At St Catherine’s College, Dance is a vibrant and integral part of our curriculum, designed to inspire students to stand shoulder to shoulder with their peers locally, nationally, and globally. Through the art of Dance, we aim to empower students to achieve their God-given potential by fostering ambition, hard work, resilience, and responsibility.

Our Dance curriculum provides students with the opportunity to experience a broad and balanced education that develops an aesthetic appreciation of movement and performance. By engaging with Dance as an art form, students:

• Think creatively and explore movement, using dance as a medium to communicate a variety of themes and topics.
• Gain an understanding of different cultures and historical eras, developing a deeper appreciation of diversity and cultural expression.
• Collaborate with peers to create choreography and performance pieces, building teamwork, confidence, and a shared sense of achievement.
• Critically appreciate professional dance works, analysing and evaluating the work of renowned choreographers to develop cultural literacy and artistic vocabulary.

Our curriculum emphasises both the practical and theoretical aspects of Dance. Students are encouraged to:

• Develop technical and expressive skills through choreography, rehearsal, and performance, gaining the confidence to showcase their work to others.
• Reflect on and critique dance performances, honing their ability to discuss Dance as an art form with confidence and insight.
• Build resilience and determination through the creative process, whilst learning the value of discipline and perseverance to perfect their dances.

We are committed to providing a Dance curriculum that:

• Is inclusive and inspiring, welcoming students of all abilities and backgrounds to explore the art form.
• Encourages students to embrace creativity, challenge themselves, and take pride in their achievements.
• Supports the development of cultural understanding, critical thinking, and self-expression.
• Prepares students for further study and careers in the creative arts by equipping them with the skills and confidence to pursue their ambitions.

Dance at St Catherine’s College nurtures the whole student; physically, emotionally, and intellectually, while fostering a lifelong appreciation of the performing arts. Through this enriching subject, students gain the skills, creativity, and cultural awareness to thrive in a dynamic, interconnected world.

Full details of the Dance curriculum for all year groups are available below. For further information, please contact Mrs E McQueen, Head of Dance via emcqueen@stcatherines.college