Dance
Curriculum Leader: Mr B Cawley - cawleyb@alkerdenacademy.co.uk
"Performing with Heart: Inspiring creativity and confidence through movement."
Intent
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At Alkerden Church of England All-through Academy, Dance is an inclusive and creative subject that allows learners to explore movement as a form of expression, communication, and performance. Our intent is to nurture confident, reflective and imaginative learners who can collaborate, experiment and perform with increasing fluency and control. Dance at KS3 fosters creativity, resilience and empathy, enabling learners to understand themselves and others through the art of movement. The subject aligns with our Christian vision of inclusion and hope, celebrating diversity and promoting kindness, collaboration, and global awareness.
Implementation
Dance is taught as part of our broad and balanced arts provision, in line with the National Curriculum. Lessons provide opportunities for learners to develop technical skills, choreographic creativity, and performance confidence. Learning sequences are carefully planned to ensure progression, with learners engaging in a wide range of dance styles including contemporary, cultural and popular genres. Teaching incorporates Kagan co-operative structures, dialogic learning and oracy strategies to ensure that all learners are engaged and supported. Learners are encouraged to work both independently and collaboratively, applying key vocabulary and developing critical reflection through self and peer assessment.
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Impact
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Through Dance at KS3, learners develop creativity, confidence, and resilience, alongside physical skills such as coordination, flexibility, and control. They learn to express themselves, respect diversity, and work collaboratively, building a sense of belonging and purpose. Assessment is ongoing, with feedback supporting learners to refine their practice and celebrate progress. By the end of KS3, learners will have a strong foundation for further study in Dance or related performing arts, and will carry forward skills in creativity, collaboration, and self-awareness that will benefit them across the curriculum and beyond.
Dance at Alkerden reflects our Alkerden Heart - inspiring expression, strengthening collaboration, and nurturing confidence through movement.
Dance Learning Journey (KS3)
Our KS3 Dance learning journey is carefully sequenced to ensure progression in knowledge, skills, and creative independence. As with all areas of the curriculum at Alkerden Academy, it remains responsive to the needs of our learners and may be adapted over time to ensure every learner can thrive.
Dance Future Career Paths
Students considering work in the theatre arts as a performer or teachers would benefit from dance. Dance students show an employer they are able to think creatively and work both independently and as part of a team. A-Level, BTEC, Foundation and Degree courses in dance are available and becoming increasingly popular should you wish to continue your study of the subject.