balletbean

Yr 10, Having already taken Media Studies (last summer) now studying. Eng Lang Eng Lit Double science (biology/Chemistry/Physics) Classed as 2 exams. Maths History RS Performing Arts German ICT Geography - At the moment I think that's it. They did mention Progress 8 in the meeting, I've never heard of that but didn't admit to it. Could you explain more?. I need an education (lol)

I totally agree with you, however when in a meeting and its two against one (me being the one) and they throw a curved ball at you. The most intelligent confident of parents can be struck dumb into silence. Purely by the stupidity of a statement just used, by those you expect to be more informed. I just could not respond without being sarcastic and lower myself to their standard.

Thank you Pups_mum, I really thought talking to my DD Mentor just over a week ago, we were all on the same page. How very wrong could I be? It's the support of others on this forum that keeps us all fighting an unnecessary battle. I shall have a long chat with my DD tonight when she finally gets back to her 2nd home (1st being the dance studio) . 17 consecutive years of being engaged with schools (penalty for having 4 children) has finally got the better of me. It's about time we parted company, before it all goes horribly wrong.

Coupled with they want money for my DD to go on a week long field trip next summer. Wellies are not my DD choice of footwear. Edited to add: How would these schools react if, after selecting options at a relatively young age a student has a "light bulb" moment a year later and discovers that her chosen subjects are not compatible with their uni/career choice. I would be very surprised if schools didn't accommodate those students. Performing Arts in all forms should be no different. On speaking to a lovely lady at the local education dept, she reported that "those students that drop a subject at this stage, do not improve the grades of their other subjects as they waste the extra time achieved on their timetable"!!!! They obviously do not know my DD

Thanks Hoglett, no resolution, tutor will talk to my DD tomorrow. Gosh, she was a force to be reckoned with! Pity my DD tomorrow! Eek I don't want favours I just want my DD to be recognised as a individual and not compared to others. Good or bad. PS It was supposed to be "Rant over" but ended up in Ran.. Fingers!

Eldest DD has just Graduated this summer from Stella Mann in Bedford, so any questions you may have about the college just ask. I can have a go at answering for you.

O M G someone get me a drink NOW. A cuppa isn't going to work after the morning I've just had. Meeting at school as DD in Yr10 wants to drop one of her option subjects. (Humanity). Her reclaimed class time to be used to additional study/homework time for her other subjects. Rather than spreading herself too thinly and possibly diluting her final exam grades You would think I had asked the impossible. "Do you remember ******** she left and went to RBS and performed for 8 years then decided to give it up and study medicine. Something she could not have done if she had dropped a subject"!!!! Then related a dancing career to that of sportsmen and women. Talking about a girl (only last year) that wanted to drop a subject to allow her more pool time as a swimmer. I could not get across to them that statistically more pupils make a career out of performing arts than sports. So much so that there are funds available for performing arts and vocational schools through government funding schemes unlike sports training that relies on sponsorship I do dislike it intensely when discussing your own child's education and welfare and future career that they refer back to past pupils as an example, No two children are a like. My DD isn't struggling at all and her predicted grades are excellent but then the Headmaster casually said "****** is so unlike her sister" with a smile on his face. Grrrrrrrrrrrrr so so angry,so so frustrated. They aren't interested in the individual child just on the school exam results. Teachers just don't understand. Ran over for now................

The skills and confidence a child gains from competing is immeasurable. You can literally watch a child grow before your eyes. However, it is expensive and incredibly stressful there are some quite overbearing mums to be polite. Also, unlike exams where there is a set standard competitions can be purely down to the individual adjudicators like and dislike. I've experienced many of those. Anything from the adjudicator not liking a performers National boots. I kid you not . A child's newfound confidence can be wiped out in seconds by inappropriate comments. As long as you sit down and talk with your DD about the highs and lows before hand. If possible visit a few as spectators to gain a glimpse into the world of Dance Moms. It's quite a eye opener. Finally select any competitions carefully as some are more classical based others maybe more MT. Good Luck and have fun. Your wallet won't be laughing. Lol.

I totally understand. DD was trying to find a justifible reason to drop that particular subject to claw back valuable homework time within her school day. The trip was going to be a week in wellies!!. Not her choice in footwear!!! Also I would be the one paying for that trip.

