balletbean

My DD is just finishing yr10 (turned 15 on Tuesday) and trains for on average 15 hours a week. It is difficult to compare the amount of training at a regular ballet school and an academic school against a those attending a vocational school. Lessons are taken during the regular working hours for a start, unlike our DC who balance school lessons and train in the evenings. Often forgoing evening meals until later on. It is therefore very easy for DC to reach physical and mental exhaustion trying to maintain the balance as they can get so caught on the cycle of school, dance, homework, eat. sleep, repeat. Teachers at their academic schools have one focus and one focus only, GCSE Grades and league tables. The pressure will be on. Not just for dancers but other teenagers that take part in sport at county level or above. Schools may appear supportive but only to a certain level. We've already had the discussion about which lessons to pull back on at the studio to allow revision in yr 11. Revision hours that are not done too late at night and to ensure enough sleep hours are maintained. We as parents also can't avoid the fact that GCSE's play an important part in our children's lives even if they are adamant that they will spend their whole career dancing. They need their GCSE's, 1) For some funding, many ask for 5x A-C grades (now 9 - 5 Grades). 2) GCSE good grades ensure that the pupil has a better chance of succeeding with their Trinity Diploma or BA(Hons). These qualifications will be studied whilst away from home for the first time, so will be totally independent with their studies and won't have a parent to support them quite the same as they would at home. Higher GCSE Grades will help them on this one. There is quite a considerable amount of written work required for both qualifications. My eldest DD completed her Trinity Diploma last year, thankful for her GCSE's and A levels, unlike many of their peers. Try to find the healthy balance, as all children do need down time either by themselves or with their friends. They need to develop those important social skills as well as time with the family. It won't be long before they spread their wings and leave the nest. Nobody ever said it would be easy. Good Luck.

Senior school sports days are a completely different event altogether. The advantage is that students tend to be allowed to choose their sport of choice. Hurdles, highjump are certainly off the list incl discus and shot put. DD has fortunately always avoided injury even though I am a rather paranoid mother when it comes to sports day. Didn't give the school walk much thought, silly me. 6 huge painful blisters later did not go well with Pointe Shoes! However, it does show the dancers determination and hard work ethic instilled with her dance school. All the pupils that completed the 28 mile school walk in temperatures of 32 degrees turned up for their regular lessons later on that evening! Oh to be young again lol

Thank you, I thought it was £19, the main problem I had was that I wasn't aware of the extra costs that has to be made as soon as certificate is issued. Can't be done retrospectively. I wasn't aware that an employer could then access the records themselves. I thought they could apply or a new certificate is issued annually if the additional funds were paid for when original check was completed. But at the end of the day the DBS check only for convictions. It is a sad world we now live in that we all have to presume that every adult is guilty unless we can constantly prove that we are innocent. I am fully behind the importance of it all but sometimes bureaucracy can drive even the calmest of people insane. As a parent helper at my sons school I still needed to be checked. I've been there longer than some fully qualified teachers! With my DBS check accepted at one school but not another even though both are covered by the same Police Force!

Hi, Maybe with Maths and Music there isn't the need for children to change their clothing or for physical contact unlike a dance teacher. My eldest DD is currently completing her DDI and every teacher/Principal she has spoken to for employment has requested her DBS check certificate BEFORE she is even allowed to take a class, that would be supervised by a regular teacher. It does seem the norm nowadays. My concern is that any check is actually out of date from the moment the certificate is issued and only highlights any individuals that have convictions.

How does that work if you are self-employed/freelance, like so many dance teachers. Working at multiple studios/schools? Thank you

Just another thought related to teaching, have you be had a DBS check done? New name for a Police Check. All adults coming into contact with children require this certificate along with the necessary insurance. If you haven't applied yet, double check at the time of submission then your certificate can be valid for any school rather than a designated establishment and for an additional fee the DBS check is rolled over annually. Very important for freelance teachers. Forms can be picked up from any Police Station or Town Hall from what I gather. These checks can take a while to be processed so ensure you give yourself time.

