Head of Department:	Mrs A Spicer
Specification:	Edexcel
Qualification:	The Level 1/2 Award Tech Award in Dance

PROGRAMME OF STUDY

The Level 1/2 Award Tech Award in Dance (Performing arts) is offered as a two year course with content broken down into units; this course is made up of three units of work.

• The Tech Award gives learners the opportunity to develop sector-specific applied knowledge and skills through realistic vocational contexts.
• Learners will have the opportunity to develop knowledge and technical skills in the following areas:
• development of key skills that prove their aptitude in dance (performing arts), such as reproducing repertoire and responding to stimuli
• processes that underpin effective ways of working in dance (performing arts) such as development of ideas, rehearsal and performance
• attitudes that are considered most important in dance (performing arts) including personal management and communication
• knowledge that underpins effective use of skills, processes and attitudes in the sector, such as roles, responsibilities, performance disciplines and styles.

It provides a broadening experience and skill participation in different types of performance activities, with the opportunity to practically apply knowledge and skills through project work, such as developing ideas and performing for specific audiences.
 

HOW IS THE COURSE STRUCTURED & ASSESSED?

Unit 1: Exploring the performing arts

This unit allows you to develop a practical understanding of how dance (performing arts) work is created. You will look at elements such as roles, responsibilities and the application of relevant skills and techniques. You will have the chance to explore practically the work of different professionals to develop an appreciation of the methods they use to explore a theme and communicate to audiences through their work. You will broaden your knowledge through observing existing repertoire and by learning about professionals’ approaches and how they create and influence performance material. This component will give you an understanding of professional dance (performing arts) work and the processes and practices that contribute to the creation of a range of performance styles.

Unit 2: Developing skills and techniques in the performing arts

In this component, you will develop performing or design skills and techniques. You will have the opportunity to specialise as a performer in dance.. You will take part in workshops and classes where you will develop technical, practical and interpretative skills through the rehearsal and performance process. You will work from existing dance (performing arts) repertoire, applying relevant skills and techniques to reproduce performance or design elements of the work. Throughout your development, you will review your own progress and consider how to make improvements.

Unit 3: Responding to a brief

You will have the opportunity to respond to a brief. You will be given a brief that outlines the performance and design requirements and asks you to consider your target audience and to start the creative process by using the stimulus included in the brief. Working as part of a group, you will develop your ideas for a workshop performance and apply your skills and techniques to communicate your creative intentions to your audience. The performance or design skills you will use will vary depending on features such as your selected performance discipline and the content of the work, your venue and target audience. The work may involve improvisation, vocal work, movement techniques or assisting with audience involvement. The group performance may involve some solo or small-group work or it may be an ensemble piece. You will have the opportunity to inform the performance using existing or newly develop

WHAT CAN THESE QUALIFICATIONS LEAD TO?

Learners who generally achieve at Level 2 across their Key Stage 4 learning might consider progression to:

• A Levels as preparation for entry to higher education in a range of subjects
• study of a vocational qualification at Level 3, such as a BTEC National in Performing Arts, which prepares learners to enter employment or apprenticeships, or to move on to higher education by studying a degree in the performing arts or production arts areas.

Learners who generally achieve at Level 1 across their Key Stage 4 learning might consider progression to study at Level 2 post-16 in a range of routes designed to lead to work, employment, apprenticeships or further study at Level 3.