Examinations​

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The Imperial society of teachers of dancing is one of the worlds leading dance examination boards
Istd examinations are Ofqual accredited, more information about Ofqual can be found Here

We usually hold 2 exam sessions per year depending on numbers, one around May/June the other around October/November.

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Examination Procedure
 
 Students are entered for their exams once I feel they are ready to undertake all aspects of the examination, children all learn and develop at different rates so they may not always be ready when their peers are. (Some students may prefer not to do the exam so will be moved to the next class when I feel they are ready).
 
Students need to:-
 
  • Be able to demonstrate all the exercises individually
  • Have a full knowledge of the syllabus
  • Fulfil the age criteria
  • Be happy and confident to perform
 
On the examination day students will arrive 1 hour before their exam time, their hair will be presented in a style suitable for the exam and they will be dressed in their usual tidy class uniform unless otherwise stated. For Ballet exams the girls are required to have satin ballet shoes with ribbons (elastic for pre primary & primary ballet) I prefer that these are not worn prior to the exam except around the house to wear them in. The satin ballet shoes need to fit neatly without too much growing room.
 
An external examiner from the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing will conduct the exam. Students will be entered in groups of 2,3 or 4 depending on the class.
With the exception of the Pre-Primary Ballet class examination & Primary Tap, students enter without a teacher.
The examiner will only ask for the exercises or in some cases free work, the examiner will not demonstrate.
The examiner may in some classes ask questions relating to the syllabus and terminology.
 
There will be several exam coaching sessions prior to the exams and it is vital that these are attended, as well as extra timetabled classes where available.
100% class attendance is expected on the run up to exams.
If I don't feel the student is quite ready after exam coaching but before the timetable is submitted I will withdraw the student from their exam and there will be no extra charges
 
Examinations take a lot of organising and can only take place if there are enough students to make up a whole day. Once the exam timetable has been submitted cancellations cannot be made this is usually 6 weeks prior to the exam date. After this date refunds are not available.

Costs
Exam Prep & Coaching Fee …...£16
Exam Fees (set by I.S.T.D)
 
Pre-Primary
£25.00

Primary
£35.00

Grade 1
£36.00

Grade 2
£38.00

Grade 3
£45.00

Grade 4
£47.00

Grade 5
£50.00

Grade 6
£54.00

ISTD examinations are acredited by Ofqual
 
 
Examination F.A.Q's
 
  • Where are the exams held?
Montgomery Activity Centre – School lane SY156QA
 
  • What time do we need to arrive?
At least an hour before your exam time.
 
  • How long is the exam?
It depends on which grade but generally between 20 and 40 minutes
 
  • What does my child need to wear?
Usual class uniform freshly washed and pressed. If doing ballet exams satin shoes are required with ribbons (elastic for Pre-primary & Primary)
 
  • Do I need to do my child’s hair?
No, I will prepare their hair for the exam but you do need to ensure you bring all the necessary hair equipment (hair bands, pins, grips, nets etc)
 
  • How long do the results take to arrive?
4-6 weeks depending on the time of year.
 
  • When can my child move up to the next class?
Once students have taken their exam, they can move up to the next class irrelevant of whether they have received their results. If your child decides they don’t want to take the exam they will be moved up to the next class along with the exam students after the exam has taken place.