There was a case not that long ago that involved a police investigation. Fake certificates and acquiring money under false pretences as the person concerned advertised as a qualified RAD teacher and charged the students for exams that never actually existed. Somebody that's rather nifty on the old computer may find the report as it was covered in a video/media format rather than just a written article in a newspaper. Sadly I'm not one of those very good on the old computer thingy.

Personally I have never found an issue with my children just receiving a mark and award for an exam. My concern would be the longer the examiner has her eyes down on the desk writing the less time that examiner is actually watching my child. Especially when there maybe up to 3 other children in the exam room at the time. Obviously sometimes that can be a good thing......................... I am not too sure where a feedback can offer anymore help than the breakdown marks already do, that are provided by RAD with the exam certificate. Feedback is very rare Comps/Festivals/Music exams/year end academic exams and GCSE's etc. After-all, exam times tend to be a complete blur and a child reading a report several months after the event may just go over their heads. Whereby a feedback during or after class on a regular basis from the teacher would be more constructive and something the child can relate to immediately. I'm sure if you have a good relationship with your child's teacher they would be more than happy to enter into a dialogue with you or provide a written report for your records. I appreciate I might be in the minority. Exams are a good way to assess their over all progress but when it comes to Vocational School audition process, children are assessed on their performance on the day/s. Exam results are only used for reference purposes only.

Absolutely. Do you have far to come? Just curious but understand if you don't want to share.

Welcome to my world Too Tu, I have to book flights as well!!! I think I will be on first name terms with airport security by the end of the summer. lol

Thank you Too Tu. It's all been quite overwhelming. Forms for 3 schools were submitted but not really thinking that she would be successful just a paper exercise. Accepted at two and a place on the waiting list for the 3rd. Then reality kicked in ££££££ What have I let myself in for? LOL

My DD received an offer of a place for the senior SS course just over a week ago. She had received a No with no hint she was on their waiting list! One very happy young lady. One rather cash strapped ballet mum as she had already accepted a place at ENBS back in March. EEEEEK

I would strongly suspect that it is one step closer to gaining a place at a vocational school but no guarantee. It would also depend on the age of the student attending the SS.

Thank you Loulabelle, Very informative. We won't have the option to return home middle weekend so laundry facilities is on my list. Where is Dot Cotton and her launderette when you need one!! lol

Hi, Just reading your post and seeing that your address is in India. Like so many other overseas students unless you hold UK residential status than the bursaries and DaDa's quoted won't be for you. Any funding/bursaries etc would have to come from your own Educational funding system available for you in your country of residence. Just like you would if you were attending a UK university. Sorry if that is not quite what you want to hear but it may actually open up your options for funding.

Hi, We too are classed as overseas. Challenging times sourcing accommodation even when using the list provided and other sites found on google. Just out of interest, if you don't mind me asking. Premier Inn, how close is that to the school? Breakfast and other meals? Laundry facilities? I was trying to source a self contained apt for the duration but all seem to be rather challenging on the old wallet! I thought it would be the better option that a hotel but now having doubts. all these costs obviously excl flights etc. Thank you

Hi EMARAL, My DD is also on the same course but as she is only 15 the week before the course starts, I am going to stay as a chaperone. During my research for accommodation, I found that there are 'homestays' (host families) available details through the school. Maybe worth dropping ENBS a quick email for more details. I also contacted Imperial College as they offer Uni Halls of residence in the area for students throughout the summer. Basic but may be suitable, however, do look closely as some buildings have a licensed bar on the premises so not open to under 18's. Supervised as well (girls separated from boys etc). Hope that helps and good luck on your search.

Hi, According to RAD uniform list (sorry no good at copying links) soft blocks are not needed until Intermediate. My DD took her IF last July without but I have now purchased them for Inter. Hope that helps.

Apologies for the delay, I've been away and off line. The comment was posted by a friend/associate of Sophie, stating "Sophie had trained for three years before taking the RAD Intermediate Foundation". I can provide the name if requested but as the comment wasn't posted on here but BBC page not sure if I should publish a name. There were several others that also commented on the IF exam taken.

