2. Aims of the Day
To support teachers, lecturers and assessors in their understanding of national standards for external assessment in Dance at both National 5 and Higher by:
sharing experiences
reviewing candidate evidence
discussing this evidence and associated Marking Instructions with colleagues
asking questions and seeking clarification about national standards

3. Principal Assessor Report (National 5) Key Messages – Performance:
Centres are gaining confidence in external assessment.
The majority of centres were well prepared for the visiting assessor visit.
Centres were able to select candidates across a range of performance abilities.
The majority of centres were able to meet the correct standard for performance at National 5.
More candidates were able to access a greater range of marks from the performance quality criteria.

4. Principal Assessor Report (National 5) Key Messages – Performance:
For some candidates, their lack of centre and alignment impacted on almost every aspect of performance. Struggling to meet or sustain the technical demands of National 5 could be best supported by a further year of study before being presented for the external exam.
Jazz, Hip Hop and Contemporary styles continue to be the most common genres presented for external assessment.
In order to control nerves, some candidates would benefit from more opportunities to perform solo before the exam day.

5. Principal Assessor Report (National 5)
Key Messages – Practical Activity – Choreography:
There was strong evidence in a few centres that candidates had really built on their learning from the Dance: Choreography unit and produced work that was very creative and high in quality.
Some candidates were unable to develop creative, original movement from a stimulus, choosing set steps that limited rather than embraced creativity. This had an impact on the range of marks accessible.
Centres should ensure that the foundations for developing creative movement are in place before allowing candidates to embark on choreography.
Centres should focus on the use of a structure and devices as appropriate to a theme for two people.

6. Principal Assessor Report (National 5)
Key Messages – Practical Activity – Choreography:
Pupil Introduction to Choreography - short, sharp and to the point addressing the key messages of theme/stimulus, structure and chosen devices. (Video Insert to demonstrate).
Candidates should not read their Choreographic Review.
Focus on telling a long narrative story in almost every case compromised choreography and the creative development of movement.
Some candidates were able to demonstrate effective use of structure, space and choreographic devices beyond the standards set for National 5.
The majority of centres are to be commended for the support offered to candidates throughout the choreographic process.

7. Principal Assessor Report (National 5)
Key Messages – Practical Activity
Choreographic Review:
The majority of candidates at National 5 produced a written report and a mood/stimulus board.
Generally the level of candidate work for the written report was excellent and it was clear that they were able to reflect on a positive learning process.
The majority of candidates were able to write about their creative ideas and movement better than they could put it into practice. Greater attention to the transfer from idea to movement would benefit the majority of all choreographies at National 5 level.
The experiences gathered by the visiting assessor team were very positive.

8. Principal Assessor Report (Higher) Key Messages – Performance:
The majority of candidates were well prepared for assessment and demonstrated sufficient evidence for the level of award.
Centres were able to select candidates across a range of performance abilities.
Most centres were able to provide solos and styles to enable the candidate to access the full range of marks.

9. Principal Assessor Report (Higher) Key Messages – Performance:
Although the technical presentation of candidates was of an appropriate level for Higher it was felt that candidates lacked sufficient expertise in the display of performative presentation.
Jazz, Hip Hop and Contemporary styles continue to be the most common genres presented for external assessment.
At many centres the use of musicality and dynamics was limited within the dance solo presentations and this needs more focus throughout the learning and teaching process.

10. Principal Assessor Report (Higher)
Key Messages – Practical Activity – Choreography:
Overall it was felt by the VA team that the candidates performed adequately in the presentation of their own choreographic work.
Candidate’s practical choreographies demonstrated a good considered use of space throughout alongside some interesting, engaging and unique choices of costume, make up and props.
The initial choice of theme is often quite dark/harrowing across the spectrum of presentations and this tends to lead candidates to creating narrative structures within their work.
It would be beneficial for delivery staff to encourage the use of more abstract themes and structural choice for the work.

11. Principal Assessor Report (Higher)
Key Messages – Practical Activity – Choreography:
More time and focus needs to be spent on the understanding of the concept of original movement vocabulary, ensuring that candidates fully understanding the difference between dance composition and dance choreography.
Task based choreographic learning and further exposure to high level choreography would help the candidates fully understand the concept and would inform their overall practice in this part of the examination.
Pupil Introduction to Choreography - short, sharp and to the point addressing the key messages of theme/stimulus, structure and chosen devices.
Candidates should not read their Choreographic Review.

12. Principal Assessor Report (Higher) Key Messages – Practical Activity
Choreographic Review:
The level of Choreographic Reviews was very good across the board with a particularly exceptional level of analytical and critical review being displayed from S6 level learners.
The majority of candidates were adequately able to explain their choices and give good considered rationales for these.
A number of candidates chose to present the review in a variety of formats this year, which enabled the learner to access the most suitable presentation for their learning style.
Areas of evaluation were mostly strong, however there are some candidates across the board who are missing the required level of information to access the full spectrum of marks.

