BankruptMum

I'm sure the grade criteria for ISTD is available online so maybe you could check out both exam boards that way.

Has anyone had any experience of taking these qualifications on a part-time basis rather than full time at college. Just wondered what the level of commitment time-wise was. Many thanks,

Check you 'junk' email boxes - a response may be lurking there.

The audition times are more likely to be an issue with Mock exams. I think dedicating a couple of lunch breaks to art would be a good idea - probably best to go to school with an open mind and lots of dates, information. Does EYB mean lots of missed school or is it just fitting in rehearsals. Rest is so important as once they get over tired there is no room to catch up in this busy time.

Can't say I am impressed with the new leotard range by Bloch! http://www.blochshop.co.uk/category/dance-leotards/11

Having a DD now in year 12, I know what you are going through, it isnt easy but it can be done. It is going to be a three way partnership between your daughter, school and dance. All have to give a little, and a compromise needs to be found to stop a stressed daughter, mum and school. Our approach was GCSE's was its only 8 months of her life (plus 1 month of holidays), the results will affect her regardless of her choosen career path (and that may change a few years down the line anyway however determined she is at the moment) so it does need to become a priority. Her school ran exam sessions after school five days a week which she attended but then took this off the time she did personal revision which she slotted in around her dance classes - a lot of her friends put dance on hold, my DD didnt, attended every class as she felt keeping a normal lifestyle helped her stress levels. She even prepared for a Vocational ballet exam which she passed with Distinction in July. If your DD is still doing PE and sports perhaps negotiate she uses these as personal study time, have a chat with them and agree what can be arranged. My DD found these Sports sessions useful though as it gave her time to do something different and unwind. Time off for auditions needs to be thought about so perhaps take a list of audition dates for each school (keep those to a realistic minimum) and ask them which dates would be most suitable and less disruptive for your DD to fit in around mocks etc. Vocational Exams do carry UCAS points but only with Dance/Arts courses, I get the impression they are looked upon as a lovely 'extra' rather than making up core points on over subscribed courses (of which there are plenty now as many are taking this route due to increasing costs with DADA's etc). Basic academic qualifications are still required. Competition is very tough for sixth form places and funding is yet another issue so a Plan B, C, D and perhaps E are needed - GCSE's grades will be a factor in any other route. I didnt realise how stressed my DD was becoming until she had her final exam, its amazing what they can cope with, it sounds as if your school need some reassurance to and then you wont get stroppy non-understanding teachers calling you. Best of luck, its going to be a tough 8 months but worth it :-)

I would suggest it is very easy to get caught into the trap of 'following the crowd' when it comes to auditioning for Year 7 places. It will soon become the only topic of conversation at PVP. If you daughter has expressed she isnt interested then I would follow her thoughts, although lots do leave home at 11 years it is very young. If she has good teaching support at home there is no rush.

It is a very difficult market for Graduates and it is still very financially driven as those who can afford to travel more often and further get more exposure etc., tough, tough environment.

My DD uses old sweet tins (the small round type) or a small tupperware style boxes which fit in her bags easier than one larger one.

It's only £6k at Balletwest Swanprincess and BTUK currently have no funding from student finance - see this year's threads.

It's only £6k at Balletwest Swanprincess and BTUK currently have no funding from student finance - see this year's threads.

I do feel that the 'bullying' which goes on in regular secondary school is quiet different to the behaviour in schools where children board. It has a lot to do with the fact children cant 'escape' the behaviour and often the incidents are so minor it isnt behaviour which could be repremanded but lots of little incidents can make for a very uncomfotable time at vocational school. It is difficult for a houseparent to respond to a situation with little evidence coupled with an over baring parent on the phone who cant believe their child would/could behave in such a way etc, whereas another parent is more laid back, often children are encouraged to smooth things out rather than dealing with issues. The problem also lies in that they have to learn to accept others behaviour standards - this varies hugely and compromise is difficult for some children. Yes its all a learning curve and mixing with people from all walks of life is very important, although I'm sure we all work with people we wouldn't share a meal table or a house with but we can walk away at the end of the day and return to our comfort zone - these children cant. For me its all about sacrifice - what is my child prepared to scacrifice in terms of morals, opinions etc., just to fit in. Anyone considering vocational education please look at the whole picture not just the glossy brochure and policies - there are so many options now, do what is right for your child and your family.

