ISTD Exam Information Guide

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INDEX Page

What are ISTD exams? 3

What to expect in an exam 4

Cost of exams 5

Exam attire - Infants 6

Exam attire - Lower Juniors 7

Exam attire - Mid Juniors 9

Exam attire - Upper Juniors & Intermediates 11

Exam attire - Seniors 13

Exam attire - Boys 15

Hair requirements - Pre Primary, Primary & Grade One 17

Hair requirements - Grade Two, Three, Four & Five 18

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WHAT ARE ISTD EXAMS? Who are the ISTD?

The Imperial Society of Teacher’s of Dance (ISTD) is one of the World’s leading dance examination boards, with the aim of developing and maintaining the highest possible standard in Classical Ballet, Modern Theatre dance and Tap dance.

The ISTD provide a syllabus for qualified teachers to follow in their classes. Miss Abi and I are qualified teachers with the ISTD having passed both written and practical exams in order to be awarded with our Diploma in Dance Education (DDE) qualification. The DDE qualification is equivalent to the first two years of a degree. Miss Abi and I regularly attend training courses to keep up-to-date on new syllabi and exam requirements.

The syllabus offered by the ISTD covers the teaching of dance techniques used to build strength, clarity of movement and a sense of performance.

All the ISTD examinations are accredited on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and higher grades count as UCAS points needed when applying for university places.

Why do children take exams?

It is expected that all children at the school take the exams. We believe exams are an important part of the children’s progression and learning within dance.

The examinations set an achievable goal for the children and teachers to work towards. Taking an exam helps to build the children’s confidence and independence and gives them a sense of achievement after completing the exam. It also encourages commitment to dance and a strong work ethic as the children strive to attain the required standard for the exam.

Children will only be entered for an examination if the teacher feels they are ready both technically and mentally.All results - whether it be a pass or distinction are celebrated at the school and we strive to make examinations a fun and positive experience for the children.

Progression through the exams

It is usual for a child to spend between 18 months to 2 years on each grade before taking the exam. We always ensure children are at their personal best and reached their full potential before entering them for the exam.

Children are normally on a higher grade for Modern than they are for Ballet and Tap. For example a child in Year 3 may be on Grade One Modern but Primary Ballet and Tap. After taking the Primary class exams children progress onto the graded examinations. They can then continue through the grades right up to Grade 6, followed by Intermediate and then eventually Advanced 1 & 2. Intermediate and Advanced 1 & 2 are vocational exams and usually taken by students around 16 years and above who wish to pursue either a career in dance or dance teaching.

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WHAT TO EXPECT IN AN EXAM The exams are a chance for children to demonstrate what they have learnt in class and receive recognition for their hard work and progression.

Children will be required to demonstrate a series of exercises as well as a short dance which has been previously learnt in class. Children will need to be able to perform these exercises with confidence and without prompt or instruction.

Class examinations

Our youngest children take class exams which are a great introduction to the ISTD dance exam system. Children have to be at least 5 years old to take a class exam.

The children are entered in groups of three of four and the teacher goes into the exam room with them. The exam last 30 minutes and is a practical examination in which the children demonstrate a series of set exercises that they have previously learnt in class. The teacher will give verbal instruct on which exercise comes next but is not allowed to give any corrections or guidance. The children need to be confident to perform exercises on their own and without prompt from the teacher.

The examiner will award marks throughout the examination for technique, performance and knowledge of syllabus. Each child is given individual marks based upon their performance on the day.

Graded examinations

Once children are in Year 3 they are ready to progress to the graded examinations. Children have to be at least 6 years old to take a graded exam.

Children are entered in groups of two for the Ballet exams and groups of four in the Tap and Modern exams. The teacher is not permitted in the exam room.Children are expected to show exercises which have been previously learnt in class, dancing as a group or individually. The ballet exams also include free work where the children will be asked to dance specific steps in an order set by the examiner. They will also be tested on the French ballet terminology.

The exam lasts between 20-60 minutes depending on which genre and level the exam is. The examiner will award marks throughout the examination for technique, performance and knowledge of syllabus. Each child is given individual marks based upon their performance on the day.

Making structure

Each child will receive an individual mark out of 100 and awarded one of the following –

Fail 0-39 Pass 40-59 Merit 60-79 Distinction 80-100

Results are received around 4-6 weeks later, and children receive a certificate and results sheet showing the marks attained. We celebrate all results whether it be a pass, merit or distinction.