13. Practical Activity
National 5
Choreography

14. Practical Activity – Example 1
Section 1: Choreography – Separate Ways
Assessment
Max mark
Mark awarded
Use of motif/movement to convey theme 10 8
Use of choreographic structure 4 3 
Use of choreographic devices 12
Use of space 6 6 
Use of music/ sound 3 2
Total for Choreography 35
29 

15. Practical Activity – Example 2
Section 1: Choreography
Two Parts Become One/Love and Partnership
Assessment
Max mark
Mark awarded
Use of motif/movement to convey theme 10 6
Use of choreographic structure 4 2
Use of choreographic devices 12 7
Use of space
Use of music/ sound 3
Total for Choreography 35
21 

16. Practical Activity – Example 3
Section 1: Choreography – Social Isolation
Assessment
Max mark
Mark awarded
Use of motif/movement to convey theme 10 6
Use of choreographic structure 4 1
Use of choreographic devices 12
Use of space 3
Use of music/ sound 2
Total for Choreography 35
18 

17. Practical Activity
National 5
Choreographic Review

18. Practical Activity – Example 1
Section 2: Choreography Review – Separate Ways
Task
Task descriptions
Max mark
Mark awarded 1
Candidates are expected to describe two research findings and explain movement ideas generated from these. 6 6  2 a
Candidates are expected to describe a particular structure chosen, and explain the reason for its use. 3 b
Candidates are expected to describe three choreographic devices chosen, and explain reasons for their use. 8 5  c
Candidates are expected to describe their use of space chosen, and explain reasons for their decisions. 4 d
Candidates are expected to describe the music/sound chosen, and explain reasons for its use. 3 
Candidates are expected to describe one choreographic strength and give two examples of this from their work.
Candidates are expected to describe one choreographic area for development and give two examples of this from their work. 30
25 

19. Practical Activity – Example 2
Section 2: Choreography Review – Two Parts Become One/Love and Partnership
Task
Task descriptions
Max mark
Mark awarded 1
Candidates are expected to describe two research findings and explain movement ideas generated from these. 6 4  2 a
Candidates are expected to describe a particular structure chosen, and explain the reason for its use. 3 b
Candidates are expected to describe three choreographic devices chosen, and explain reasons for their use. 8 c
Candidates are expected to describe their use of space chosen, and explain reasons for their decisions. 4 d
Candidates are expected to describe the music/sound chosen, and explain reasons for its use. 2 
Candidates are expected to describe one choreographic strength and give two examples of this from their work.
Candidates are expected to describe one choreographic area for development and give two examples of this from their work. 30
18 

20. Practical Activity – Example 3
Section 2: Choreography Review – Social Isolation
Task
Task descriptions
Max mark
Mark awarded 1
Candidates are expected to describe two research findings and explain movement ideas generated from these. 6 6  2 a
Candidates are expected to describe a particular structure chosen, and explain the reason for its use. 3 b
Candidates are expected to describe three choreographic devices chosen, and explain reasons for their use. 8 8  c
Candidates are expected to describe their use of space chosen, and explain reasons for their decisions. 4 d
Candidates are expected to describe the music/sound chosen, and explain reasons for its use. 3 
Candidates are expected to describe one choreographic strength and give two examples of this from their work.
Candidates are expected to describe one choreographic area for development and give two examples of this from their work. 30
30 

21. Practical Activity
Higher
Choreography

22. Practical Activity – Example 1
Section 1: Choreography – The Orphan
Assessment
Max mark
Mark awarded
Use of motif/movement to convey theme 5 4
Use of choreographic structure 3
Use of choreographic devices 12 6
Use of space
Use of music/ sound
Use of Theatre Arts 2
Total for Choreography 35 25

23. Practical Activity – Example 2
Section 1: Choreography - Tsunami
Assessment
Max mark
Mark awarded
Use of motif/movement to convey theme 5 2
Use of choreographic structure
Use of choreographic devices 12 4
Use of space
Use of music/ sound
Use of Theatre Arts 3 1
Total for Choreography 35 15

24. Practical Activity – Example 3
Section 1: Choreography – The Scream
Assessment
Max mark
Mark awarded
Use of motif/movement to convey theme 5
Use of choreographic structure
Use of choreographic devices 12
Use of space
Use of music/ sound
Use of Theatre Arts 3 2
Total for Choreography 35 34

