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credits towards GCSEs


balletmummy

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We are starting to think about GCSEs for dd 13.

 

Does the RAD and ISTD have a credit system towards GCSEs? Dd does RAD ballet graded and vocational and ISTD tap, modern, jazz as well as acro. 

 

It would be good to think that she could get some credits towards GCSEs given all the hours of training that she does...

 

Thank y'all!

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4 hours ago, balletmummy said:

We are starting to think about GCSEs for dd 13.

 

Does the RAD and ISTD have a credit system towards GCSEs? Dd does RAD ballet graded and vocational and ISTD tap, modern, jazz as well as acro. 

 

It would be good to think that she could get some credits towards GCSEs given all the hours of training that she does...

 

Thank y'all!

Hi. Having been through all of this last summer I sadly report that the answer is no for GCSE’s. Grade 6 and above, do accrue credits but those credits are for a level 3 (A levels) and can therefore be used towards some university/college courses. Obviously not all but those closely linked to a degree in the performing arts. As well as some authorities that offer Higher Education funding. 

eg. Our local education authority require 2x A levels (or equivalent ) for higher education funding. The dept was confused when my then 16yr old applied. She actually held 12 level 3 examinations due to the number of examinations in different genres above grade 6! They were too fixated on age not the exams confused them completely. They were subsequently ‘educated’ on the subject which was a very painful experience. Be prepared to 

read the small print very carefully later on. Each certificate does carry credit points that UCAS recognise. They tend to be detailed just under the pupils name and grade of exam. There have been changes recently so you have to double check the full details when the time comes. But don’t give up. Their hard work is recognised but at a higher level than you think. 

 

Good Luck to your DD. 🍀☺️

 

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No one really looks at credits for GCSEs in the way they do with UCAS points at A Level, but grade 4 ISTD is a level 2 qualification, as is GCSE. I imagine RAD grades will be similar. Any college or other institution will be interested in extra-curricular activities as well as grades, and dance exam results show commitment and a level of seriousness, so definitely still a plus. You can use dance as a skill for GCSE PE, I believe, and obviously for GCSE dance! With three options at most schools, one of which being MFL and one a humanities subject, hopefully you can still get the EBac and include an arts subject if you wish... or even better, some schools put the needs of the child ahead of the school stats and actually give you a free(ish) choice of the three options! 

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The only time that dance/music exams can be useful is if, for example you want to apply to do  A level or dance or music or a Btec performing arts and the college stipulates you need Grade 5 -9 etc GCSE music or dance but you havn't taken the GCSE (maybe becasue of option block clashes or the school doesn;t offer it).  Many colleges will accept Grade 4 or 5 and above in lieu of the GCSE for that particular course.  You would still need to meet the general GCSE requirements though (usually at least 5 GCSE grades 4-9  for Btec's and higher for A levels depending on how selective the school or college is.

 

It is true that Grade 6 and above and Intermediate and aboce accrue UCAS points.  Some universities will accept these, some will accept a maximum number of points from them, some will not accept any (I'm currently researching music degrees and for example Huddersfield & Oxford Brookes accept dance and music grades but Nottingham & Surrey don't.)

Edited by Picturesinthefirelight
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