I'm not sure why people feel it's a competitive environment, my DD's experience certainly didn't demonstrate this in lower school. If it had been competitive then the bullies wouldn't have had an opportunity to develop their existence. Parts were often given to people who fitted the costume or those which suited the part (very realistic but not competitive); exam results were never read out but secretly told to students which allowed some to over inflate their marks to their peers. It isn't competitive which IMO is why the hardworking, dedicated young dancers dont always shine.

Agree Dr Dance, bullying is only successful because bullies are supported, it can easily be stopped if people find confidence to stand up for their own beliefs rather than bring subservient to others.

This is true but the problem of being away at school is there is nowhere to escape. You eat, sleep and live with these people. Its very diferent if you can come home from school, and have a hug and a chat with your mum or dad - a phone call just isnt the same. Often perceived friends will join in with the banter as they dont want to be excluded from the group. It isnt a nice situation, and unfortunatley the Houseparents in my DD's situation seemed to brush the issues away rather than dealing with them. Some parents are more dominating that others and HP's often managed a situation in order to receive less grief from themselves rather than tackling things head on. I frequently found the behaviour of other students unacceptable and it was of a far lower standard than expected at our local secondary school. My DD decided to put up and learn to live with it but it really didnt make for a nice experience. She was assessed out in Year 9 but as a parent my regret is not having the guts to take her out earlier - she now agrees it would have been better to leave. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to see what life is like but you have to weigh up if it is worth the compromise and sacrifice. I know its been mentioned in other threads but as parents we are paying (subsidising) for this training, I dont think some schools realise the full responsibility they have for raising these children, which is afterall, is what they are doing.

She is finding something in common with her peers and is happy. Stop the privates to learn the dance until she shows an interest - no point waisting your money.

Completely agree, I was very dissapointed and frustred at the time my daugher spent at vocational school. It seemed more important to keep everyone happy rather than instill discipline (within the dance studio things were different). My DD came back home in Year 9 and has since attended the local secondary school, its nothing special just your average comprehensive but she has loved every day of her time there, been well supported through her GCSE's, and discipine is very apparent. Investors in business require ongoing feedback about their investments I dont understand why the Govrnment dont do more to ensure their money is being spent wisely and to ensure it is a worthwhile venture.

I'm not sure I agree, dance students learn valuable skills throughout their training which are transferable. Let's produce more hardworking, disciplined young people. I agree completely with Tulip and would really like to see more care taken with the awarding of precious funding. The perceived most gifted at year 7 may not be the same as in year 11, students change, some who weren't in the running for any funding but who have the grit and determination to work hard often bloom with training. I don't understand why the government doesn't expect a greater return for its investment in people. There are rules in place for behaviour when accepting an MDS award but the schools dont seem to worry.

Bloch for my DD, she easily broke them in with regular class work xx

I believe Ballet Cymru seniors are 15+ rather than to 18.

DD had a fabulous Premier class, teacher was Tereza Theodoulou she was very encouraging and gave them some fantastic freework. No prizes today but it was an honour to see my DD dance with confidence and style among such a high standard of work.

The mds award was reassessed each year so I dont see why DADA's would be different.

My DD is in the Premier section but our teacher hasnt received any details on timings, numbers etc., yet - have you heard anything Loulabelle? It will be a great experience for your DD to watch Miracle, hope she enjoys it.

Is anyone else going to the finals on Sunday? Good luck to all those who are

Bristol school of dancing teach very successfully up to Adv 2 and Bristol university have a very good sports physio department also in the Clifton area.