Examination Information
For those parents who are new to the school, my staff and myself use our professional judgement and experience to decide whether we should enter your child for an examination. At the same time, we need parental support to ensure that pupils do not miss any classes and that are encouraged to practise at home.
We have to consider entering pupils at least 6 months before their actual exam, so it does require a lot of planning. When we issue a letter to let parents know that we are considering entering their son/daughter for an exam it is likely that they are not quite ready. What we have to consider is the potential of the pupil and this often means that they will require extra classes to reach their potential. Not all pupils in one class will be ready for an exam at the same time and many classes are large making it a very difficult task for a teacher to get the pupils to exam standard in one class a week. Most schools offer extra classes , but if the pupils cannot make these then they it will take much longer for them to achieve the required standard and they will have to wait for the next session. Extra classes are normally for groups but private tuition is available and some pupils benefit more from a one to one situation.Pupils in Grade 1 onwards should also be capable of practicing at home on their own between lessons to secure their knowledge of the syllabus and practise corrections given in class.
Ballet Examination Information
The children will be required to wear their class ballet uniform .
If you need any new items order them now, but Standard 1 parents note that the Grade 1 uniform is different, so please do not waste your money.Hair in a bun, no fringe, no wisps! Please bring hairbrush, hair elastic, hairgrips and clips and a hair net to match your child's hair colour. Don't panic we can show you how to do hair!
Clean ballet shoes ; if you are going to buy new ones please do so now, as it takes at least 4 weeks for the shoes to become supple enough .
Ballet socks must be worn for Primary, Standard 1 and Grade 1 ballet exams.
No make-up or jewellery .
Primary and Standard 1 exams are taken in groups of 4 and the teacher takes the children into the exam room and takes the class, but is not allowed to give any corrections The only other people in the examination room are the examiner and the pianist. Grade exams are taken in 2s but the teacher does not go into the exam room.
- The children are to arrive 40 minutes before their examination starts (Grade exams, 1 hour before) please do not be late as the children will not be relaxed and give their best.
The timetable is on the notice board.
- The back door is not to be used apart from access to the toilet. The entrance will be through the front door, and the children will change in the bar area.
- There must be silence in the waiting area and there will only be sufficient room for one parent to accompany each child.
- The exam is formal but the examiner is always very understanding and pleasant.
- The results are not given on the day of the exam , the teacher is normally notified by post, usually 3-4 weeks later.
- The children will be given a detailed report sheet with their marks, and an overall grade, which is explained on the reverse of the sheet. A certificate usually follows fairly soon after the results.
I hope this information is helpful to you. If you have any further questions please phone me after 8.30 in the evening rather than contact me in class.
