Inclusive Dance Opportunities
As part of our Games and Enrichment Programme, students can explore a range of styles including Hip Hop, Commercial, Jazz and AcroDance, ensuring a diverse and inclusive dance education. Lunchtime clubs such as the Lower School Dance Club and Boys Only Dance Session further enhance participation, encouraging all students to discover new skills in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Dance Lessons
Weekly Royal Academy of Dance Ballet and Rambert Grades Contemporary classes follow exam-based syllabuses, preparing students for dance careers and university credits. Street Dance, including styles such Breaking and Hip Hop, embraces urban culture and individuality. Additional styles offered are Acro Dance, Jazz, and Musical Theatre.
Dance on the Curriculum
Dance is offered from Year 9 as a weekly option, giving students the opportunity to engage with the foundations of the GCSE Dance specification through practical and creative exploration. These twice-weekly sessions focus on performance, choreography and analysis, allowing students to build both their technical and academic confidence.
At GCSE level, the two-year course develops students’ skills in three key areas:
· Performance – refining physical and expressive abilities through solo and group work.
· Choreography – developing creativity and individuality by crafting original dance works in response to a chosen stimulus.
· Critical Appreciation – analysing professional repertoire and understanding how dance communicates meaning and intention.
The course not only strengthens physical discipline and creativity but also develops transferable skills such as problem-solving, teamwork and reflective thinking, providing an excellent foundation for further study in dance and the performing arts.
Dance Scholarships
Dance Scholarships recognise and support talented young dancers who demonstrate exceptional commitment, ability and potential. Successful candidates are expected to make an active and high-quality contribution to the Dance Department through performances, rehearsals and wider school life.
Dance Scholars are expected to set a positive example in both their conduct and approach to academic study, participate fully in the College’s co-curricular life, and represent the school at key events such as Open Mornings and College-wide performances. The Head of Dance meets regularly with Scholars to support their artistic development and ensure expectations are being met.
Scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the Head of College. Awards are automatically transferred to the Senior School until the end of Year 11, provided that the student continues with GCSE Dance. If GCSE Dance is not taken as an option, the award will conclude at the end of Year 9.