Personally I can't believe a teacher can be that particular for a pupil at such a young age (Grade 1) After all within a matter of weeks your DD feet could have grown. As long as they are neat and a snug fit without too much bagging when the elastic/string is tightened, the shoe should be a good fit. Just make sure that the toes are not over curled within the shoe, you can generally tell by the outline when your DD stands up with her feet flat. Satin is best as it is more supple that leather. You can only do your best, if her teacher is really that fussy ask her which shoe she wants! (ask her to but them!) The other tip is to ask other mums in the class as to what shoes their DD wear. Ps double check whether Grade 1 pupils are allowed split sole or full. That can also be a costly error. Good Luck

Great, just a small matter of whether my DD continues on a particular GCSE course or drop that subject now in case she is offered a place! Compulsory trip away clashes with the summer school dates. The school is breaking up 2 weeks later than it has ever done in the past. Typical.

Yes, from what I've seen. It's an admin charge, which is understandable. Unless there is no selection process and the school offer first some first served basis, non refundable deposit required instead. Summer school application process can be very costly to the individual establishments.

Thank you Amos73, I will definitely have a closer look after the 17th. As they say nothing to lose (albeit a nominal fee) to submit an application form, then cross fingers until March. Someone, somewhere has to be offered a place.

Love this World Ballet Day. Brings the ballet world together across the globe. It brings a smile to my face when one establishment that I know of (we all have one in our community) that thinks they are the best, are Celebrating NATIONAL Ballet Day. Bless 'em

amos73 Slightly confused. Not sure If I've read it correctly. DD turns 15 at the beginning of July, thought that would be Covent Garden but does that mean that she can apply to WL under the new scheme? Thanks

amos73, there appears to be two different programmes scheduled. The latter 2 weeks are designed for those already in vocational training. Great opportunities but rather challenging on the diaries.

Thank you, I'm a newbie and thought most ran from the end of July into August. Applications go live for RBS on the 17th October Elmhurst is the 6th August to the 12th August for the 15 yr old age group (phone call this morning). Website to be updated shortly.

WL is also open for 14/15 year olds. However the dates for that age group appears to start on the 10th July. Most academic schools if not all in the UK (incl my DD) do not breakup until approx 21st July. I can see multiple applications for absence requests being submitted.

Thanks Bluebird22 , I was wondering why the lady that took my DD photos was kneeling down. Didn't like to ask as she appeared to know exactly what she was doing.

How about Bloch warm up booties, very popular footwear, Foot stretcher, Elastic/Therabands. Balance board. Turning board. All in one "andy pandy" suits, comes under Warm up clothes. Actually great for putting on after lessons to come home in. DVD's for RAD ballet exams, very helpful teaching aid especially if you say that she is on a catchup. Dancekit has just been launched. Very grownup. A pretty non syllabus leotard. Just a few ideas, unfortunately except for DVD none are that cheap but make a great ideal individual present from family members. Collectively they would break most ample of budgets. Dance Direct, Planet Dance, Move Dancewear are all good websites and have a return policy. Enjoy PS Tickets for the Nutcracker, if you can find a company performing in your area. Fantastic childrens' ballet and of course perfect seasonal present

I do wish I had used my ipad and not my camera. It's large and technical but too complicated!! Pleased with the images though and so is the teenage DD. So not all too bad. Edited to add: Alleluia: My Hero (12yr old son) has sorted it all out. Paid handsomely ££ as a reward. One happy mumma

I am now wishing I had not wiped the dust off the old camera and just take the snaps on the iPhone. So complicated now. Laptops and me do not make a great Pas De Deux!!!! Lol Ps. Thinking of handing over to IT tutor at DD school to wave his magic wand. Thank you.

I'm not sure, I will let her know. Thank you

My life long friend attended Hammond back in the 80's Still gainfully employed as a full time dance teacher, (ballet, tap, modern) having worked in Germany, Canada and Bermuda and back home. Now in her 50's I would say that is a true reflection of the training she received at Hammond.

Thanks all. I've lost the will......................... Will review the situation tomorrow, gosh I'm just too old for this life.