Examination Information

We are committed to every student gaining the best possible experience from an examination.

Every child works at a different pace, and some will have a more natural ability than others, this doesn't mean that they will be automatically ready for an examination.

A teacher's decision/judgement should not be questioned, we want the BEST for your child.

The November exam session has primarily been arranged as a 'catch up' session for those students who have been in the class for longer than anticipated, or for those students that would not benefit from waiting another few months.

Spring examinations in March allows our teachers to prepare students that little bit more before the Annual Performance Term, yet still allows them to move up into the higher grade with confidence and technical ability.

There are recommended guidelines for study hours in examinations, please remember that we have always taken out the summer term for our 'Performance Term'. We feel the annual show is a huge benefit, and it has worked well for us as a school. We do hope to introduce a second ballet class for every level before the next show term so that everyone can continue with their exam work if possible.

We would thank you for your continued patience and support, especially at exam time... we really do want the best for every student, but truly believe that dance is a journey, not a destination, and that the process of building on a sound technique in order for our students to develop safely and efficiently is of paramount importance. Trust our decisions, and rest assured that your child will flourish in the long run!

Thank you for trusting us to make the right decision for our pupils!

 

 

EXAMINATION GUIDELINES



Examinations are generally held two times per year, however this is at the discretion of the teachers.

Students selected for an examination will be issued an invoice for the exams to be taken

Please understand that all students develop at different times although there are age appropriate guidelines for all levels, this is entirely dependent on the pupil’s ability

All our teachers want the same goal.... for your child to achieve their personal best in any examination, sometimes an extra term’s work is all that is required to boost their confidence and secure their technical work

Some exams require a piano rehearsal which will be added onto the invoice

Please ensure that attention is paid to the closing date for payment as we regret no late entries can be accepted

Cheques should be made payable to the ‘exam account’ and if possible kept separate from any card payments into the regular account

Exam days are generally held on a school day, during term time...you will be required to ask permission for an authorised absence. The examining bodies are Royal Academy of Dance (ballet) Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (modern/tap/national) LAMDA (speech and drama/musical theatre) all of which are government recognised and therefore part of a child’s curriculum. There has never been a problem with a school allowing time off for these exams, but if you need any more help we can provide a letter for the school.

Exam rehearsals/mock exams are important for us to see that all students have the correct attire and as grooming is very important, that hair is also neat and tidy in the requested style, as well as giving the students an idea of the atmosphere in the studio on the day! These are usually scheduled the week before the exam day and every student should take part in these rehearsals

A draft timetable will be posted on the noticeboard at the studio, please make sure all details are correct on this timetable (name spellings/date of birth etc) let us know if anything is incorrect

The official timetable will then be finalised and will also be posted on the noticeboard

Please arrive at the studio on exam day AT LEAST 45 minutes before your given exam time...this will allow time for the children to have hair and uniform checked, and also keep things moving on the day in the eventuality of running early!

No jewellery should be worn, no underwear under the leotard to avoid ugly lines, no make-up or nail varnish, and hair should be neat and tidy with a self coloured hair net.

It is important that everyone stays calm and quiet in the waiting area, to avoid disrupting the rest of the examinations which will be taking place in the studio, and also to help the students prepare mentally for their examination.

Medal tests are slightly different and will always be held on a weekend, each student will perform a solo dance for a small audience (parents are encouraged to watch) and they will be presented with a medal or trophy of the appropriate level on the day. We would recommend medal test as a way to build a student's confidence and encourage essential performance skills

The examiner is on their side, and will do their very best to ensure every student has the best possible experience. They are a guest in our school, and should be treated with respect and courtesy from both parents and pupils.

Successful exam results can eventually be transferred to UCAS points, and as well as being a wonderfully satisfying experience for the student, are an excellent way to gauge their progress following an internationally recognised syllabus

If you require any more information then please ask us! Having done this for so long we sometimes forget that this can be a daunting process the first time!!!

The important thing is to have fun and perform like a star!!!!