Classes, Exams & Uniform

CLASSES

CLASSICAL BALLET

Our ballet classes start with children from rising 3 years.  We endeavour to make sure each child has a positive and enriching experience of ballet at the school.  Our younger children are taught creatively with the emphasis on the fundamental foundations of classical ballet technique & musicality, within our own structured training programme until the age of 7 or 8.

Currently for students we offer Graded and Vocational level exams with the Royal Academy of Dance.

The students’ progress at their own pace, whether that is forging ahead or at more of a steady pace. We look at each child holistically, treating them as an individual and supporting them with their training based upon their own personal needs.


CONTEMPORARY JAZZ

Our Contemporary Jazz classes begin when the children start Grade 3. This class encourages feeling before form, to enhance natural ability that is underpinned by the classical technique.

As student’s progress through their classical levels and grow in strength and knowledge, they add floor work to their vocabulary, along with the Cunningham Contemporary Technique.

The Jazz classes are also training versatility of turning, jumping, and strong dynamic contrast. There is body conditioning, within the class for the more senior students.

PILATES

This class is offered from Intermediate Foundation level.  Pilates is of great benefit to classical students with regard to their core strength and detailed work of the body.  It supports and enhances their ballet training.


EXAMS

ROYAL ACADEMY OF DANCE – GRADED & VOCATIONAL EXAMINATIONS

GPSD offers both Graded and Vocational examinations with the Royal Academy of Dance. Exams are taken at the discretion of the teaching staff.

A Note Regarding Vocational Exams:

These are a very big step and very hard to achieve.  To pass is considered excellent but to achieve anything more is outstanding. Up to Advanced 1, marks are accumulated. At Advanced 1 level, it becomes much more difficult to achieve a pass as the ten sections must each be passed.  If one section is not attained though the overall mark may exceed the required pass mark, the level will NOT be awarded.

RAD Vocational Exam Results 2007-2023

 

PASS = 40-54

MERIT = 55-64

HIGH MERIT = 65-74

DISTINCTION = 75-100

 

 ADVANCED 2 – 21 CANDIDATES

HIGH DISTINCTION 85-100

2 STUDENTS = 9.5%

DISTINCTION 75-84

9 STUDENTS = 43%

HIGH MERIT 65-74 MARKS

5 STUDENTS = 23.5%

MERIT 55-64 MARKS

4 STUDENTS = 19%

PASS 40-54 MARKS

1 STUDENT = 5%

 

ADVANCED 1 – 60 CANDIDATES

HIGH DISTINCTION 85-100

4 STUDENTS = 7%

DISTINCTION 75-84

19 STUDENTS = 31.5 %

HIGH MERIT 65-74 MARKS

27 STUDENTS = 45%

MERIT 55-64 MARKS

9 STUDENTS = 15%

PASS 40-54 MARKS

 1 STUDENTS = 1.5%

 

ADVANCED FOUNDATION – 42 CANDIDATES

HIGH DISTINCTION 85-100

4 STUDENTS = 9.5%

DISTINCTION 75-84

15 STUDENTS = 35.5%

HIGH MERIT 65-74 MARKS

15 STUDENTS = 35.5%

MERIT 55-64 MARKS

8 STUDENTS = 19.5%

 

INTERMEDIATE – 122 CANDIDATES

HIGH DISTINCTION 85-100

4 STUDENTS = 3.5%

DISTINCTION 75-84

32 STUDENTS = 26.5%

HIGH MERIT 65-74 MARKS

46 STUDENTS = 37.5%

MERIT 55-64 MARKS

37 STUDENTS = 30%

PASS 40-54 MARKS

 3 STUDENTS = 2.5 %

 

INTERMEDIATE FOUNDATION – 17 CANDIDATES

DISTINCTION 75-100

7 STUDENTS = 42%

HIGH MERIT 65-74 MARKS

5 STUDENTS = 29%

MERIT 55-64 MARKS

5 STUDENTS = 29%

 UNIFORM

WHERE AND HOW TO PURCHASE GPSD UNIFORM & MERCHANDISE:

The school uniform and Merchandise is ONLY available to purchase from CMG ARTS in Ware

Please note: if you purchase the incorrect uniform elsewhere you will be asked to change it.

Contact number: 01920 464229

CMG Arts Ltd

Unit 7 Crane Mead Business Park

Ware

Herts.

SG12 9PZ

UNIFORM & HAIR – IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ.

Please ensure your child arrives in the correct uniform for their grade and please ensure that hair is tied back and is off their face. Nursery Ballet, Pre-school Ballet, & Reception Ballet children may wear their hair in a ponytail.

From Year 1 hair must be worn in a classical bun/plait over the head, or an appropriate secured style that is off the face and close to the scalp.

NO whipping ponytails please.