Lou78

Hi All , Just thought I’d offer my own opinion of the school as my own DD is now yr 11 and is coming to the end of her time there as she moves to pastures new . It seems like yesterday we found out she had a place with MDS award for yr 7 . I only speak highly of the school and the different opportunities she has been given along the way . She has gone from being a shy small 11 yr old to a most confident and self assured young lady in the blink of an eye and she is very mature for her age due to living away from home and being responsible for herself from an early age . Anyway feel free to message me with any questions you have as I once was in the same position as you are now .

@Farawaydancer I think it’s all been a juggling act and do know a few teachers etc that have moved on Over the years ,the remaining ones have had to plug the gaps where possible until new ones have been recruited , this may have affected your DC’s year more than other year groups and I do know that pre March there was lots going on in regards to RAD exams , Modern exams and tap ones . Plus they were rehearsing for a show too at the Storyhouse in Chester . That said there is no excuse if they had been blatantly ignoring you and glad you manage to get through to who you needed in the end .

I’ve been reading this thread with interest as a mum of a DD going into year 11 at the Hammond this year , she has been there since year 7 and was lucky enough to win an MDS award following her audition all those years ago. I am a little dismayed that some on here are unhappy regarding communication etc - maybe I’ve missed something but we have been are still in the middle of a pandemic something we haven’t seen before and hopefully never will again so if the communication has not been what it should have well I think there is a genuine reason for it . The teachers and staff have been simply amazing providing both dance and academic work throughout for all of the students including the ones doing BA courses higher up the school , their hard work and efforts have gone a long way to keep their dancers sharp and focused . My own DD experience of this is very positive indeed , she has been able to keep her fitness going and continue learning to the level she needs in order to keep progressing. Whilst doing all of this for their current students they may not have had time etc to respond to emails and calls as they would normally do so , I have always found their communication to be really good throughout the years DD has been there .

Hi Wend what year was you DD auditioning for yr 7 ? My DD is currently yr 8 at Hammond . She was lucky enough to get an MDS award straightaway to join Year 7 but there was a number of children in her year pulled from the reserve list and also given MDS awards so don't lose hope . She loves her school and is making such fantastic progress having opportunities which she would never have had if she'd stayed at home xx

Hi Balletmum77 my DD will be yr 8 in September, they are a really lovely group so I think your DD will have no trouble making friends , I will let her know about your DD xx

Hi Sarah2203 my DD is yr7 currently, there will be a final audition and that's when the funding is decided. Fill all the forms in and return them . A huge well done to your DD I'm sure if you come to Hammond she will love it as my DD has xx

My DD is yr 7 at Hammond, she was a little off around assessment time in November but realised it was because she wasn't drinking enough. That could be something to do with it , they work so hard in a day that sometimes they forget to keep drinking. Also DD is a bit obsessed with her hand sanitizer and each EXEAT she takes another bottle back with her , and buys more when they go on their shopping trips ???? Hope she feels better soon mumof6

Pixie , I can only go on our experience as DD former dance teacher was exactly the same with her , I had a real struggle in getting her to sign the application forms and she wasn't happy about DD auditioning for anything . She was happy though that DD did festivals and was successful most of the time . We went with our and DD's heart and auditioned anyway for RBS JA's and Elmhurst too - she got offered places at both . Though we went with RBS JA's and she had an amazing time there , she is now at vocational school dancing everyday and loving the experience so much . She wouldn't have got there had it not been for her RBS JA teacher believing in her ability. I wish I could have moved DD away from the local school but there was very limited other schools to choose from. It definitely made DD's confidence take a nose dive something which we are still working on now with her . My advice move if you are not happy and audition if that's what your DD wants to do. Hope all works out ok for you xx

Thank you Dancing Pickles have replied x

DD is due to start in September in yr 7 - she has the MDS award too but understand they are means tested we know roughly what to expect contribution wise but were wondering do they allow monthly payments or just termly ? Would be much better for us if monthly allowed - any advice welcome X

Congratulations tired dance mummy , we were also in the same position two years ago when DD also got a yr5 place with RBS and Elmhurst yr5 too . As hard as it was we decided to just do RBS . Best decision we made as she has certainly had the best time even though it's coming to and end very soon ???? She's off to Vocational school in September with one of the bid four xx good luck whatever you decide to do xx

Yes Pictures I've already deliberately started moving things and messing her room up a bit - I blame DH for this as he is the same infact they are identical in a lot of ways xxx

My DD also starting in yr 7 from September - she is extremely tidy and likes things in their place . Her room at home is immaculate , though I have said not everyone will be as tidy as her and how will she cope with that ? She has said well as long as my area is tidy it doesn't bother me about everyone else's ????

And yes DD will be yr 7 xx

Ok thank you Pictures I assume we will receive further details around the same time re the MDS award too xx