There are various exams and medal tests available to students with the RAD, IDTA and UKA which begin at the age of 3. No tests are compulsory but all children are encouraged to take them so that they have a goal to work towards and so that they can experience a real sense of achievement.
Our timetable gives an indication of the exams the students in each class are prepared for. When they reach a certain level (about Grade 3 Ballet/Grade 1 Modern Jazz level) students are expected to attend extra classes if they wish to continue taking grade exams. Students that are unable to comit to extra classes are often able to take alternative less demanding exams.
RAD examinations, demonstration and presentation classes are held in Washington twice a year for ballet. To date, the pass rate for these is 100%. This is a superb achievement! For highly demanding RAD vocational exams, students must travel to examining centres throughout the country and again, we have an excellent pass rate at 90%. IDTA exams in modern jazz, tap, national, musical theatre and ballet are held at our studio in Washington twice a year and our pass rate so far, is again 100%. Our pass rate for IDTA vocational exams is also 100%. UKA examinations will be used for Scottish National, Cheer and Majorettes exams.
The RAD is an
approved awarding body for the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority in
England. This accreditation puts
the grade and vocational qualifications in the National Qualifications
Framework for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. This means that these dance examinations are now viewed
within the same context as other qualifications such as GCSEs, NVQs and ‘A’
Levels. It recognises equivalence
in the levels of knowledge along with the skills and understanding required for
their attainment. It makes RAD
qualifications truly valuable assets.