angel

Delighted to hear your DS will be going to Hammond. It's a fabulous school. Yes, there will be a boarding place for him.

My DD joined Tring last year and has chosen not to do academics at all. They put no pressure at all on her. This has meant that, in the morning, she chooses her own dance timetable (Jazz/Street/Contemporary etc) and does classical in the afternoon. Perfect for giving her versatility.

I would still send an email. Then I would know it had been done

Having had DC in three vocational schools, one at state school and another at a top public school, I think it is important to say that this type of behaviour is not confined to the Hammond unfortunately.

I'm sorry to hear this BalletAims. My advice would be to bring this to the attention of the school staff, by email. A paper trail, with matters like this, can be very useful and also show the little so and so's doing this that your DD is no pushover. It also means that the school has to act.

You are not allowed to audition elsewhere. However, DC do. Expect a very stern letter and the threat of removal of your mds/bursary if you have one. They may ask for a reference, before any offers are made and have a very good working relationship, being old school/company friends

balletmum20, you seem surprised that the DC on mds are attending other classes. They are no less competitive/driven/in need of extra reassurance than other students without it. More classes does not always = better. If you ask to do a recognised Summer/Easter school your DC will have permission?

Sorry, not obvious on here. Britain's got Talent

I used to have this idealistic view on vocational schools. That things would be fair. Ah the days

Ok, it could be misconstrued as a way of persuading someone that it is better to put up and shut up just in case their child is bullied. Who would tell?

I think you may have to state your interest here PITF?

The school, if asked, give the response that these things are not allowed, that they are aware but that they cannot go into details regarding any individual students. A senior member of staff at the school told me last year that they were reviewing the school's policy to allow for a little more flexibility but this has not happened yet. I was told in no uncertain terms that competitions such as BGT etc were not allowed. This was after several students had taken part. The answer? If you can afford full fees, go for it??

yes thats what we were told in a letter last week

That's a good question Miracle. I hadn't thought of that side of things. They are means tested but not sure if the boarding aspect is included in that.

Ah ok. I think it should be sent to those the school has concerns about, especially behaviour. Parents should know these things

I've not had one

Yes, I'm hoping this won't affect the other types of scholarships they offer

you are a step nearer

My DD was offered a full scholarship at Alvin Ailey SS but after working out 5 weeks accommodation (which was separate) and flights, it wasn't possible. Next year once I've won the lottery maybe

My DD's used to have these. Quite a few do at boarding schools. Have a look in Boots as they have examples of them in there for sale now. The pack sizes are fairly small. However, I stopped sending them as the half eaten/wasted packs cam home more often than not after a while. As many schools have nut allergy policies in place, it is also tricky to make sure you are not buying food that they aren't allowed. I now buy big packs of the foods they like and make them up into snack sized bags instead.

So lovely to hear your DD is happy HAIRBELLES

The JA leotards were redesigned due to the see through issue. My feeling is that everyone likes a JA. It tells the panel, without having to look at the paperwork, that this child has already been chosen from hundreds of other children who applied. It also tells them that they have benefitted from at least a few months (by the time of audition) of JA training. If your DD feels proud of her JA leotard, let her wear it. Re bright leotards, I think that at this young age, for classical courses, a subtle colour and style may be more a more sensible option?

One of mine had her nose cauterised after suffering from a similar problem and hasn't had any since

We are starting all over again with middle daughter. Would be lovely to have three at Tring but will let fate decide as usual. Application in the post though

Wells Away (Dar Danse) welcome ballet wear for the local children. They ask students travelling out to take any with them.