Examinations

Examinations provide a progressive learning structure forming a set of motivational milestones from beginner level to a high standard of proficiency and artistry. They provide a scheme of clear incremental standards by which candidates, teachers, parents and carers may measure progress. Examinations are 100% externally assessed by examiners who are selected and trained by the Awarding Body, thus ensuring parity with other dance training establishments throughout the UK and Europe.

The Weston School of Dance & Performing Arts organises examination sessions three times a year at the end of each term, the only exception being Show Term when students will work towards the school’s biennial production. Students are invited to enter an examination when their teacher considers them to be fully prepared. This can generally take between three and five terms, depending upon attendance, practice and commitment. However, examinations are entirely optional and a child’s progress through the school will not be hindered should he or she decline.

In Cecchetti Classical Ballet, Modern Theatre Dance, Tap and Jazz Awards the Weston School follows the syllabi as laid down by the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), a Dance Awarding Body whose Graded and Vocational examinations are accredited by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual). Responsible to Parliament Ofqual is responsible for ensuring that all qualifications and assessment meet high quality standards by monitoring awarding organisations, assessments and examinations and taking the necessary action to ensure that the qualifications meet the needs of learners, higher education institutions and employers. The Ofqual is responsible to the Parliament and the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Furthermore, graded examinations are included in Levels 1 to 3 of the Qualifications and Credit Framewok (QCF) and Level 4 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, as shown in the table below.

Qualifications	QCF	FHEQ	Equivalent academic qualification
Grades 1 to 3	Level 1		GCSE Grades 1 to 3
Grades 4 and 5	Level 2		GCSE Grades 4 to 9
Grade 6 and Intermediate	Level 3		A / AS Level
Advanced 1 and 2		Level 4	HNC / CertHE

 

Students can also receive UCAS points for ISTD Level 3 Graded and Vocational Graded qualifications. The number of points awarded depends on the examination result (ie Distinction, Merit or Pass)

Grade 6	Tariff points	Intermediate	Tariff points
Distinction	40	Distinction	65
Merit	35	Merit	50
Pass	30	Pass	40

A comprehensive overview of Graded examinations can be downloaded here.