Isaac-Clarke Academy of Dance follows the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Ballet and Rambert Grades Contemporary Dance training systems. At the discretion of the teacher, students can be entered for Class Awards, Solo Performance Awards and Examinations, all of which are performed in front of a Royal Academy of Dance Examiner / Rambert Grades Examiner. These assessments encourage, motivate, and reward students of all ages and abilities allowing them to work towards specific goals. We aim to have a flexible approach to assessments, ensuring that ultimately whichever assessment students take at each stage of their training, this is ultimately a positive experience.
Examination students must attend two classes per week in the term in which the examination is planned to ensure they are fully prepared and can achieve their best.
Non-participation in assessments do not prevent a student progressing to the next level, along with his or her peers.
The RAD describes Class Award assessment as ‘a broad indication of standard rather than a detailed breakdown’. They are available from Pre-Primary in Dance through to Grade 8 and are marked Frequently, Generally, Occasionally or Not Shown across four areas of the Class Award. The teacher conducts the Class Award and whilst they cannot instruct students, they are there to be supportive and help make the experience a positive one. Dancers perform in groups of up to eight, and this setting often reflects a regular weekly class which helps dancers to perform their best as it is more familiar. Successful candidates receive a certificate, report sheet and for Graded Examinations only (Pre-Primary in Dance to Grade 8), a medal.
Exams are conducted by an examiner, with no teacher present. Up to four candidates perform the syllabus and are marked against set criteria. They are offered from Primary in Dance to Solo Seal Award. Successful candidates receive a certificate, report sheet and for Graded Examinations only (Primary to Grade 8), a medal.
These assessments enable dancers to perform as they might in an audition, production, or festival. During a solo performance award, students perform three dances, two of which must be taken from the corresponding exam syllabus. There is the opportunity to choreograph a new piece / ‘free choice’ for the third dance, although this may be from the syllabus if preferred
Recommended study hours for each level as set out by the RAD prior to entering for formal assessments are as follows:
Qualification | Guided Learning Hours | Practice Hours | Total Study Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Primary in Dance Examination Grade 1 Examination Grade 1 Solo Performance Award Grade 2 Examination Grade 2 Solo Performance Award Grade 3 Examination Grade 3 Solo Performance Award Grade 4 Examination Grade 4 Solo Performance Award Grade 5 Examination Grade 5 Solo Performance Award Grade 6 Examination Grade 7 Examination Grade 8 Examination Intermediate Foundation Intermediate Advanced Foundation Advanced 1 Advanced 2 |
40 60 50 60 50 60 60 70 60 70 60 90 90 90 150 150 150 150 150 |
0 10 10 10 10 10 10 25 15 25 15 40 40 40 125 125 125 175 225 |
40 70 60 70 60 70 70 95 75 95 75 130 130 130 275 275 275 325 375 |
Isaac-Clarke Academy of Dance has been entering examination candidates since 1995 and has an excellent record of results.
Learn more about the different RAD Assessments here:
RAD Examinations and Solo Performance Awards are on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and validated in Wales by Qualifications Wales:
Dancers who successfully achieve Grade 6, 7, 8, Intermediate or Advanced Foundation, are eligible to use RAD Exam results to contribute to UCAS points when applying to a relevant course at university or higher education:
Shelley is one of the first teachers to be approved as a Tutor of the Assistant Teacher Award, the newest initiative offered by the RAD.
This Award is aimed at 14–18-year-old dance students wishing to take their first steps towards a career in dance teaching. The Award is open to students studying and taking classes in any dance genre, and provides opportunities to practice, develop and demonstrate a range of practical and professional skills required for successful dance teaching. Additionally, students will develop transferable skills that support future college, university or job applications.
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