GCSE Dance Written Paper Structure and Techniques

Overview

• Component One: All practical work.
• Component Two (Dance Appreciation): Theory paper, 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks total.
  • Section A: Choreographic processes and performance skills (short answers).
  • Section B: Critical appreciation of own work (performance/choreography experiences).
  • Section C: Critical appreciation of professional works (analyze, evaluate, compare).

Timing Tips

• Suggested Timing:
  • Section A: 30 minutes
  • Section B: 25 minutes
  • Section C: 35 minutes
• Time Management:
  • Note start and end times for each section on your paper.
  • Practice to complete sections faster, especially Section A, to have more time for others.

Section A: Choreographic Processes and Performance Skills

• Marks: Out of 30
• Content:
  • Hypothetical choreography: stimulus, choreographic intention.
  • Key choreographic terminology: action, dynamic, spatial, relationship content.
  • Choreographic processes, structuring and choreographic devices.
  • Understand performance environments and communication of choreographic intent.
• Performance Skills:
  • Physical, technical, expressive, and mental skills.
  • Safe working practices.
• Tips:
  • Read ahead on hypothetical choreography.
  • Check marks per question, follow command words.
  • Practice to complete quickly.

Section B: Critical Appreciation of Own Work

• Marks: Out of 18 (three 6-mark questions)
• Content:
  • Performance skills or choreography skills.
  • Use KEC (Knowledge, Evidence, Contribution) structure.
• Example Questions:
  • Performance skills: Use of technical skills in set phrases.
  • Choreography: Choice of oral setting in choreography.
• Tips:
  • Have evidence examples ready.
  • Highlight keywords, create a mind map.
  • Stay on topic.
  • State choreographic intention at the start of answers.
  • Aim for 6-8 minutes per question.

Section C: Critical Appreciation of Professional Works

• Marks: Out of 32
• Content:
  • Analyze and evaluate professional works.
  • KEC for 6-mark questions, Dice Ingredients for 12-mark questions.
  • Compare and contrast two set works using CSI Effect for writing.
• Example Structure:
  • One marker linked to a six marker.
  • One marker linked to a twelve marker.
  • Twelve marker compare and contrast.
• Tips:
  • Regularly watch works and interviews.
  • Highlight keywords, mind map with key terminology.
  • Quality over quantity; build your answer with writing ingredients.

Additional Resources

• YouTube Channel: Videos on choreographic processes, performance skills, and set works.
• Revision Guides and Glossaries: For key definitions and concepts.
• Past Papers: For practice and familiarity with question types.

Conclusion

• Practice consistently using all available resources.
• Develop a strong understanding of set works and choreographic pieces.
• Build structured and detailed responses using provided tips and techniques.