Introduce GCSE Dance
“You’ve been such a solid support to me and I couldn’t have done this without you. I think ArtsPool does a fantastic job of providing everything the students need.
“I am an extra-curricular Dance teacher teaching dance outside the school setting. I have offered GCSE Dance to my dance school for a few years. ArtsPool has been an amazing resource that has been essential in helping me to do this. The staff are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. All of the resources have helped make the teaching of the theory work much more straightforward. The student workbooks with teachers’ answer booklets have saved many hours as it has meant I did not need to create my own resource packs. I would highly recommend ArtsPool to anyone who is looking for any help teaching GCSE Dance.”
Kirsty Nicholson LRAD, AISTD, BA (Hons) Art and Teaching of Ballet
What ArtsPool offers
ArtsPool is a UK-based organisation that produces resources for GCSE Dance: teacher/student resources, workbooks, online tools.
We explicitly target settings beyond traditional schools
We cover the full specification for AQA GCSE Dance (spec 8236)
“Introduce GCSE Dance” is a 2-year course: 60% Practical – in your dance school; 40% Theory – with ArtsPool Education.
Why this is a good fit for private dance schools?
We are offering extra-curricular or non-traditional curriculum, having a full GCSE gives students a recognised qualification in something they are passionate about.
The model (60% practical at dance school, 40% theory via ArtsPool) allows dance schools to leverage its existing strengths (practical teaching) while outsourcing/partnering for the theory component.
Our specialised resources relieve the dance school of having to build theory materials from scratch.
The existence of CPD and mentoring with zoom support means the dance teacher get consistant help in delivering the GCSE.
A few suggestion to consider to help you decide...
Do you have the mental capacity?
GCSE Dance is a big subject to add to your already busy brain?
Dance teachers are renowned for overloading!
Time & curriculum planning:
The “Introduce GCSE Dance” product is 2-year course. So you need to plan how this fits within your school’s calendar, student grouping, practical rehearsal time, etc.
Cost & value for money:
You’ll want to evaluate what the fee is for ArtsPool’s resources + what your dance school charges the students, to ensure it’s financially viable and offers value to families.
Student support:
Since your school may be outside a typical school timetable, ensure students have access to support for theory and practical.
Examination centre arrangements:
The AQA specification states that private candidates are possible, but the candidate must enter via an AQA school or college which will facilitate the entry, theory exam and uploading the non-exam assessment evidence. If your dance school is not registered as an examination centre, you’ll need to arrange the partnership with a centre that is.
Quality assurance / accreditation:
Make sure your delivery meets the AQA specification requirements (e.g., coverage of anthology, set works, practical component, written exam). Use the resources from ArtsPool to align with the spec.
What students have to say about the course...
I was nervous about starting the course as dance is not my strongest discipline but it was really fun, and gave me huge insight into the different types of dance & techniques behind them. I loved the performance lessons and learning about the specifics of each dance. Throughout Sara was very supportive and accessible outside of class times which made me feel more relaxed about it all. I am really pleased to have been able to study in this manner and completing the course before my actual gcse year meant I was more relaxed. It now makes dance sessions much more interesting and the styles and structure easier to get to understand.
Thank you so much I couldn’t have done it without you! I have loved having you as my dance teacher for the last couple years and I will forever appreciate all the support you have given me.