balletbean

Thank you Mummy Twinkle Toes, Just awaiting a call to attend yet another meeting to 'discuss' the current situation. Calmed down just a tad since Friday's email but it won't take me much to get me going....... and it's only Monday! I never really understand any schools need to be so obstructive. They appear to have overlooked the individual child just hide behind policy, rules, laws, health and safety..........blah blah blah. So tired of it all. I attended the school for 13 years and my DD's have attended the exact same school knocking on 17 continuous years. You would think by know I would understand how they operate. Oh, how wrong could I be. Thanks again for the support and advice, everyone has been great.

Totally agree, DD attended this summer and was invited back next summer. Loved it (both myself and DD) but did not want to put 'all eggs in one basket'. Wanting to compare to a full board 6th form with traditional academic studies for 6th form. Contrary to my DD! The only downfall for BW 6th form is that they do not offer A levels, which I was keen for DD to gain. But that was really was the only downside I could find. Even the isolated location could not deter us and having a wild deer wonder across the driveway was just surreal. Talking point of the week!

Thank you Jane, that is most helpful. I think we may just have to submit the application form when they are released and just wait to see what happens. But at least I know a tad more now. Is your DD now in her last year? Just trying to work it out. After next years SS we will be considering full time 6th Form vocational schools. So there was another reason for applying for Elmhurst SS as a taster, if you know what I mean. I was just a tad concerned about the overall size. Just like your DD we come from quite a small community where all the dancing children tend to know each other. Elmhurst seems so large. Hotel would be for me as I would want her to experience the independence and accommodation. A stepping stone before the big move

Jane that is so very helpful. Thank you. DD was concerned with many SS of the age split, I don't think mentally she is ready to be grouped with the older girls especially with accomdation. The actual classes she is confident as they will know her grade/level ability. On paper she would be 15 but because she has a July birthday Birthday she will still think and feel like a 14 yr old. Was your DD happy with the food on offer? I know we haven't applied as yet let alone offered a place but just want to know for sure before sending off a cheque/form. What's the area like, we would be flying in and I would have to stay in a hotel for the duration. Sorry if questions sound basic or trivial but as DD would be on her own (unlike usual school trips) many of these questions would be answered by her teacher. Now I'm the teacher and don't wish to admit that I don't know. Thanks again. Good to hear from beyond the prospectus.

That's very helpful Jo. Thank you. Is 25 the norm? My DD is used to classes of between 6 to 10, (subject to which ballet class) there can even be less on some evenings at her regular Dance School. Been advised by her Ballet School Principal to apply just didn't know how many apply and how many places on offer. Is it just 20/25 in total or are there multiple classes for the age group? I appreciate you went for non residential but do have any info on the Accomdation during the SS. Shared rooms or single occupancy etc? Overall impression of the school, accessibility etc? I've never been to Birmingham so not familiar with the area at all. I've known about the school for more years than I care to remember but not as a parent, if you know what I mean. Thanks again..

I apologise if this question has already been asked but I can't seem to find it. Elmhurst Summer school for a 14 yr old. What Grade (pref incl marks for latest exam) are the other girls that have been successful in the past that have been offered a place? How many apply (success rate in applying) and how many in each class, are they split per age or grades? Can't appear to find any info on the website. ???? Thank you. Ps Any further info gratefully received ????

After the last 48hrs, I have given up on the ASKING I am now in the mode of INFORMING the school when time off is required. Politely obviously.They brought it upon themselves.

Hi, Unfortunately I am outside the UK and don't have a local council or Ofsted. The school in question is also Private (Public in UK terms) so they are run separate from any education authority as far as enforcing rules and regulations, especially the ones that appear to be made up as they go along.

Sorry but I'm no good at copying links. Full details available on the RBS website. Applications go live on the 17th October. The first two weeks (starting 10th July) are focused at those not already attending a vocational school, the latter 2 weeks are for those that do!

I agree, I know of one student who attended Tring from 11 on the Classical Ballet Programme, Completed her 6th form at Laines for one year, by her own choice to expand her career choices. Successfully gaining her first professional contract on the Disney Cruises. There is no guarantee that those students that enter vocational schools at 11 will be suitable for classical ballet, as previously commented on. No matter how much training and potential a pupil has Mother Nature has the final say. Sad but I can understand, when you are watching Swan Lake for instance and the Corps. The entire corp need to be a universal size/shape. Any differences stand out and detract from the ballet. Contemporary dance companies are far more forgiving. But this body size/shape crosses other careers not just ballet. It's heartbreaking for parents as I know only too well. My oldest son trained from a very young age and entered a college, 16yrs at 5ft2 showing huge potential and offered places at other establishments. 3 years later he was 6ft tall Not exactly the height for a jockey! Can't fight it. No one could have predicted that. Career path has not changed just "tweaked" as we call it. Good Luck in whatever you decide on MrsSri, just open up your search for potential school/colleges. There are plenty out there for excellent technically accomplished and/or potential dancers.