Hi, I found it on the BBC site where additional comments were also made regarding the IF exam taken. That was one of the reasons why I posed the question Why would a teacher choose that exam for a ballet novice? Many other questions were also asked about the video. Raises an interesting discussion.

Hi, It was IF, quite surprising as Vocational exams are not designed for novice/beginners. Its a very challenging exam for anyone. My concern was for the Pointe section of the exam I agree with you that all dancers need to be judged equally in exams, age, sexuality, colour, race etc should not be a factor when awarding the grade/marks. From the video I too couldn't see vocational or higher grade standard presented/performed. . It makes no difference to me (hence my comment about not being sexist) when I watch anyone dancing either in a studio or on stage/screen. It's their talents that I watch and hopefully enjoy.

Hi, I was wondering when or if this video would pop up on this forum and I found the post by accident. When the news item was first released on BBC FB page I had quite an informative discussion with many whilst raising many issues concerning the whole feature. Why enter a 'novice' pupil into a vocational exam? Why not Grade 6 as the inspirational lady at the beginning of the post did? No mention of Pointe work, we all know that Pointe work is compulsory for the IF exam, was 'Sophie' exempt? Incl stretching the feet like someone else mentioned, this clip fell well short of that! Wondering if a simple slip of the tongue by 'Sophie's' mother at a young age (boys becoming ballerinas) has gradually been manifested over the years. The marks on the board, are those the average marks for IF or was the teacher just seeking 5 minutes of fame? I am only used to the marks at my DD's ballet school so have nothing to compare against. Wondering if 'Sophie' had been encouraged and supported to enter as a boy candidate what mark/grade was awarded? Now if a male Ballet dancer had been the transgender individual in this video clip, changing roles then a true comparison could be made (if you get my drift). Finally, where was 'Sophie' hoping to take this new passion in ballet? Hobby/pastime? Or has her ballet teacher not been realistic with 'Sophie' that be it a male ballet dancer or a female ballet dancer career was being dreamed of that this was never going to happen. I've watched it so many times. There are many adult men and women out there who attend regular adult ballet classes for pure enjoyment. I didn't quite get where this report was going. There were just so many unanswered questions. PS There are 4 x 15/16yr old boys at my DD's ballet school, like so many boys they are amazing. PPS I am not sure if this has actually done any good for RAD, Personally I was always taught that IF and other Vocational exams are 'Majors' exam in the ballet world. The standard shown, be it boy or girl, fell well short of that. Many non dancers on the BBC page also commented on that point as well. I am not being sexist or anti transgender just interested to hear what others have to say. Thank you

Lovely idea, however, words of warning from a mum who has done her research. If others are thinking the same for their child this summer (16/17yrs) Do your reserach carefully. On looking closely I found that if the student is under 18 there are many Halls out of bounds . These Halls have their own licensed bar on the premises. Even though the younger student would not be entering the bar itself, their rules dictate that the under 18's can't stay. I tried that, still declined even when I said that I would be a chaperone for my teenager, (I'm a tad old for uni living, lol) just a mum trying to keep the costs to a min. Good Luck

My DD loved BW last summer and was due to return this year for 2 weeks. Unfortunately or fortunately which ever way you choose to look at it, my DD was offered a two week place at ENBS. Absolutely delighted and totally unexpected but ENBS dates are the exact same dates as BW. Probably like so many others she can't select any earlier dates as she would not have broken up from her academic school for the holidays We have decided to accept the place at ENBS but BW is still on her list. Not only did the school have two entrants in the BBC final but they also had entrants in the Genee final in Sydney, as well as one student winning the choreography award at the Phyllis Bedell competition only the other week. The school certainly does not allow their remote location from stopping them from entering their students in all the well known competitions and performing opportunities. Even for the 1st years. The location/scenery is absolutely stunning, the standard is amazing and the people of Scotland are all incredibly friendly and hospitable.