Denette and Ros
1 A Historical Overview
1.1 Up to 1996 dance fell within
the area of Physical Activities at Mereway. The creation of faculties
put dance in the Expressive Arts alongside Music and Art. Physical
Activities formed part of the Self and Society group, although
for planning, curriculum content and progression, the two areas
remained united.
1.2 Between 1994 and 1996 there was a high profile of dance within
the school. Led by Wendy Madden there were a number of Residencies
that widened the experience of the students and promoted the continued
Professional Development of staff.
1995/96 Rambert
Baroque and Roll
Imlata
Carla Amie
A considerable financial commitment, £3,740, was made by
the school to support this. A grant of £350 was also given
by East Midlands Arts.
The input was as follows:
Imlata 12.6.95-25.6.95
6.7.95
Rambert 3.7.95 -6.7.95
Baroque & Roll
27.6.95-29.6.95
Carla 11.5.95
12.5.95
16.6.95
The Residencies involved the dancers, musicians and artists working
with the students and providing CPD (INSET) opportunities for
staff working alongside the group and in specific twilight sessions
for teachers.
1.3 The results of the project formed the core of the celebration
of Dance at the Castle Theatre in Wellingborough on 6th July 1995.
This had the desired effect of raising the profile of dance within
the school and the formation of a bank of resources and costume
for future use.
1.4 Adzido Drumming and Dance Company visit 1995/96
1.5 The formation of IMPACT the school dance company.
IMPACT was set up for the more able dancers. There was also a
musicians group formed to provide live accompaniment.
2 Past Audit Findings and Action Plan
2.1 The audit ( undated ) highlighted the strengths and weaknesses
of dance.
Strengths
Enthusiasm for dance
General awareness of dance
Use of movement vocabulary
Use of dance in school assemblies
Use of video to record class work.
% of students involved in Residencies
and Extra-Curricular Dance
Weaknesses
some staff lacking in confidence
continuity within year groups
initial ideas to trigger responses
Priority Areas
1
Forecasts need to be reviewed to take into account continuity
and progression and to ensure a more even experience for students
within a year group.
2
The mapping of dance experiences within Physical Education to
be reviewed with assistance from NIAS.
This will include a focus on initial stimuli.
3
Teaching Partnerships should continue and staff self identify
their needs.
4
Resources need to be reassessed, human and physical,( costume,
make-up, music tapes, video tapes).
3 Future Audits
3.1 There should be an audit of dance towards the end of the school
year 1996/97. This should take place once the National Curriculum
up-date for the area has taken place, and should be preceded by
:
an opportunity for staff to identify their own needs
a programme of Teaching Partnerships
to be established
3.1 The audit should focus on future
needs to ensure:
the area is resourced appropriately.
Staff are confident with their teaching skills and the content,
planning and progression of dance.
4 The Financial Plan
4.1 It is recognised that there has been generous funding given
to support the development of dance. The financial plan attached
supports the developments that we would like to see to ensure
that dance retains its high profile position within Physical Activities,
the school and the community. Our main aim is to provide quality
learning experiences for the students. It is also important that
the links between dance and other areas of the curriculum are
developed to enhance learning.
5 Professional Development Opportunities
5.1 Where possible Teaching Partnerships will be set up to develop
the expertise of Staff. It is recognised that there is a need
for a specialist in this area, although some staff do have skills
in the teaching of dance.
5.2 The working weekend for Physical Activities will take place
before the end of the Autumn Term. This will highlight any training
need of input from outside agencies.
5.3 A cost effective way of continuing IMPACT and providing Professional
development in dance would be to pay a dancer / dance teacher
to come in to run the club, supported by Ros / Denette, with other
staff welcome to watch. There would be opportunities when the
students were changing for a de-brief / evaluation of the activities.
Ann Davies would be able to suggest names.
6 Development Plan
6.1 Year One
Autumn 1996
National Curriculum Update
Planning meeting with NIAS
Working Weekend
Success Criteria
Mapping of dance throughout the school
Knowledge that there is continuity and progression in dance
That work is appropriate within Key Stage 2 and 3
CPD needs are identified.
Spring 1997
Initial stages of dance documentation planned
The appointment of a dance teacher to lead twilight session for
students to relaunch IMPACT. A bid would be made to finance this.
A financial allowance to be built into the NIAS consultancy package
to ensure needs identified by the audit are met.
Success Criteria
IMPACT relaunched - open to all students
IMPACT sessions used to INSET staff
Programme of Teaching Partnerships is initiated.
Summer 1997
IMPACT Dance company formed from those who attended the sessions
in the spring.
Dance Audit
Success Criteria
The involvement of IMPACT in a performance.
Dance Audit to inform training needs. Developments to be built
into the NIAS consultancy arrangements.
Evaluation of the progress of the development plan against the
success criteria.
Development Plan adjusted to reflect vision for 1997-2000.
Further detail added to, what is now. years 2 & 3 of the plan.
Success criteria set out for next year.
6.2 Year Two
Autumn 1997
IMPACT continues
Dance documentation finalised
The Induction of new staff to include an introduction to dance
at Mereway.
Links with Mereway Upper School to be developed.
Spring 1998
Staffing review should consider the appointment of a specialist.
There should be a focus on dance form other times and places.
Year 7 Indian Dance Part of the Heartstone Project
Year 5 Local dances from different times Part of People and Places.
Residencies may be necessary to support this.
Summer 1998
Audit to be carried out
Dance performance to reflect outcomes of Residencies.
Evaluation of the development plan to date.
Adjustments made as necessary , detail added and success criteria
specified. Target 1998-2001.
6.3 Year Three
Autumn 1998
Review of documentation
Audit findings to be implemented
Spring 1999
Any addition dance documentation to be produced.
Summer 1999
Development Plan produced 1999-2002.
Ros / Denette / dance /sept/1996