Oh, yes. The 3 day break off school for the one audition. Or in the case of my eldest, we ended up having a 10 continuous days (incl weekend) for 3 interviews travelling around England, that involved 2 flights and goodness knows how many trains and changes, hotels. Physically and mentally exhausted and draining on the wallet and that was just me!. Overseas, has it's bonus points but does have it's draw backs. I appreciate that they do accept videos but the audition experience with others present is immeasurable, also gave me time as a parent to check out the area. All the info you can't get from a prospectus.

Gosh, I wish I could take you all to the meetings with me next week. Instead I will make do with your kind words of advice and support sitting on my right shoulder. Just like an imaginary friend whispering in my ear. Thank you sounds such a simple word but it truly means so much to me. Have a good weekend everyone.

I'm still feeling rather shell shocked. Written off the day completely. It will be a long weekend before I speak to anyone else. Thank you once again to everyone. It's been quite heart warming the support on offer here I will give my DD extra hugs tonight. Together we will get through this. Hiccup.

Sorry Richie N But I will have to agree with Bluebird 22. The website quite clearly states that "all applications for auditions are now closed".

Thanks mnemo, The staff members (pastoral and academic) are all out of school today. Probably a good idea as I'm quite emotional and the meeting would not be pretty. On my part. No child should be subjected to this kind of stress. Totally unnecessary to witness adults being bullied through the use of passive/aggressive behaviour. What are we teaching them?. We are here to protect the younger generation and make the world appear a nice safe place. School being one of those safe places. Their words remove the feeling that each child is being valued and their welfare (incl mental health) and their future is paramount before any such league tables.

Thank you one and all. I have refrained from engaging in any further emails at this time. I am aware of how angry and upset I am at this time and may well say something that I might regret at a later date. Now trying to book an appointment with Head of Curriculum today as I know (fortunately) that the Head is not in school.

It's all happened since early this morning, I am trying to take the time to stop shaking and calm down. Just proves that bullying comes in many forms and at all levels. Thank you for your support. Governors did spring to mind.

Thank you, that true dancers instinct kicked in. Resilience. After the tears had been wiped away. Reminded her that she has done nothing wrong and that I was proud of her and that I would be dealing with the whole situation at the earliest opportunity. Whilst wiping away my tears! Where are the child rearing books for guidance when dealing with obstinate teachers and education?

My DD was not the only one shedding a few tears I must admit. She has been at the same school for the past 11 years and he makes that flippant remark. Totally beyond me and obviously not looking at the welfare of my DD but more interested in his league tables. Probably because she is in the top set for everything.and would contribute favorably to those league tables. She has about 18 months left of her compulsory education, this has left a very bad taste in my mouth.

Is it Friday 13th I ask myself? Email from Headmaster regarding dropping an 'optional' subject in yr10. 'You can't drop the subject and if you don't like it you can always find another school'!! Needless to say many tears this morning with a DD not wanting to go to school.

Good Morning, I would just like to say thank you to all you lovely people. I feel quite humble for the time, care and support that you have all given and taken the time out of your day to respond to my rant in a very constructive way. My DD had a rather tearful evening, with the prospect of having to attend a meeting with her geography teacher today, especially as she has done nothing wrong! My new found knowledge has increased my confidence when dealing with the school and remaining in control of my DD future rather than getting all tied up with their stats and position on any league table. A childs mental health and happiness should be paramount, education success should not be purely based on any league tables. Have a good day. I will try and post an update when a resolution has been agreed on and that we are happy to go forward with. Thank you once again.

That's fab thank you. Explains the '8' very clearly. In simple terms anything over 8 is a bonus but not essential. realistically speaking even Needlework/Textiles for a dancer is actually way more important than some other subjects. They strive to engage pupils to make career choices as early as yr8 but then don't appear to have the support network in place to enable a child to reach their goals. Still fixated on the careers of finance, teaching or medicine. Nothing more. I feel totally educated now.

It's not unusual for some pupils in the area to boast 15 to 16 GCSE's on results day. 16! I didn't even know there were that amount of subjects that could be squeezed into a school timetable. Quite happy for 9 or 10 academic exams with good grades, with a mentally healthy child at the end of the exam season.

Thank you one and all. Sorry for my rant earlier, I had to just express my frustration somewhere. A cuppa was not going to work for me this morning. I feel more prepared, to support my DD in her meeting tomorrow. Still would like to know more about this "Progress 8" as I'm sure I will have the 'pleasure' of the Headmasters office again before this is all sorted.

Unfortunately I don't have one of those Picturesinthefirelight