Examinations & Assessments
Assessments or Exams are for all ages, and should not be looked upon as pressure for pupils, but more as something to strive to attain and work for in class. They are not compulsory, but we do encourage pupils to enter.
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At Newcastle Dance Centre we are constantly evaluating what we do, as well as preparing pupils for the next stage in their dance and performance training. This is part of our pledge to you and our ethos at NDC.
We have recently overhauled our exam offering and are now following UKA (United Kingdom Alliance) examinations in all subjects and IDTA (International Dance Teachers Association) in a selection of styles.
Our youngest pupils (Aged 3-5 years) can enter fun informal ‘Teddy’ assessments which are lead by the teacher in front of the ‘examiner’ and are a lovely stress-free way of introducing children to assessment. They also love collecting the new Teddy Balloon Awards.
From Year 1, pupils have the opportunity to enter slightly more formal exams in all subjects. Again, this is a gentle introduction to assessment, but a great way of achieving goals and monitoring improvement.
In addition to the regular exams, our older pupils will have the opportunity to take Regulated Grade Exams.
Regulated Grades are ratified by Ofqual, which when awarded achieve UCAS tariff points. Pupils can combine points awarded from their higher dance exams with other qualifications to meet course or higher education requirements.
When choosing an examination system it must meet our strict criteria:
- Offer quality dance education
- Have fair, evaluated and standardized marking of examinations
- Be value for money for pupils and parents
- Provide a sustainable and professional service.
Our team has been working hard to finalize a new and exciting programme of dance and assessment, which pupils can work through from day one with us. This doesn’t mean more exams, it means quality and a clear structure of assessment.
FAQs:
- Are exams compulsory?
No. Exams have never been compulsory at Newcastle Dance Centre, but we do recommend that pupils enter exams for their continuous assessment and sense of achievement.
- What is a Regulated Grade and what is Ofqual?
A regulated grade/exam is an assessment which is recognised and ratified by Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) This is a non-ministerial government department that regulates qualifications, exams and tests in England.
- What level or age can a pupil take Regulated Grade exams?
We expect to offer Regulated exams from 13-14 years old. The level will be determined by their ability, but we presume it will be from our senior level onwards.
- Will the Regulated Grade exam days follow the same format as the ones taken in the past?
Yes. The pupils are assessed by an external examiner at our studio in the same way as previous terms. The Regulated Graded exams have a specialist team of examiners who are trained to follow a national framework of assessment, and they attend NDC when needed.
- Is there any difference in cost for Regulated Exams?
The Regulated Grades do incur an slight additional expense due to the nature and formality of the assessment. All costs would be communicated well in advance of any exam sessions.
- Why have you changed exam boards? What about NCDTA events? As previously mentioned, we feel there is more on the market to offer now and are confident that this change will be beneficial for the pupils and the Centre. There might be a few occasions when NCDTA examinations can be taken if pupils wish to enter their Scholarships or Medallist Competitions. This would be one exam once a year for them to qualify and would only apply to a small number of pupils.
- How can I read more about the UKA and IDTA Associations?
Please follow the links to both HERE – UKA IDTA
MORE GENERAL INFORMATION:
Cost and Payment:
Exams have to be paid for by yourself, and the pupil will receive a certificate and award for each examination. Each examination and grade have a set cost, and this is set by the dance association and not by us. We collect the payment and forward it to the examination board. Parents will be invoiced for the examination fee prior to the exam. Once we notify parents of the exam entries, we can let you know the cost. All payments must be settled at the relevant amount of time prior to the exam date.
Fees are non refundable once the entry is submitted to the exam board.
Timescale:
We are often asked “How long will it be till my child/pupil is ready for their exam?” There is not a simple answer to this question. It varies depending on each pupil and the subject or grade they are taking. Teachers will endeavour to have all pupils ready for exams as quickly as possible. However, we will not enter pupils until we feel they are ready and could improve their results with more practice. We have always had high standards in this school, and we are not prepared to lower them.
When a pupil is ready for an exam, parents will be notified via email.
Grooming and Uniform:
NDC set uniform and correct shoes must be worn for all exams. Hair must be groomed for boys and off the face. For girls, hair must be tied neatly back, and for ballroom and ballet, a ballet bun must be worn. Jewellery (unless for religious reasons), including watches, coloured nail polish/extensions, hair adornments cannot be worn for exams except NDC items. A high level of presentation is expected, and pupils will lose marks for incorrect uniform or a lack of grooming.
Exam Day:
On the exam day, please arrive 20 minutes before the exam time, unless instructed by the teacher. Pupils will be dropped at Reception ready dressed for the exam, with the relevant dance shoes in a bag. All other uniform needed for the exams must also be brought along. At this point the parents will leave and the pupil will join their class to prepare for the exam. They will also be given their exam entry form. This form is presented to the examiner by the pupil when they enter the exam studio. Entry forms must be kept in good order and not crumpled or damaged.
Parents will then return at the arranged time and collect the pupils from the Reception.
We try and estimate the time of each exam, but all examiners work at different speeds, so we ask parents to be patient if you have to wait – we will always do our best to stay on time! We ask parents and pupils not to be late as this slows down the examination process and could mean the pupil would miss their exam. Scheduled times for exams, from and to, can be found on your child’s emailed timetable.
Results and Awards:
We normally receive the exam results within a week of the exam, then the trophies 4-6 weeks after that. However, at peak times this may take longer. Once we receive the awards they are sorted and bagged ready for collection in class.
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to ask and we will be only to please to assist.