View Syllabus on School Curriculum and Standards Authority Website

Year 11

Unit 1 – Popular culture

Within the broad focus of popular culture, teachers select learning contexts that relate to the interests of their students and build upon the understandings that they have already acquired.

The exploration of dance in popular culture leads to a wider understanding of the diverse contexts and functions of dance in our society. Students understand and value the way dance is subject to different interpretations, and appreciate that informed responses should take into account the varying contexts within which dance works are created.

Unit 2 – Australian dance

Within the broad focus of Australian dance, teachers select learning contexts that relate to the interests of their students and build upon the understandings that they have already acquired.

An understanding of the diverse range of functions and contexts of dance in Australia allows students to make relevant comparisons between their own dance and the dance of others. They analyse critically their own cultural beliefs and values in relation to traditional and contemporary dance forms and styles, and develop deeper understandings of their own personal dance heritage. They understand that dance may give form to ideas and issues that concern the wider community.

Year 12

Unit 3 – Youth voice

Within the broad focus of youth voice, teachers select learning contexts that relate to the interests of their students and build upon the understandings that they have already acquired.

Students explore learning contexts that reflect their own cultural understanding and produce unique work with a personal style. Students research factors affecting points of view, such as time, place, gender, age, culture, religion politics and the environment. They consider how dance reflects and is shaped by society and its values. They also investigate the impact of technologies on dance

Unit 4 – Extending the boundaries

The focus of this unit is extending the boundaries. Within the broad focus of extending the boundaries, teachers select learning contexts that relate to the interests of their students and build upon the understandings that they have already acquired.

Students investigate learning contexts that reflect their own artistic understanding and produce unique dance work. They investigate how technologies are used to extend and enhance dance design.

Students research issues and reflect on events which may influence dance. In their responses, they examine their own values, considering how dance is shaped by society and its values. In the critical analysis and interpretation of their own work and the work of others, they reflect on the relationships between dance works, audiences and contexts, and how these contribute to the development of different perspectives.