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Dance Qualifications

'GCSE Performing Arts: Dance' and AS and A2 Level Dance

Every year the number of people taking dance as a subject increases. These fantastic courses will provide you with a lot of great experience if you want to become a professional dancer. It is not essential to have GCSE/A Level dance qualification to gain entry to a vocational school, but will show your commitment to dance. Evidence of academic achievement, however, will be required.  Choosing subjects at GCSE/A-Level which complement dance training will be an advantage, for example, studying human biology, music and art.


For more information, see the CDET website, information sheets 8 and 13 in the Answers for Dancers – Education and Training section http://www.cdet.org.uk/info_08.php
http://www.cdet.org.uk/info_13.php

The courses cover performance, choreography and appreciation and involve theory as well as practical elements and are administered by the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA). To find out more about these dance courses and guidelines visit the AQA website. Also, go to the BBC Blast website to see what others have to say about GCSE dance

GCSE/ A’Level students, QES Kirkby Lonsdale


BTEC

There are a range of BTEC courses available (First Certificate, First Diploma, National Diploma) which can be taken at pre-16 or post 16. The courses can be equivalent to 1 or up to 4 GCSE’s or an A Level. For further information on BTEC Dance or Performing Arts courses, visit the EdExcel website

BTEC students, St James’ School, Bolton

Youth Arts Award

The Arts Award is a national qualification which supports young people to develop as artists and arts leaders.

Doing an Arts Award will help you to develop your creative skills and your ability to communicate well and lead projects. An Arts Award is useful for getting further education opportunities or jobs — in the arts and in other fields. You can achieve the award if you are aged 11–25, and take part in the arts at your school, college or youth project, or with an arts organisation or youth arts scheme.