Lawn Manor is very proud of its Dance achievements. We have worked hard to develop an exciting and vibrant subject and strongly believe that all pupils can achieve, and find enjoyment through the medium of dance, whilst attaining academic success and personal development.
Curriculum
A successful and thriving subject, results at GCSE are some of the highest in the school, with many pupils achieving top grades. Dance is taught throughout Years 7-11 and is a popular subject at KS4 with both boys and girls.
In Year 7 and 8 pupils receive 1 hour of Dance per week. Pupils then have the option to select Dance for KS4 study. Year 9 KS4 involves technique classes, along with a variety of creative research and development projects which builds and culminates in a qualification in Year 11. In more detail, the components cover three elements of dance: choreography, performance and appreciation. All pupils will be offered numerous opportunities to perform to an audience; whether their peers, to other classes, in assemblies or public performances. At KS4 the course also includes a theoretical element; the study of 6 professional dance works, along with an understanding of performance and choreography skills.
Accommodation
There are 3 designated teaching spaces; a specially designed smaller studio with soft dance flooring and two hall spaces where pupils can benefit from working on open wooden floored areas. In one hall, a proscenium stage is available to rehearse and audiences are regularly invited into school for performances and exhibitions. In addition to the facilities, the department is fully resourced with an interactive board, projector, lighting and IPADs.
Extra-curricular
The Dance Department offers an extensive extra-curricular programme to pupils of all ages and abilities, to promote enjoyment and achievement. These include: KS3 Dance Clubs, Lawn Manor Elite Dance Company, external performances, revision clubs, theatre visits and projects with professional artists. In addition, pupils have numerous opportunities to perform throughout the year, such as: Year 7 Arts Day, Christmas Concert, Open Evening, Arts Events, GCSE Exam evenings, Awards evenings and Assemblies. We also provide opportunities to perform at the Wyvern Theatre and New College in the Swindon Schools Festival, Wiltshire Schools Festival, Secondary Schools Platform and Great Big Dance Off. Visiting Year 5 and 6 pupils also take part in dance activities during their transition days which are enthusiastically led by Year 10 dance pupils.
Furthermore, the dance rooms are also available lunchtimes and after schools for pupils to rehearse and work independently.
One highlight in the Academy Calendar is the Annual Dance Showcase, an evening that displays the talent and the dedication of approximately 100 pupils, performing a wide range of dance styles. A popular event, the show includes a primary and an evening performance and showcases a range of work form all year groups in a variety of dance styles.
Our dance provision is enhanced by strong community links and partnerships with dance establishments have been developed over recent years which include the Swindon Schools Dance Network, close links with Royal Wootton Bassett Academy, New College and Swindon Dance. A number of pupils have also gained places in the South- West Youth Dance Academy, Swindon Dance Advanced Programmes and many of our GCSE pupils continue to study dance at New College, our local KS5 provider.
