National Extended Certificate in Performing Arts (Dance)

An exciting opportunity to learn about the role of a professional dancer and dance practitioners (past & present), develop skills and techniques for live performance and develop choreography skills in a response to a stimulus.

Unit 1: Investigating Practitioners' Work (you will study a minimum of 2 dance practitioners and a selection of dance works that they have created, you will then respond to questions from the exam board using your knowledge and understanding of these practitioners) , Unit 2: Developing Skills & Techniques for Live Performance (you will learn about the role and skills of professional dancers, develop skills in two contrasting dance styles (Contemporary and Jazz) and perform a piece of professional repertoire in these two styles) Unit 3: Group Performance Workshop (as part of a group, you will choreograph and perform a dance in response to a stimulus provided by Pearson) Unit 12: Contemporary Dance Technique (you will gain an understanding of the development of contemporary dance, develop skills needed for this style, apply these skills in a performance in the contemporary style and review your development/progress throughout this unit)

Two units are internally assessed (unit 2 and unit 12) and two units are externally assessed by the exam board (unit 1 and unit 3). You will complete two units in Y12 and two units in Y13 which takes the pressure off having to take all final assessments at the end of Y13.

A GCSE or BTEC (Level 2) in Dance is desireable (but not essential). Any experience of Dance outside of school (private dance schools, clubs etc.) is also desireable. A keen interest in Dance and the Performing Arts is essential.

A qualification in Dance teaches you many life skills that potential employers look for (e.g. problem solving, team work, creativity and confidence). Many universities across the country offer degree courses in Dance and a BTEC in Dance would prepare you for this. Qualifications in Dance can lead to many job opportunities such as teaching (within education or private dance schools), fitness instructor, dance critic/journalist, professional dancer/choreographer, pysiotherapist...the list is endless!