Context

Dance is a core component within the National Curriculum for Physical Education for all key stages, for example, at Key Stage 3 (ages 11-14), “pupils should be taught to perform dances using advanced dance techniques within a range of dance styles and forms”. However, Ofsted’s ‘Levelling the playing field’ Physical Education’ (PE) report (2023) identified that two thirds of schools either do not teach dance to all pupils or the content is not well organised. Additionally, many teachers say that their ability to teach dance as part of the National Curriculum for Physical Education (NCfPE) is limited and that they are uncertain about their own subject competence to teach dance, and consequently in their own ability to teach the subject. Given these issues, the University have developed a workshop for staff (teachers/LSA’s/trainees/sports coaches) within KS2 and KS3 educational settings, aiming to support practitioners to develop their pedagogical content knowledge to effectively incorporate dance within their PE provision.

Shilcutt and Oliver (2023) stated that PE practitioners who can approach dance with open minds and willingness have potential to offer meaningful experiences to their students. With this in mind, the workshop aims to equip delegates with knowledge, understanding, confidence and competence to effectively include dance within your PE curriculum. This workshop will provide delegates with practical tools and strategies for teaching dance and our goal is to empower delegates to feel confident and competent in delivering dance, to ensure that learning is meaningful, enjoyable, and impactful for young people.

Workshop Synopsis

Delegates can expect to gain several benefits from this workshop. Firstly, delegates will acquire improved knowledge and understanding of relevant practices to enhance curriculum dance as a meaningful aspect of their school PE programme. Furthermore, this workshop aims to develop individuals’ confidence and competence to include and teach dance as part of their school PE curriculum, and ultimately motivate and influence young people to engage with movement and dance as part of their learning journey.

Delegates can expect to achieve the following outcomes:

· Build an understanding for why we should promote movement and dance within a school setting.

· Gain an understanding of how to facilitate effective dance lessons to enable all young people to learn through movement and dance

·Develop knowledge of a range of insightful pedagogical approaches and practices towards developing meaningful curriculum dance.

Specific activities:

· This is a practical workshop where delegates will engage in practical movement and dance experiences in a dance studio setting (therefore, please wear appropriate and comfortable clothing).

· Delegates will benefit from the interactive nature of the workshop featuring demonstrations, movement experiences, practical tasks, and assessment for learning activities.

· The workshop will deliver opportunities for collaborative exchanges and sharing curriculum practices to allow for the application of theory to practice developing meaningful learning opportunities