At King Ethelbert School we recognise Dance as a part of Creative exploration as well as physical well-being. As a result pupil creativity and artistry is continually fostered and developed through Dance lessons, whilst encouraging and nurturing pupils to lead healthy life styles through active participation in stimulating and enjoyable physical exercise.

Dance features prominently in the ‘Well-being’ zone with the dance studio suitably motivating pupils with its fantastic facilities!

Key Stage 3
Dance is currently taught through the P.E curriculum, with pupils exploring aspects of the subject mainly through performance and choreography. Through Years 7, 8 and 9, schemes of work continually develop skills and technique, whilst experimenting with a variety of stimuli, including; different types of music and dance styles, props and choreographic devices. Evaluation and critical analysis is an important and constant element, with a focus on how to modify and improve pupil work.

Key Stage 4

GCSE Dance is offered as a option subject and appeals to many pupils with an interest in dance and performance. The course continues to develop and further extend pupil performance and choreography, whilst introducing a more comprehensive study and appreciation of professional dance works.

The diverse assessment areas for the examination cater for all pupils;
• Set Study – technical performance
• Performance Duo – expressive performance
• Choreography
• Written Examination

It is an exciting and enjoyable course which has experienced much success in recent years.

The department is also supporting strong elements of dance through the Performing Arts BTEC and the Creative & Media Diploma, both of which are challenging the nature of dance through creative art collaboration.

Out of Hours Learning
The Dance department offers a huge variety of learning opportunities outside of the curriculum, as detailed below.

Dance Clubs: These are held weekly and are available to each year group; they are well attended and clearly enjoyed by pupils! 

Educational Visits: The department has organised a variety of opportunities for pupils to experience dance in different settings, including;

• Dance Exhibition - 'Move It'
• West End Shows
• Dance Conference in London
• Ballet an Contemporary dance companies at local theatres

All of these visits have been extremely beneficial to pupils and have successfully allowed pupils to experience dance in new ways

Events: Pupils have participated in a number of different events within and outside of school, including;

• Extremely succseeful annual school Dance shows
• Blink Performance, Margate 2011
• Local Variety/Cabaret shows
• Dance Auditions (e.g. Loop Junior company)
• Royal Ballet Workshops
• GCSE coursework performances
• School Drama Productions
• Company Workshops (e.g. Loop, Abi Mortimer, Cheerleading, Bird Song, Dance Styles)
• Ballet/Contemporary masterclasses
• House Dance Competition
• Rock Challenge