Dance allows you to express yourself in a creative and practical way. It's fun, physical and very demanding! It can improve your fitness, self-esteem and confidence, as well as introducing you to a wide range of different dance styles.
It will appeal to you if you love dancing, telling stories or expressing emotions using rhythm and movement. It also helps if you are determined and energetic with plenty of stamina.
Dance helps you to develop important skills such as: communication, planning, critical thinking, teamwork and self-management.
These skills are valuable in a wide range of careers, including: choreography, community dance work, dance performance (from ballet to salsa), health and fitness instruction, dance teaching and dance movement therapy.
Career Pathways
To see what career areas this subject could lead to and the routes to get there, download and view these career pathways:
Entry is at the discretion of the school or college.
You should have achieved the fourth curriculum level or the equivalent qualifications/ and or experience prior to starting this course.
Relevant subjects for entry include:
National Progression Award in Dance (SCQF Level 4)
You will develop a range of technical and choreographic skills in dance to produce creative performances. You will experiment with a range of dance styles and explore the possibilities of theatre arts.
The course comprises two areas of study.
Choreography
You will:
Technical Skills
You will:
Course Assessment
The course assessment has three components totalling 100 marks:
The performance component will involve a solo performance in one dance style. This will be set by your school or college, following guidelines by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). Your performance will be assessed by a visiting SQA assessor.
For the practical activity, you will produce and present a piece of choreography, and evaluate the process. This will be assessed internally by your school or college. A sample of candidates will be assessed by a visiting SQA assessor.
The question paper will be set and marked externally by the SQA.
The grade awarded is based on the total marks achieved across all course assessment components.
The Course assessment is graded A–D.
** Please note there are no Past Papers for National 5 Dance available.
If you complete the course successfully, it may lead to:
Further study, training or employment in:
