Examinations
We offer examinations in classical ballet for young children starting out in dance classes to the student aspiring to become a professional dancer. We also train teachers of classical ballet through taught and distance learning programmes at certificate, diploma and degree levels.
The Royal Academy of Dance stresses the importance of every student having an achievable goal. This is measured either by an Examination or Presentation Class, which involves the study of either the Graded or Vocational Graded Syllabus.
The Graded Examination Syllabus
The Graded syllabus consists of three different components:
- Classical
- Free Movement
- Character
More information on the Graded syllabus
The Vocational Graded Syllabus
The Vocational Graded syllabus is the continuation of classical ballet from the Academy’s Graded Syllabus where pointe work for females is introduced for the first time.
This syllabus has been designed to give the necessary training to students wishing to study seriously with a possible view to following a career in dance or dance related subjects.
More information on the Vocational syllabus
Examination and Presentation classes
Examinations offer students a challenge to show their understanding of the work. They are open to all students studying the Graded and Vocational Graded Examination syllabi and are tests of knowledge in relation to the level in question.
Pre-Primary in Dance and Primary in Dance
Clarification on Uniform
The Academy recognises that schools and parents may already have bought the existing uniform before knowing which Pre-Primary or Primary level examination, Presentation Class or Class Award their pupil or child may be entered for. Candidates may therefore wear the existing uniform for either Pre-Primary or Primary level examination, Presentation Class or Class Award until the end of 2011. However, the Academy would recommend that schools and teachers need to inform parents who have not yet bought the existing uniform to buy the official uniform for the Pre-Primary in Dance and Primary in Dance (set out in the Specification and recognisable by the logo and available from stockists of approved licensees), or where they are unable to obtain the official uniform, to purchase an alternative, preferably in the correct colour. It should be stressed that in no circumstances does the Examination Board assess canidates on the uniform worn.
Special Needs
The Academy realises that all students’ benefit from learning to dance whether as a hobby or in taking up the art as a profession. Students with special needs are no exception and, in the care of an experienced and caring teacher, can participate in both dancing classes and the Academy’s Presentation Classes. Click here to read more.
Refunds
If a candidate is unable to attend for or complete an examination due to circumstances beyond their control, including illness, compassionate reasons eg. family bereavement, serious adverse weather conditions, etc., compensation may be sought.
Evidence, and banking details (where a refund is sought) must be submitted to the appropriate RAD office within four weeks following the examination date. In the case of illness, this must comprise a signed medical certificate or doctor’s letter, indicating that the candidate was indisposed on the day of the examination. In other cases, a signed statement from an appropriate person is required, outlining the circumstances, together with any other appropriate evidence.
In these cases, where deemed appropriate and at its sole discretion, the RAD will carry forward the examination fee for one session, thus enabling the candidate to enter again at the next session for no additional charge, except where fees have increased in the intervening period, where the balance will be payable. If this is not possible or practical, 50% of the entry fee will be refunded. Refunds will be processed within four weeks of the examination tour being completed if all applicable details have been submitted.
Result Enquiry Service
In order to provide an additional service to teachers, candidates and customers, there are now two types of Result Enquiry services available.
1: Result Enquiry clerical check. This provides an additional data entry and monitoring check to ensure that all procedures have been carried out appropriately and marks have been accurately processed and reported. For this service a standard fee per candidate will be charged.
2: Result Enquiry Report. As well as the clerical check, this service includes a Report which provides details on the results awarded. For this service a higher fee per candidate will be charged.
Result Enquiry Service Guidelines and Application Form
Identification of Candidates for Graded and Vocational Graded Examinations
Vocational Graded Identification Form