Janabiyah-Jane

Wishing all the luck in the world to those hoping for vocational school places in September. I know what you are all going through. It is an amazing experience for all those little ones especially. Whitelodge is especially magical. Good Luck everyone

I haven't been on for a while, now the kids are back to school I have and have also just donated....

Sorry, good point... There were 12 boys and 13 girls, one girl was only 14 so has completed year 11 again. This year I am not too sure I'm afraid, although I would imagine a similar amount. I thought those were good numbers, considering they are up against many students from all over the world.

Last year from White Lodge (my daughters year) 6 boys and 6 girls got a place at RBS Upper School, the others went to Elmhurst, ENBS and Central... I think it may be a similar amount this year, but perhaps more girls than boys.

The way I see it, is enough parents and sponsors would need to subscribe for it to be of any use to even one child.... I have come across this website before and I am not sure I would feel confident enough to donate anything without seeing something more conclusive or perhaps a big name affiliated with it. That is just my opinion though...

My daughter wears her orthotics inside her school shoes, she wears Clarks brogue type lace up shoes, she doesn't go up a size, just goes up in the width... She normally measures as an F width so has a G to fit the orthotics... She also wears them in her converse at weekends. Its always best to have the orthotics with you when trying on shoes, to get the best fit.

These are the startrite shoes which I feel are the most supportive for all children, but are especially good for those who need good support on the arch. http://www.startriteshoes.com/girls/school-shoes/venus and they go up to a 51/2...

Having trained as a childrens shoe fitter and having 2 dancers myself. I try to encourage all children to wear more sensible shoes, not just dancers! Startrite shoes are the best for either very narrow or very wide feet. However the styles are not very fashionable and most children refuse to wear them. But there are a couple of more fashionable ones called Angry Angels which are made by startrite and these are a lot more supportive than your regular off the peg ballet style pump. Here is a link and they do come up very narrow so possibly ideal for your daughters feet. http://www.angryangels.co.uk/our-shoes

H is for HDA Hammond Dance Associates - An associate programme ran by the Hammond School In Chester. Admittance is via audition only. Classes are held once a month on a Sunday. At least 3 classes in the day including a ballet class.

How exciting Julie... we get to watch them so little, I am sure you will shed a tear or two, I know I would... x

Definitely potential more than technique.... My daughter auditioned for the last year of JA's and was very behind in her technique due to very limited ballet classes, she was definitely offered a place on potential.

I agree spanner.... My children have very different physiques... I think one has taken after my grandmother (she died when I was young) so my mum says. The other I am really not sure about. I am 5'9" and my 17 year old is 5'4" and the 14 year old 5'1" and luckily both have much smaller feet than me (I'm a size 8!) They are not their dads build either... You just can't tell looking at parents or grandparents... Genes can skip countless generations..

I shouldn't think this would be viable... MDS is applied by means testing so one student isn't necessarily going to get the same amount as another. MDS is awarded to individuals only. A nice idea though..

So pleased that its all worked out for you... How exciting...New ventures ahead. Masses of luck for the future to her...

Just want to add that if the weather is nice and you have time (once you know the area a bit better) its only a short walk from Leicester Square (the station before Covent Garden) its sometimes better to get off here as Covent Garden gets very busy and you have to wait for a lift to street level.(or take the heart attack stairs lol).

Its quicker to travel by tube to Covent Garden. You would get the Bakerloo line from Paddington and change at Piccadily Circus, where you would then get the piccadily line to Covent Garden. This would take about 20 minutes and RBS is about a 30 second walk from the tube station.

I agree that BMI isn't a great indicator for a healthy weight. I also know very slim athletes whose BMI is very high due to muscle, therefore very misleading. There was a case in the news some time ago, regarding a boy whose parents had been sent a letter after a weight check at school advising them that he was overweight and needed to watch his diet. The boy was again an athlete and infact extremely healthy. All body builders would probably be deemed as morbidly obese if they were to measure their health by BMI. My youngest daughter feels that she is overweight as she has also filled out due to puberty, she definitely isn't and after having some time together this holiday I think I have reassured her somewhat.

Surely they won't expect final payment if they haven't yet sent results out?

I know of a boy who was at White Lodge and is an amazing ballet dancer, he has got to the finals in YBDY at least twice and won the Phylis Bedells award. He is about 5 foot 6 and although was advised that he was too short for RBS he is currently on a DaDa with ENBS. Not sure if this is relevant but just thought that it may give a more positive slant for the shorter chaps.

You don't know how lucky you are, there were so few on here when I needed info... Although the ones that were gave me invaluable information... you know who you are

RBS also offer A level Maths, as well as either English, Art or French.

RBS is just one A level through the school. I would imagine you could do additional ones if you did it in your own time. Elmhurst do too I believe.

Good luck with the class tonight Fiz.... x

I know friends of my daughters have been looking at flats due to the Barbican closing (currently in their first year). They seem to be looking at flats for about £100 each per week (3-4 sharing a 2 bed)... Obviously you have to pay for the full year so that is £5200 a year just for the accomodation, but I guess that isn't bad for central London, the difficulty is getting landlords to allow under 18's, they would have to accept the parent as a guarantor.

How about just moving to Chesham... You would still be close enough to Tring for the other 3 but better for transport to central london... x