Dance ‘A’ level does not “harm your chances” of admission, according to top universities.
Leading universities have rebutted the claim by Michael Gove MP that dance ‘A’ level is viewed as a soft subject. Speaking to AP, spokespeople from both Oxford and Cambridge universities indicated that although it is still not viewed as a traditional academic subject, dance is deemed an acceptable ‘A’ level by both institutions.
Gove, currently Shadow Education Secretary, hopes to lead the Department for Children, Schools and Families if the Tories win the next election. Writing in the Evening Standard on 17 August, he claimed that “Our leading universities have made it clear that taking soft subjects such as media studies or dance at ‘A’ level harms candidates’ chances of admission.” His comments have been condemned as “naive”, “insulting” and “irresponsible” by leading figures in the dance world. Jane Hackett, Vice Chair of Dance UK, said it was ironic that, during a time when the Government is encouraging participation in dance, “Mr Gove has chosen to make these disparaging and retrograde remarks.” She added that research had shown that creative study “gives young people a greater chance of success in future employment”. Caroline Miller, Director of Dance UK, said that Gove’s “narrowness of thinking... is potentially damaging for ensuring a rich curriculum is available to all young people in Britain”. In any case, it is clear from conversations held by AP with the Oxbridge institutions that the attitude of the universities is being misinterpreted. An Oxford University spokesperson said, “We don’t have a policy of excluding any ‘A’ level subjects from consideration,” while a Cambridge spokesperson added, “We’ve never talked about ‘soft’ ‘A’ levels.” Cambridge has ceased to publish its controversial list of ‘preferred subjects’, but still issues advice on the most appropriate subjects to study in preparation for specific courses. While neither institution offers a dance degree, and both emphasise the importance of traditional academic subjects, the Cambridge spokesperson made it clear that there was “no problem” for dance ‘A’ level students, saying, “If you’re going to apply to Cambridge, that’s not going to harm your chances.”
Reaction among ‘A’ level teachers mirrors this. Speaking to AP, Hazel Francomb, Head of Dance at Hills Road Sixth Form College in Cambridge, said that “students need a range of subjects to develop themselves,” and that dance “helps them to develop intellectually”. Tracey Tickle, Chief Examiner for ‘A’ level dance and Head of Dance at Truro College, said that “dance students find the subject both mentally and physically challenging... Students taking the subject at my centre do not see it as an easy ‘soft’ option.”
The row follows closely the appointment by Health Secretary (and former Culture Secretary) Andy Burnham of a Dance Champions group, led by choreographer Arlene Phillips, as part of a “vision for a fitter England”. Announcing that “we can’t afford physical activity to be a floating issue in Whitehall any longer”, Burnham added that “Nearly £2bn a year – more than £3,000 a minute – is spent [within the NHS] treating conditions that could be prevented by regular exercise.” Phillips said that “the next step to walking is dance”, and has emphasised the importance of making dance classes more accessible. The group will run a national campaign to boost participation in dance, leading up to the 2012 Olympics.