b3Students undertaking this course will develop an appreciation of a variety of genres, styles and forms. They will gain transferable skills that enable them to engage with dance through choreography, performance and appreciation. Students are encouraged to work independently and in collaboration with others to solve tasks and present dance works.

View Syllabus on School Curriculum and Standards Authority Website

Year 11

Unit 1 – Exploring the components of dance

Within the broad focus of exploring the components of dance, teachers select learning contexts that relate to the interests of their students and build upon the understandings that they have already acquired.

The elements of dance and processes of choreography are explored and students solve structured choreographic tasks to produce dance works for performance. They have first-hand experience of dance-making which actively engages them in exploration, improvisation, research, reflection and response. Technologies and design concepts are introduced to the planning stage of dance creation.

A broad introduction to dance genres enables students to place dance in its time and place and then begin to understand its functions within this context.

Unit 2 – Dance and entertainment

Within the broad focus of dance as entertainment, teachers select learning contexts that relate to the interests of students and build upon the understandings that they have already acquired.

Students explore the entertainment potential of dance and choreography. In practical lessons, they improve safe dance practices and their physical competencies while acquiring genre-specific technique. They explore and experiment with the elements of dance and processes of choreography to solve choreographic tasks for performance.

Students identify and select technologies and design concepts which enhance the entertainment value of the dance and place it in its social, historical and economic context.

Year 12

Unit 3 – Popular culture

Within the broad focus of popular culture, teachers select learning contexts that relate to the interests of their students and build upon the understandings that they have already acquired.

Through practical lessons, students use safe dance practices and improved physical competencies to acquire genre-specific technique. Performance qualities and etiquette are improved through increased opportunities for performance of popular styles. Students solve choreographic tasks to produce dance works incorporating dance element, choreographic processes, technologies and design concepts that reflect current popular trends.

The exploration of dance in popular culture leads to a wider understanding of the diverse contexts and functions of dance in our society.

Unit 4 – Australian dance

Within the broad focus of Australian dance, teachers select learning contexts that relate to the interests of their students and build upon the understandings that they have already acquired.

Through practical lessons, students incorporate safe dance practices and demonstrate consistent improvement in physical competencies in acquiring genre-specific technique. Opportunities to perform in increasingly formal environments enhance the ability to develop individual stage presence.

An understanding of the diverse range of functions and contexts of dance in Australia enables students to make relevant comparisons between their own dance and the dance of others. They analyse their own cultural beliefs and values in relation to traditional and contemporary dance forms and styles, and develop deeper understandings of their own dance heritage.