25. Practical Activity
Higher
Choreographic Review

26. Practical Activity – Example 1
Section 2: Choreography Review – Self Esteem
Task
Task descriptions
Max mark
Mark awarded 1
Candidates are expected to explain in detail how individual movements within a developed motif relate to theme and research. 8 2 a
Candidates are expected to explain their choice of a specific structure to convey their intended theme, meanings, ideas or effects. 3 b
Candidates are expected to explain their choice of three specific devices to convey their intended theme, meanings, ideas or effects. c
Candidates are expected to explain their use of space in particular ways to convey their intended theme, meanings, ideas or effects. 4 d
Candidates are expected to explain their choice of specific music/sound to convey their intended theme, meanings, ideas or effects. e
Candidates are expected to explain their use of at least one specific theatre art to convey their intended theme, meanings, ideas or effects.
Candidates are expected to evaluate their skills as a choreographer with reference to particular examples from their own choreography process. 6 35 30

27. Practical Activity – Example 2
Section 2: Choreography Review – Taken
Task
Task descriptions
Max mark
Mark awarded 1
Candidates are expected to explain in detail how individual movements within a developed motif relate to theme and research. 8 6 2 a
Candidates are expected to explain their choice of a specific structure to convey their intended theme, meanings, ideas or effects. 3 b
Candidates are expected to explain their choice of three specific devices to convey their intended theme, meanings, ideas or effects. 4 c
Candidates are expected to explain their use of space in particular ways to convey their intended theme, meanings, ideas or effects. d
Candidates are expected to explain their choice of specific music/sound to convey their intended theme, meanings, ideas or effects. e
Candidates are expected to explain their use of at least one specific theatre art to convey their intended theme, meanings, ideas or effects.
Candidates are expected to evaluate their skills as a choreographer with reference to particular examples from their own choreography process. 35 19

28. Practical Activity – Example 3
Section 2: Choreography Review – The Orphan
Task
Task descriptions
Max mark
Mark awarded 1
Candidates are expected to explain in detail how individual movements within a developed motif relate to theme and research. 8 5 2 a
Candidates are expected to explain their choice of a specific structure to convey their intended theme, meanings, ideas or effects. 3 b
Candidates are expected to explain their choice of three specific devices to convey their intended theme, meanings, ideas or effects. c
Candidates are expected to explain their use of space in particular ways to convey their intended theme, meanings, ideas or effects. 4 d
Candidates are expected to explain their choice of specific music/sound to convey their intended theme, meanings, ideas or effects. e
Candidates are expected to explain their use of at least one specific theatre art to convey their intended theme, meanings, ideas or effects.
Candidates are expected to evaluate their skills as a choreographer with reference to particular examples from their own choreography process. 6 35 18

29. Performance
National 5

30. Contemporary – Example 1
Max mark
Mark awarded
Technical Skills Criteria
a) Technical accuracy and use of turnout/ parallel as appropriate to dance style 5 4 
b) Centring, balance, alignment and posture
c) Stamina, strength and flexibility
d) Spatial awareness and accurate recreation of choreography  5
Performance Skills Criteria
a) Timing and musicality
b) Quality and dynamics 3 
c) Self-expression, sense of performance, concentration and focus
Total for Dance Performance 35
27 

31. Contemporary – Example 2
Max mark
Mark awarded
Technical Skills Criteria
a) Technical accuracy and use of turnout/ parallel as appropriate to dance style 5 2 
b) Centring, balance, alignment and posture
c) Stamina, strength and flexibility  2
d) Spatial awareness and accurate recreation of choreography 3 
Performance Skills Criteria
a) Timing and musicality
b) Quality and dynamics
c) Self-expression, sense of performance, concentration and focus
Total for Dance Performance 35
17 

32. Jazz – Example 1 35 Total for Dance Performance Max mark Mark awarded
Max mark
Mark awarded
Technical Skills Criteria
a) Technical accuracy and use of turnout/ parallel as appropriate to dance style 5 2 
b) Centring, balance, alignment and posture  2
c) Stamina, strength and flexibility
d) Spatial awareness and accurate recreation of choreography  3
Performance Skills Criteria
a) Timing and musicality
b) Quality and dynamics
c) Self-expression, sense of performance, concentration and focus
Total for Dance Performance 35
 15

33. Jazz – Example 2 35 Total for Dance Performance Max mark Mark awarded
Max mark
Mark awarded
Technical Skills Criteria
a) Technical accuracy and use of turnout/ parallel as appropriate to dance style 5 5 
b) Centring, balance, alignment and posture
c) Stamina, strength and flexibility
d) Spatial awareness and accurate recreation of choreography
Performance Skills Criteria
a) Timing and musicality
b) Quality and dynamics
c) Self-expression, sense of performance, concentration and focus
Total for Dance Performance 35
35 

