Qualifications

The ballet, contemporary, choreography, physical theatre and dance theory strands of the curriculum provide the basis, training and preparation for the Alevel Dance qualification

A-level dance is examined both practically and through formal written examinations. Students who pass are awarded grades A*-E

First year students study for AS Dance which has two examined units:

Unit 1 – Understanding Dance

Students sit a 90-minute formal written exam that explores all aspects of dance anatomy, physiology, dance practise and appreciation of professional works.

Unit 2 –  Choreography and Performance

Students create and perform a solo dance based on a given stimulus provided by the exam board. Students are examined on the originality and structure of the choreography along with the expression and technique in performance.  Students also perform a group choreography for examination. Students are assessed on their performance skills in terms of focus and group interaction

Second year students study for A2 Dance:

Unit 3 – Dance Appreciation: Content and Context

Students sit a 2 hour formal written examination that assesses students indepth knowledge of a professional dance work and knowledge and understanding of an influential dance era.

Unit 4 – Group Choreography and Solo Performance

Students are examined on a solo dance performance that assesses their dance technique, performance and interpretative skills.  Students also work as a choreographer with a group of dancers to produce a choreography based on a given stimuli from the exam board. The choreography is performed for an examiner who assesses the students choreographic skills, originality and crafting skill.

Completing the Drama and Theatre Studies A Level at CAPA equips students with the necessary skills to achieve at higher education. Students have the opportunity to study a variety of classical and contemporary texts through both practical and theoretical application.

Students will complete two units in the first year:-

Unit 1 – Exploration of Drama and Theatre

Two plays will be studied in order to complete a piece of detailed written coursework with practical activities related to both texts which will underpin students’ understanding. Students will also have the opportunity to watch an original piece of quality live theatre in order to write a review as part of their coursework.

Unit 2 – Text and Performance

Audition techniques are discussed and developed as students prepare a scripted monologue or duologue for a performance under exam conditions. Students are also directed in a full, scripted play which could include physical theatre, song or choral work. Past productions have included Alice in Wonderland, Arabian Nights and Grimm Tales.

Second year students will complete a further two units for A2 study:-

Unit 3 – Exploration of Dramatic Performance

Drawing on skills they have developed at AS level, students devise an original piece of contemporary theatre. Students are expected to take responsibility for all aspects of the performance including technical aspects, staging and marketing.

Unit 4 – Theatre Text in Context

Understanding of theatre history will be developed during this unit where students study a set text in preparation for a written exam in the summer. There is also the opportunity to stage the chosen text, as students will be expected to develop a director’s interpretation for the play. A second play will be discussed in this paper where students compare the time period the play was written in with the drama conventions of a 21st century performance.

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts

All aspects of the curriculum feed into assessment for BTEC. Students have to complete 12 units to successfully pass the course at the end of the second year. The vocational focus of the BTEC qualification means that ALL work and performance opportunities are assessed for BTEC, as is the ongoing process of participating in classes and rehearsals.

Each unit is assessed with students successfully passing the unit gaining a grade of Pass, Merit or Distinction (equivalent to C, B or A in Alevel). At the end of the course students will be awarded an overall grade according to the combined total of all the individual units.

Units covered include: Performing to an Audience, Devising Plays, Musical Theatre Performance, Principles of Acting, Singing Skills, Dance Performance, Urban Dance, Rehearsing for Performance, Contemporary Theatre Performance, Contemporary Dance Technique

Assessments methods vary to include: studio based assessments, studio performances, lecture demonstrations, journals, public performances in CAPA’s theatre, national performances across the country. Every performance the students are involved in is assessed for BTEC so this is an exciting opportunity for students to gain formal qualifications for doing the things they love best – Performing. Recent performances by CAPA assessed for BTEC include:

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Additional A-levels

It may also be possible for students to study an additional A-level option in a full range of courses at Ossett School and Sixth Form College. This is subject to GCSE results and timetabling.