Dear Parents/Carers
We are excited to yet again offer the opportunity of BTEC Performing Arts (Dance pathway) to Leigh Academy Strood students from September 2026. Your child has shown great progress, enthusiasm and talent within their dance lessons this year and have therefore been scouted by myself as potential students who will thrive in this course.
In addition, we would like to invite your child to take part in a dance workshop with the internationally acclaimed professional dance company Zoonation on the 3rd March. Students need no prior experience but merely an enthusiasm to take part. The workshop will focus on Hip Hop and students will get the chance to work with a professional, creating choreography and learning new skills. The cost of the session is £5 and all sessions will take part during the school day. While students can take part in the session without any commitment to taking Dance next year, this will also be an opportunity for students to experience the kind of opportunities they would take part in if they were to take the course.
The course itself consists of three units which focus not only on professional dance performances and how to recreate these in our own setting, but also the performance industry as a whole and future employment opportunities in this field and beyond. Students will create choreography and perform as part of a tailor-made curriculum in which dance styles will be chosen based on the interests and abilities of the group. Another of the fantastic qualities of this course is that it is 100% coursework and performance based with only one component marked externally. This gives students the chance to showcase their skills and knowledge holistically in a supportive creative environment over the two years without the pressure which comes with a final examination.
While they have only completed half their MYP dance course, your child has excelled in the work they have completed since beginning their Dance journey. They have shown qualities of leadership, creativity and a willingness to challenge themselves to improve not only their dance skills, but confidence and physical abilities too. I am really excited about continuing this practical course, particularly following the great success the course has seen this year at events such as the Winter Showcase. As well as, most importantly, for being on track to secure 100% 5+ in our Year 11 results this year. I would love it if you would join us on this bright journey to further develop our Performing Arts provision.
I attach below a link to the specification where you can discover all you need to know about the course. Alternatively, do not hesitate to contact myself and I will be happy to answer any questions you may have. (lauren.bassett@strood.latrust.org.uk)
BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts Specification
Yours faithfully,
Miss Bassett | Lead Teacher of Dance
