| EXAMINATIONS |
 |
 |
| Examinations and assessments are held in almost all forms of dance, they are a way of setting goals which the students can work towards. They are also a way of monitoring the students progress and awarding their achievements. The examination system gives young dancers: - either nationally or internationally recognised levels of attainment. - a framework to measure progress. - self esteem and achievement. - clear goals to work towards. BALLET The RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) has 2 examination systems and 1 assessment system: - Graded examinations in dance (formerly grade examinations) - Vocational Graded examinations in dance (formerly major examinations) - Presentation classes (formerly grade assessments) The Graded examinations in dance start with Primary and finish with the Grade 8 Award. The exams up to Grade 5 are open to both male and female candidates. Grades 6, 7 and 8 Award are currently for female candidates only. |
| There are six examination levels within the Vocational Graded Examinations, starting with Intermediate Foundation and culminating in the Solo Seal Award. This latter Award is the pinnacle of the Academy's examination system. These examinations are open to both male and female candidates. The Presentation classes syllabus is an alternative programme of work based on the Graded Examination in dance syllabus with modifications, for example certain exercises/dances have been excluded or adapted. There are seven levels of Presentation classes - Pre Primary, Primary, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. The Graded Examinations and Presentation classes for the Hawkes Bay District normally fall in the month of August. The Vocational Graded Examinations for the Hawkes Bay District are normally held July/August. TAP The ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing) Tap syllabus also has Graded Examinations and Vocational Graded Examinations. There are six general Graded Examinations - Primary and Grades 1-5. These examinations are desigmed for children 5 years and up. There are three Vocational Graded Examinations - Intermediate, Advanced 1 and Advanced 2. There is also a Vocational Preparatory tap examination which can be taken prior to these. In addition to the Graded and Vocational Graded syllabus there are also Tap Tests for Amateurs in the form of medal tests for children and young teenagers and popular tap tests and medal tests for adults. The ISTD Tap examination sessions normally fall in the months of September and October. JAZZ The AJDA (American Jazz Dance Affiliation) Jazz syllabus includes examinations for students from the age of 5 years. In this syllabus there are five Introductory levels, Elementary levels 1, 2 and 3, Intermediate levels 1, 2 and 3, and Advanced levels 1, 2 and 3. The AJDA Jazz examination session normally falls in the month of August.. |
| The NZAMD (New Zealand Association of Modern Dance) Jazz syllabus includes Grade Examinations and Major Examinations, in two syllabi - Original and American.. The Grade Examinations begin with Initial (original syllabus), or Grade 1 (American syllabus) and finish with Grade 5. These are designed for children 7 years and up. There are currently three pre-grades being developed for the younger students. The Major Examinations begin at Pre Elementary and culminate with the Solo Award. These examinations are aimed at the level of the young teenager and above. The NZAMD Jazz examination sessions for Hawkes Bay normally fall in the months July and August.. |