6th Form options

[Pepperpot]

Hello ☺ I'm new to this site and hoping to get some advice from you all! DD looking at options for Sept 2016 when she starts 6th form. Currently in state school but considering all options from local college offering BTEC level 3 (extended) dance full time, local 6th form offering A levels plus BTEC level 3 (subsidary), to Independent schools offering dance and Vocational dance schools.

Without boring you all and to keep it short; what are people's views on progression options from BTEC level 3? What do people know about Abbots Bromley School and what is the competition/standard for Tring like? DD has attended a dance experience day and Open Day at Tring and loved it. Equally she likes the sound of Abbots Bromley and we are hoping to look round soon.

I should say, she hopes to perform / have a career as a cruise ship dancer, backing dancer, show dancer etc. She currently does ballet, tap, modern (stage), acro and pilates.

Thank you in advance and apologies for any apparent lack of understanding...so much to learn and consider! ????

[Anna C]

Hello Pepperpot and welcome to the forum. Have you had a read through of the pinned thread at the top of the "Doing Dance" forum, "Questions about Upper School auditions"?

 

I searched the forum for "BTEC" and there are quite a few threads about options, including this one: http://www.balletcoforum.com/index.php?/topic/6818-a-levels-vs-dance-btec/?hl=btec

 

As well as Tring, you could also look at Hammond School and Arts Educational in London. Also places like Performers, Stella Mann, Urdang, Northern Ballet School's Jazz focus etc for "general dance" as opposed to pure classical ballet and/or contemporary.

[Picturesinthefirelight]

I asked a similar question about Abbots Bromley school not so long ago. I can't search or link properly on my phone though. I know a girl who left the academically selective private school Ds attends to go there & she did very well. She went onto Laines after 6th form.

 

With regards to the level 3 btech. It's very variable. Some places are very non selective & standards of teaching & learning are not high. Other places offer IT in conjunction with local well regarded dance school. Eg in Stoke/Newcastle there are two very good colleges/dance schools offering it. I think it's more geared to MT than classical ballet though.

[Pepperpot]

Thank you both. Yes, I'm getting the idea the BTec varies greatly between colleges. Our local college told us at the open day that they've had students go to Urdang (for example). DD certainly keen on BTec full time, but equally she is nervous about not doing A levels....She really likes the look/sound of Abbots Bromley and when I spoke to them they were very helpful, so we will definitely go and look round asap. Thanks again...anymore opinions or options welcome! ☺

[w445403]

Have you looked at Stageworks?

[Pepperpot]

Hello! Yes, thank you. I have looked at Stageworks. DD is edging towards wanting to do A Levels alonside dance, but we have it diaried for their open evening! Not ruling anything out yet! ☺

[taxi4ballet]

Most of the vocational schools are already accepting audition applications for 2016 entry, so it might be well worth applying for those now, as well as considering other options. The slots do fill up, and it would be a shame if she misses out on auditioning if her applications aren't made in time.

[Katymac]

I think Tiffany's have an arrangement with the local college to do A levels alongside their course