34. Hip Hop – Example 1 35 Total for Dance Performance Max mark
Max mark
Mark awarded
Technical Skills Criteria
a) Technical accuracy and use of turnout/ parallel as appropriate to dance style 5 5 
b) Centring, balance, alignment and posture
c) Stamina, strength and flexibility
d) Spatial awareness and accurate recreation of choreography  5
Performance Skills Criteria
a) Timing and musicality
b) Quality and dynamics
c) Self-expression, sense of performance, concentration and focus  3
Total for Dance Performance 35
 33

35. Hip Hop – Example 2 35 Total for Dance Performance Max mark
Max mark
Mark awarded
Technical Skills Criteria
a) Technical accuracy and use of turnout/ parallel as appropriate to dance style 5 4 
b) Centring, balance, alignment and posture 3 
c) Stamina, strength and flexibility
d) Spatial awareness and accurate recreation of choreography
Performance Skills Criteria
a) Timing and musicality
b) Quality and dynamics 3
c) Self-expression, sense of performance, concentration and focus
Total for Dance Performance 35
23 

36. Performance
Higher

37. Contemporary – Example 1
Max mark
Mark awarded
Technical Skills Criteria
a) Technical accuracy and use of turnout/ parallel as appropriate to dance style 5
b) Centring, balance, alignment and posture 4
c) Stamina, strength and flexibility
d) Spatial awareness and accurate recreation of choreography
Performance Skills Criteria
a) Timing and musicality
b) Quality and dynamics
c) Self-expression, sense of performance, concentration and focus
Total for Dance Performance 35 34

38. Contemporary – Example 2
Max mark
Mark awarded
Technical Skills Criteria
a) Technical accuracy and use of turnout/ parallel as appropriate to dance style 5 3
b) Centring, balance, alignment and posture
c) Stamina, strength and flexibility
d) Spatial awareness and accurate recreation of choreography
Performance Skills Criteria
a) Timing and musicality
b) Quality and dynamics
c) Self-expression, sense of performance, concentration and focus
Total for Dance Performance 35 21

39. Jazz – Example 1 35 Total for Dance Performance Max mark Mark awarded
Max mark
Mark awarded
Technical Skills Criteria
a) Technical accuracy and use of turnout/ parallel as appropriate to dance style 5 2
b) Centring, balance, alignment and posture 3
c) Stamina, strength and flexibility
d) Spatial awareness and accurate recreation of choreography
Performance Skills Criteria
a) Timing and musicality
b) Quality and dynamics
c) Self-expression, sense of performance, concentration and focus 4
Total for Dance Performance 35 21

40. Jazz – Example 2 35 Total for Dance Performance Max mark Mark awarded
Max mark
Mark awarded
Technical Skills Criteria
a) Technical accuracy and use of turnout/ parallel as appropriate to dance style 5 2
b) Centring, balance, alignment and posture
c) Stamina, strength and flexibility
d) Spatial awareness and accurate recreation of choreography
Performance Skills Criteria
a) Timing and musicality
b) Quality and dynamics
c) Self-expression, sense of performance, concentration and focus 3
Total for Dance Performance 35 15

41. Hip Hop – Example 1 35 Total for Dance Performance Max mark
Max mark
Mark awarded
Technical Skills Criteria
a) Technical accuracy and use of turnout/ parallel as appropriate to dance style 5 3
b) Centring, balance, alignment and posture 2
c) Stamina, strength and flexibility
d) Spatial awareness and accurate recreation of choreography
Performance Skills Criteria
a) Timing and musicality
b) Quality and dynamics
c) Self-expression, sense of performance, concentration and focus
Total for Dance Performance 35 17

42. Hip Hop – Example 2 35 Total for Dance Performance Max mark
Max mark
Mark awarded
Technical Skills Criteria
a) Technical accuracy and use of turnout/ parallel as appropriate to dance style 5
b) Centring, balance, alignment and posture
c) Stamina, strength and flexibility
d) Spatial awareness and accurate recreation of choreography
Performance Skills Criteria
a) Timing and musicality
b) Quality and dynamics
c) Self-expression, sense of performance, concentration and focus
Total for Dance Performance 35

43. Hip Hop – Example 3 35 Total for Dance Performance Max mark
Max mark
Mark awarded
Technical Skills Criteria
a) Technical accuracy and use of turnout/ parallel as appropriate to dance style 5 3
b) Centring, balance, alignment and posture 4
c) Stamina, strength and flexibility
d) Spatial awareness and accurate recreation of choreography
Performance Skills Criteria
a) Timing and musicality
b) Quality and dynamics
c) Self-expression, sense of performance, concentration and focus
Total for Dance Performance 35 26