There are various exams and medal tests available to students with the RAD, IDTA and LAMDA 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.
Examinations, rosettes, class awards and presentation classes are held in Washington approximately twice a year for Ballet, Tap, Cheer and Modern Jazz.To date, the pass rate for these is 100%.This is a superb achievement! We also enter students for highly recognised Musical Theatre, Singing and Acting exams with LAMDA which are held at an examining centre in Newcastle, our pass rate is again 100%.For highly demanding RAD vocational exams, students must travel to examining centres throughout the country and again, we have an excellent pass rate at 97%.
The RAD and LAMDA are fully accredited and approved awarding bodies 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 and LAMDA qualifications truly valuable assets.