sarahw

Bethany this is a million dollar question!

My personal feeling is that a funding offer does increase the chance of the student being employable at the end. However I don't think it's that clear cut due to late developers, injuries etc.

I think there is clearly an over supply of training places. You always need a Plan B!!

How stressful! Definitely rest. Good luck xx

Bearing in mind A levels are free til age 19 another option is go to dance at 16 and review after 1 year with the option of returning to A levels.

I also agree that careful consideration of living arrangements at 16 is vital. A long commute is undesirable after a full day's dance.

KS don't have DADAS but do have funding available.

May be worth looking at KS Dance in Warrington who offer Trinity Diploma and teacher training. Also Centre Pointe in Denton in Manchester.

I agree with Pictures that going to summer schools is a useful way to get info.

My dd is at vocational school. We were told there is a relatively high incidence of SEN. The school is supportive as far as I can tell and I'm sure the small classes help.

Taxi I feel a bit tearful tbh! 😢😢You have been a source of wisdom and will be missed. For me the forum has been a life saver and it depends on people contributing. The very best of luck to your daughter.

To Loulabelle and Curious I wish your daughters the very best also.

It is sad to hear about injuries but the silver lining is that your ex-dd will probably move into much more secure careers. I hope they recover from the huge disappointment they must have felt.

Xx

Get well soon Billyelliott! 

Shale was fabulous - have watched his classical so many times. He has oodles of time in his tours......

Fabulous CeliB - you're living the dream!!

But you're best to do own photos at home over the summer. With home teacher if possible. ..

And Hammond do really push their own 6th form so you have to be aware of that.

At Hammond they have a career interview in May Y10 which we found honest and helpful.

One of the ballet teachers has helped with ENBS videos I think.

When my dd was a JA very few got SS places ...

When dd was a JA the success rate for them at SS was low.

I enjoyed reading that thank you @WillowBallerina

Congratulations to your dd for Abbott's Bromley! The other one is a bit of a curved ball but at least you have some choices!!

Pictures the school would have been able to tell from the ages of the children that they couldn't possibly be Inter level.

I suspect some parents thought Intermediate meant not a beginner and didn't realise it was a vocational grade.

Eliteballet I would think that after the MA audition you will have an idea if your dd fits the RBS bill. Usually all who apply get an audition.

The 'no' letters are usually very positive and do not give a good indication of future success.

Certainly the SS has traditionally been very international and relatively few British get places

My dd did the general dance one years ago and enjoyed it. The new Ballet one is a fabulous idea but you have to deliver what you have advertised when parents are paying over £400.

So pleased for you and your ds!!

Pictures I'm afraid our experience at the Ballet SS last year was very mixed

They had accepted a lot of children onto the course who were clearly not Inter level. Many were A LONG way off.

It appeared the teacher in charge had not been informed about this until she saw them dancing on the first day.

The teacher worked very hard to ensure the dancers at the Inter level got the SS that had been promised but it was not optimal. And at the showing I felt sorry for those at a lower level who were clearly out of their depth.

I am happy to discuss on PM if anyone wants. 

Dd says they have lost 8 hours of dance for carols this week......

Thanks Guys it's interesting to hear what happens elsewhere.

A reflection of Hammond having a diverse offering I suppose.........  It's worrying for January auditions (esp classical) when you add up these last 2 weeks and the Xmas hols

Hi!

What happens at other schools at this time of year?

Hammond seems to abandon dance for the last 2 weeks of term in favour of Carol service preparation !!

Just not ideal preparation for auditions for Y11s!!!

Hi ballet4ever,  they left it late before the October audition also - arrived 2/3 days prior I think.

Hope the recovery is going well for your son Harwel. How horribly stressful. No excuse for shocking teacher comments..... Just disgusting.