collaborate withpeers to choreograph a 3-4 minute duet ortrio dance piece. Students will be assessedon their choreographic ability and theirperformance skills and technical ability.

Unit 3 – Dance Appreciation: Content &Context:Students complete a written exam paper atthe end of the second year. The paperconsists of two essay questions; one on thechosen area of study for that year and oneon the analysis and understanding of thechosen set work for that year.

Unit 4 - Group Choreography & SoloPerformance:

Students are assessed on theirchoreographic ability in which theychoreograph a 2-3 minute group dancepiece based on a question set by the examboard. The student is also assessed on theirperformance and technical ability in whichthey must create and perform a 2-3 minutesolo choreography in the style of a specificpractitioner. Both pieces are assessed byan Examiner.

WHAT CAN I DO WITH THISSUBJECT?

Students tend to follow an art route with thisqualification and many go on to further theirstudies in this subject at university. Someprofessions include: dance criticism/writing,teaching, choreography and performance.

AASS//AA22 DanceEXAM BOARD: AQA

What support will I receive?The department is very supportive of students and their needs and staff are available fortutorials throughout the year. This support extends to coursework tutorials as well assinging lessons and music theory lessons if required.

BETHANY CALLENDER

Wade Deacon

Studying: Dance, Fine Art, German

Dance is my favourite subject; it’sfantastic and allows me to really buildmy confidence and technique. Thelessons range from the reallyinteresting theory side where we learnabout choreographers, analyse works,study the human body and the historyof dance, to the practical side ofshowing and creating work. Thedance tutors are really supportive,advice and help is always on handwhenever you need it in order for youto reach your full potential. When Ileave I hope to study Dance atuniversity.

JOANNE HAGGISDance and Performance StudiesTutor.

Joanne trained at York St JohnCollege and Potsdam University inNew York. She has worked withvarious professional contemporarydance companies.

EXAM BOARD: OCR

What is the department like?This is a lively and ever expanding department. Currently there are 2 tutors who specialisein all 3 of the art forms on offer. The theatre space is large and can be varied to suitdifferent performance environments. Alongside this, students are encouraged to performoutside of college. In the past we have performed at the Albert Docks in Liverpool,Liverpool World Museum, Knowsley Safari Park, Knowsley Hall and the YMCA in StHelens.

New for 2010! Brand new Performance Theatre and Dance Studios.

A new theatre seating an audience of around 200; Dance Studio; Performance andrehearsal area; Changing and showering facilities for students; Teaching and learningroom including ICT area.

WHY CHOOSE PERFORMANCESTUDIES AT CARMEL?

This subject is 65% written work with acomprehensive coursework assignment atAS and a written exam at the end of eachacademic year. It explores the 3 art forms ofdance, drama and music and givesstudents a very good grounding inanalytical and research skills.

WHAT WILL THE COURSEINVOLVE?

A range of teaching methods areused including video/audio analysis,practical based workshops and livelydiscussion. We encourage regularvisits to the theatre and this formspart of our programme. Lessons take placein the newly built Dalton Theatre withtheoretical lessons moving to theclassroom. We encourage participation inextra curricular activities and independentresearch.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

There are 4 units covering a number ofdifferent skills in all three art forms.

AS Units

Creating Performance: This module coversall 3 performing arts subjects. Studentsdevise and perform an original piece ofdrama, dance and music and then work ona piece integrating all three art forms to beperformed at a chosen community venue.The unit is assessed through a 3000 wordassignment as well as practically in all threeart forms.

Performance Contexts: Students focus on 2out of the 3 art forms and study practitionersin each. Students sit an examination in May.

A2 Units

Performance Project: Students perform apiece of repertoire from any one of thepractitioners studied over their two years.They can work as individuals or in groups. Asecond piece is devised in response to agiven commission from OCR. Students workin groups to create an original piece thatincludes all three art forms.

Performance Contexts 2: This unit focuseson 9 pieces of work from 3 differentpractitioners in each of the art forms. AtCarmel we study the Twentieth CenturyAmerican Musical. Students sit an exam inJune.

WHAT CAN I DO WITH THISQUALIFICATION?

Many students have gone on to further theirstudies in Performing Arts by taking thissubject or a related subject at degree level.As a subject that involves analyticalresearch and team work skills it can lead toa variety of different professions namelyjournalism (e.g. theatre critic), performer,front of house administration, teaching.

AASS//AA22 Performance Studies

DOMINIC DOOLEY

De La Salle

Studying: Performance Studies,Dance, P.E.

I really like studying at Carmel! Ienjoy the enthusiasm contributedby everyone to every lesson. Youcan have fun and still get a greateducation at the same time! Thesupport for students is excellent.Resources like the Library and ITsuites are great and the studyingenvironment is comfortable. I wenton the trip to London where I hadthe opportunity to watchperformances in the West Endwhich was really beneficial to me. Ihave taken part in the collegeproductions which were a greatexperience and I have greatmemories of these to take away withme. I am going to study at EdgeHill and hope to pursue a career asan actor in the future.

HANNAH THOMASHead of PerformanceStudies/Dance

Hannah is an Examiner for AQAGCSE Dance and OCRPerformance Studies. She is aSinger and Dancer and formerChoreographer and Dancer with theTrainspotting Dance Company.

Hannah has also written for the newOCR Performance Studies CD Romand Study Guide

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WHAT OTHER ACTIVITIES WILL IGET INVOLVED IN?

Performing arts invariably means that youwill be involved with extra curricularactivities and this is actively encouraged.

We currently have enrichment opportunitiesin production and music lessons as well asopportunities to help out with lighting, soundand box office administration.

Lunchtime shows are supported by thewhole college and you will be encouragedto take part in performances throughout theyear and support your peers.

WHAT DO I NEED TO GET ON THECOURSE?

Although a GCSE in dance, drama or musicis advantageous it is not a necessity. Awillingness to work as part of a team plusenergy, enthusiasm and commitment are allmuch more important.

EXAMINATION RESULTS 2010

HOW SUCCESSFUL ARE CARMEL'SPERFORMANCE AND DANCE STUDENTS?

The department has very high standardsand has maintained its standing, achievinggrades consistently above the nationalaverage for the past 3 years. Many studentsfrom the department go on to further theirstudies in the performing arts industry. Wecurrently have students at the Leeds Schoolof Contemporary Dance, Laine Theatre Artsin London as well as students followingdance and drama courses in Manchesterand Liverpool.

A*-B

42%

90%

A*-E

100%

100%

A*-C

90%

100%

A2 PERFORMANCESTUDIES

A2 DANCE

College Production of ‘Buddy’ 2008

Performance and Dance Studentsperformed at St George’s Hall as partof a Capital of Culture event.

College Production 2009 - Sweeney Todd

Bouncers Production 2008

moreinformationmoreinformation

Detailed coursespecifications can befound on the Exam Board websites:

Dancewww.aqa.org.uk

Performance Studieswww.ocr.org.uk

Spamalot 2010