JulieW

It's different dates depending where you took the exam And sorry about the comment about failing - didn't mean to put the frighteners on anyone - it's Adv 1 and 2 where they have to pass each part of the exam

They could do with making all that a bit clearer - as we were certainly put off for a couple of years because you had to pay hundreds of pounds before you knew whether they'd got a scholarship. If there was a chance we could've waited to see what the outcome of the scholarship audition was we would have gone for it (because as CeliB said - we could only afford it if he'd got a scholarship, so there was no way we could risk losing £200) Doesn't matter now for us, but something to think about for future students.

Good that we know they'll be with us soon. You're right to prepare your children that their results may not be as good as in the non-vocational graded exams, but you never know, they might be . And students do sometimes fail vocational exams because they have to pass each part of the marking. We're nervously waiting for Adv 1 results for my daughter as she's only ever had distinctions/honours for all her dance exams (just scraping one in Inter ballet), and has had to prepare herself for that probably not happening this time - but you never know.... Quite honestly, we'll be happy with a pass, as we do know students who have failed it in the past!

Your teacher probably thinks it'll be this week as they originally did say the 10th. You never know, we might still get them this week if they've managed to get them done!

I think you're right Angela - I had always thought it was just photos - which makes it more intriguing really.... but when Glowlight mentioned sending a covering letter it got me confused It was Elmhurst (full-time) who actually ask for a letter.

I think to send a message you just need to click on the person's name and there's a button there. Good luck everyone for your auditions.

I'd love to be a fly on the wall when they're deciding who to offer SS places to - as is apparent from all the comments on this thread and the other on the go at the moment, some associates get in, some don't, some get in one year and don't the next or vice versa, some getting waiting list one year and not another. And all from just the photos and a letter from the teacher (I think that's right isn't it?) - and knowing them of course if they're associates. Intriguing......

I would agree with the above and say not to think of summer schools in connection with applying for sixth form (except for maybe a chance to see what the buildings are like), but to look at when they all are, how much they are and what they offer. And also, don't feel he has to do a summer school - my son has only ever done 2 (and he's now 18 as you know) - he likes his rest (and I got to save money for what lay ahead)

JaneL is right - it's not so much about doing dance, it's more about choreography & reviewing dancing - which is exactly what my vocationally trained son hated about it . He just wants to dance (ballet) - he really, really doesn't care about anything else. However, if your daughter is interested in teaching, or performing generally, GCSE dance would be a great option for her (it's good to do subjects you really enjoy at GCSE if you can), however, as a parent of two other "academic" children, I would have discouraged them from doing dance GCSE if it meant missing out on other important subjects at school (my daughter didn't want to do it despite doing a lot of dancing outside of school - she also loves to dance, but hates choreography and writing reviews, learning about the history - I must've done something wrong...).

My son's done both and I also know lots of people who have done both. YBS certainly has people going back year after year - the training's really good and the students have a great time. My son only went once - mainly because they hadn't got sprung flooring then and he was suffering with his knees at the time and then since that Elmhurst started theirs and he decided to go there this year instead, having heard great things about it from the year before (he's at Elmhurst sixth form, so we had the added advantage of having his flat so didn't have to pay for boarding). Unfortunately Elmhurst only take the older students (was it 14 and over?) so I'd recommend YBS for anyone younger - but would definitely recommend Elmhurst for the older students, lovely facilities and BRB company teaching alongside Elmhurst teachers - but then I am a bit biased!!

My son's done both and I also know lots of people who have done both. YBS certainly has people going back year after year - the training's really good and the students have a great time. My son only went once - mainly because they hadn't got sprung flooring then and he was suffering with his knees at the time and then since that Elmhurst started theirs and he decided to go there this year instead, having heard great things about it from the year before (he's at Elmhurst sixth form, so we had the added advantage of having his flat so didn't have to pay for boarding). Unfortunately Elmhurst only take the older students (was it 14 and over?) so I'd recommend YBS for anyone younger - but would definitely recommend Elmhurst for the older students, lovely facilities and BRB company teaching alongside Elmhurst teachers - but then I am a bit biased!!

(Oooo that's funny - seeing myself as a "Newbie" - think I'd've been an "Oldie" on the old forum )

Beccijackson - as Fran says - the audition's fairly simple - although being able to skip round in circles is worth practising - sounds easy but isn't at that age and they do it a lot at JAs as I remember! And please don't take this as sounding negative, but please be prepared for the fact that most of the children who get into WL for year 7 are already JAs. It's certainly not only JAs who get in by any means, there are several children at WL who either didn't ever audition for JAs or didn't get in. Enjoy the experience - it's lovely going to the Upper School (if that's where you're auditioning) and they're very friendly - the children always seem to come away happy. My main piece of advice to all about to embark on auditions for RBS, Elmhurst etc is try not to tie yourselves in knots trying to work out what they are or aren't looking for/are they in the right grade/is my child the right shape/"someone moved my child's leg, does that mean they stand more chance" etc etc. Your child can only do their best and can't do anything about how long their legs/neck/arms are.... Enjoy each stage as it happens and don't give up trying if it's a no - you never know what's going to happen in the future. Children - have fun Parents - stay calm, take spares of everything, and get to know other parents - some will end up life-long friends (I'm really jealous, this is an exciting time for you - my son's in graduate year so we're coming to the end of this part of the journey - bit sad.....)