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COST OF EXAMS Exam sessions are held every academic year. Children will take an exam in Ballet, Tap and Modern every 18 months to 2 years depending on the grade and their progression.

See table below for costs of each exam

Prices correct for 2018

Other costs to be aware of

There will be some additional costs when taking exams

• Dvd/Cd - The syllabus is available on a Dvd and Cd and is a useful aid for home practise. Dvd & Cd’s are priced at £5.00

• Mock exam - This is a chance for the children to experience how the exam will run prior to the day. Mock exam costs £5.00

• Dance shoes - Satin ballet shoes with elastics are required for the ballet exams. Grade 3 and above also require ribbons. Ballet shoes cost between £10.00-£14.00 dependant on size.

• Uniform - Children wear their usual dance uniform for exams however new socks/tights are normally required

• Exam coaching lessons - On occasions extra lessons will be scheduled to allow extra practise. These lessons vary between £3.00-£5.00

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LEVEL AGE OF CHILD MODERN TAP BALLET

Pre-Primary 5-7 years N/a N/a £32

Primary 7-8 years £32 £32 £43

Grade 1 8-9 years £44 £44 £44

Grade 2 9-10 years £46 £46 £46

Grade 3 10-11 years £52 £52 £52

Grade 4 11-13 years £54 £54 £54

Grade 5 14-16 years £57 £57 £57

EXAM ATTIRE - Infants (Year 2)

Although marks are not awarded for grooming, it is considered to be an essential part of training and helps the dancers to feel correctly prepared for their work. The following uniform is required for the exam.

Classical Ballet - Pre-primary

• Aqua skirted leotard - no knickers

• Pink ballet socks - pulled up

• Satin ballet shoes - with elastics

• NO glitter tattoos, nail varnish, jewellery or make up

Modern Theatre - Primary

• Turquoise leotard

• Black plain cotton leggings - worn over leotard

• No shoes required

• NO glitter tattoos, nail varnish, jewellery or make up

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EXAM ATTIRE - Lower Juniors (Year 3)

Although marks are not awarded for grooming, it is considered to be an essential part of training and helps the dancers to feel correctly prepared for their work. The following uniform is required for the exam.

Classical Ballet - Primary

• Aqua skirted leotard - no knickers

• Pink ballet socks - pulled up

• Satin ballet shoes - with elastics

• NO glitter tattoos, nail varnish, jewellery or make up

Modern Theatre - Grade One

• Turquoise leotard

• Black plain cotton leggings - worn over leotard

• No shoes required

• NO glitter tattoos, nail varnish, jewellery or make up

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Tap - Primary

• Turquoise leotard

• Black plain cotton leggings - worn over leotard

• Black Tap socks

• Black Bloch Merry Jane tap shoes

• NO glitter tattoos, nail varnish, jewellery or make up

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EXAM ATTIRE - Mid Juniors (Year 4)

Although marks are not awarded for grooming, it is considered to be an essential part of training and helps the dancers to feel correctly prepared for their work. The following uniform is requiredfor the exam.

Classical Ballet - Grade One

• Aqua leotard - no knickers

• Pink ballet socks - pulled up

• Satin ballet shoes - with elastics

• NO glitter tattoos, nail varnish, jewellery or make up

Modern Theatre - Grade Two

• Aqua leotard

• Black plain cotton leggings - worn over leotard

• No shoes required

• NO glitter tattoos, nail varnish, jewellery or make up

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Tap - Grade One

• Aqua leotard

• Black plain cotton leggings - worn over leotard

• Black Bloch Merry Jane tap shoes

• Black Tap socks

• NO glitter tattoos, nail varnish, jewellery or make up

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EXAM ATTIRE - Upper Juniors & Intermediates The following uniform is required for the exam

Classical Ballet - Grade Two & Three

• Bluebell leotard

• Pink ballet tights

• Satin split sole ballet shoes - with elastics

• NO glitter tattoos, nail varnish, jewellery or make up

Modern Theatre - Grade Three & Four

• Bluebell leotard

• Black 3/4 length plain cotton leggings - worn over leotard

• No shoes required

• NO glitter tattoos, nail varnish, jewellery or make up

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Tap - Grade Two, Three & Four

• Bluebell leotard

• Black plain cotton leggings - worn over leotard

• Black Tap socks

• Black Bloch Jazz tap shoes (Merry Jane shoes acceptable for Grade Two only)

• NO glitter tattoos, nail varnish, jewellery or make up

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EXAM ATTIRE - Seniors The following uniform is required for the exam

