One of the areas that we are very proud of at Caterpillar Dance School is the standard of exam results and our 100% pass rate.
During the year we tend to focus on the core basics and then work intensively towards examinations. These examinations are conducted by The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), The United Kingdom Alliance (UKA) and The Dang Theatre Dance Syllabus (DTDS).
An awarding body is an examinations institute that provides a set of approved exams (or grades) in different dance styles, which students can work towards. These exams can be self regulated by the awarding body or work within the Qualifications Credit Framework (QCF).
These exams fall within the QCF, which is a government standard across all levels of learning from Secondary to Higher Education and is regulated by Ofqual, DCELLS and CCEA. These exams provide a framework for parents and students to follow and provide a guaranteed guide as to your progression. This is especially useful for students looking to pursue dance as a career as the exams are recognised by professional colleges and further education establishments.
These exams do not fall within the QCF criteria, however they are all quality assured by the CDMT. These exams are best suited to regular appraisals, incentive awards and medal tests. These are well suited to social dancers and for measuring performance as students work towards QCF exams.
Caterpillar Dance School has been awarded the Council’s certificate of good professional practice. Schools awarded with CDMT’s Recognised School Award demonstrate to students, parents and guardians that they adhere to the standards demanded by the industry; standards designed to protect and safeguard young people whether dancing for leisure or with an eye to a career in the profession. The Principal also holds Recognised Teacher Status with the CDMT.
Caterpillar Dance School follows the ISTD Imperial Ballet, Tap and Modern Syllabi and all students that reach the required level of attainment are given the opportunity to enter for graded examinations. ISTD graded qualifications are accredited by the regulatory authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (Ofqual, DCELLS and CCEA). These grades form part of the QCF (Qualification Credit Framework).
We will always offer all students the opportunity to gain recognition for their hard work and effort. Whilst not all students will attain the high level of technical proficiency to succeed in a QCF graded examination; there are numerous other opportunities in terms of medals, assessments and awards, which provide an alternative achievement.
We also offer UKA Medals Tests which are smaller awards and class tests that focus on performance rather than just skills and technique. The Principal is an Associate member of the UKA Theatre Dance and Club Dance Salsa division. Children aged 3-8yrs attending classes in ballet, tap, street dance and musical theatre have the option of medal tests including the introductory awards and Uni-ted awards. There is also a range of medal test options now available for children aged 9yrs+ attending Street Dance, Musical Theatre and Contemporary dance classes.
The Acrobatic Arts examination syllabus is designed to complement dance training. Students work through twelve levels. Each level is designed to create a well balanced acrobat, including elements of flexibility, strength, balance, and tumbling. We currently assess students proficiency in these levels up to 3 times a year at the end of a full term, and award them our class certificates of achievement. In addition to Acrobatic Arts, we also offer Aerial silks and hoops to students aged 5yrs+.
For more information about the curriculum please visit
www.acrobaticarts.com
The Dang Theatre and Dance Syllabus evolved from the Urdang brand, which is synonymous with the delivery of high-quality training in performing arts.
“We recognise the need for a clear pathway and internationally recognised qualifications in the performing arts industry and have developed this syllabus to equip candidates with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the demands of the current industry.”
The syllabus is inclusive and the assessment requirements have been designed by a team of educational and industry specialists. This will allow students to begin their journey on becoming a Triple Threat Performer and provide them with the necessary skills to audition for full-time vocational training.
The syllabus offers graded and medal examinations in Musical Theatre and Street and Commercial Dance that is relevant to the theatre and dance industry today. Graded examinations in Musical Theatre and Street Dance are also regulated by Ofqual.
We are excited to be one of the first registered centres in Medway to offer this syllabus.