Classical Ballet - Grade Four, Five & Six • Black leotard

• Pink ballet tights

• Satin split sole ballet shoes - with ribbons

• NO glitter tattoos, nail varnish, jewellery or make up

Modern Theatre - Grade Five & Six

• Black leotard

• Black 3/4 length plain cotton leggings - worn over leotard

• No shoes required

• NO glitter tattoos, nail varnish, jewellery or make up

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Tap - Grade Five & Six

• Black leotard

• Black jazz pants - worn over leotard

• Black Tap socks

• Black Bloch Jazz tap shoes

• NO glitter tattoos, nail varnish, jewellery or make up

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EXAM ATTIRE - Boys The following uniform is required for the exam

Classical Ballet - Pre Primary, Primary & Grade 1 • Black shorts

• White t-shirt - worn tucked in

• White leather ballet shoes - with elastics

• White ballet socks - worn pulled up

Classical Ballet - Grades 2-6

• Black stirrup leggings

• White lycra leotard - worn under leggings

• White split sole canvas ballet shoes - with elastics

• White ballet socks - worn over leggings

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Modern Theatre - All Grades

• Black shorts

• Dance Pointe t-shirt - worn tucked in

• No shoes required

Tap - All Grades

• Black shorts

• Dance Pointe t-shirt - worn tucked in

• Black Bloch tap shoes with laces

• Black tap socks - worn pulled up

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HAIR REQUIREMENTS Neatly groomed hair is a very important part of the exam attire. The exam day can be very busy and so if you can arrive with your child’s hair already styled this will be a great help. Hair will need to be swept off the face with lots of hair gel and hair spray to hold it in place. NO FRINGES please.I advise you do not wash your child’s hair for a couple of days before the exam as you will find it easier to style if it is not freshly washed.

Please use the guide below and practise the required style prior to the exam day.

Pre-Primary, Primary & Grade 1 (Ballet, Modern & Tap exams) - PLAITS AT THE BACK

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You will need the following -

• 4 x hair bands in the colour of your child’s hair

• Several hair pins in the colour of your child’s hair

• Hair net

• Hair gel

• Hair spray

First start by applying gel to the hair. This is to stick down any wispy bits including fringes. Part the hair into a centre parting all the way down the back of the head. Using a hair brush secure the hair into two bunches using two hair elastics.

The bunches should be positioned diagonally above the ear at the side of the head. Use a bit more gel to stick down any loose hairs. Make sure there are no bumps and the hair is flat.

Plait the hair to the end of each pony-tail and secure with two more hair elastics in the same colour as your child’s hair.

Take one of the plaits across to the other hair elastic on the opposite side securing with hair pins as you go. Wrap it around the opposite hair elastic and add pins to hold the end of the plait in place. Repeat on the other side taking the second plait below the first one hiding the end underneath the plaits. Wrap a hair net around the plaits. Spray with hair spray.

Grade 2, 3, 4 & 5 (Ballet and Tap exams) - BALLET BUN

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You will need the following -

• 1 x hair band in the colour of your child’s hair

• Several hair pins in the colour of your child’s hair

• Hair net

• Hair gel

• Hair spray

• NO HAIR DONUTS

First start by applying gel to the hair. This is to stick down any wispy bits including fringes. Pull the hair back into a tight ponytail using one or two (if needed) hair elastics to secure.

Make sure there are no bumps or whispy bits. The ponytail should be positioned in the centre of the head and diagonally up from the ears.

Lightly twist the hair first and then begin to wrap it around in a bun shape and secure with a couple of hair pins. You need to try and keep the bun as flat to the head as possible.Place a bun net over the bun and gentle reshape the bun to make it flat to the head. Add more hair pins to secure into place. On the day of the exam you will be given a hair bow to add underneath the bun.

Grade 2, 3, 4 & 5 (Modern exams) - FRENCH PLAIT

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You will need the following -

• 1 x hair band in the colour of your child’s hair

• Hair gel

• Hair spray

First start by applying gel to the hair. This is to stick down any wispy bits including fringes. Part a small section of hair at the top of the head.

Split the section of hair into three even amounts.

Start to plait the hair and add a small section from each side as you go. Ensure you hold the hair firmly to keep the plait tight and smooth out any bumps that form.

Continue to plait the hair adding sections from each side as you go.

Plait right to the end of the hair and secure with a hair band in the same colour as your child’s hair.

Set with hair spray. On the day of the exam you will be given a bow to place at the end of the plait.