IMPERIAL SOCIETY TEACHERS OF DANCING (ISTD)
ROYAL ACADEMY OF DANCE (RAD)
The examination structure of the ISTD and RAD is designed to cater equally for those who wish to progress to making dance their profession, either as a performer or dance teacher, and for those pursuing dance purely as a leisure activity, dancing for fun.
WHY CHOOSE ISTD AND RAD
The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) and Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) are two of the world’s leading dance examination boards worldwide. It offers an internationally recognised portfolio of examinations and assessments designed to encourage, motivate and reward students of all ages and abilities, outlining a progressive structure for learning and achievement in dance.
The exercises throughout the grades develop to progress children’s technical abilities, giving them the skills, grace and poise found in dance. Examinations have been devised by the ISTD/RAD and are regulated on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). They are recognised by Schools, Colleges and Universities.
This framework includes qualifications in all fields of study. It places dance examinations within the context of other qualifications and recognises equivalence in levels of knowledge, skills and understanding required for their attainment.
This means dance exams have a parity with education qualifications such as GCSE’s and A-levels, therefore, this works in line with Essex Performing Arts & Music School’s academic & music structure as well as our Ethos.
These are the levels of the QCF and the position for each ISTD/RAD regulated qualification.
Grades 1, 2 and 3 – Level 1 – equivalent to GCSE Grades D – G
Grades 4 and 5 – Level 2 – equivalent to GCSE Grades A* to C
Grade 6 and Intermediate – Level 3 – equivalent to AS and A Level
ISTD/RAD students can now receive UCAS points for ISTD/RAD Level 3 Graded and Vocational Graded qualifications.
This applies to the following ISTD examinations:
♦ Grade 6 and Intermediate – Level 3
Any student taking their Grade 6 and/or Intermediate exam can now receive the following UCAS points. The number of points they can receive depends on how well they do in their examination (i.e. Distinction, Merit or Pass).
| Result | Grade 6 | Intermediate |
| Distinction | 40 | 65 |
| Merit | 35 | 50 |
| Pass | 30 | 40 |
All ISTD/RAD examination results are monitored by the ISTD/RAD/QCF and all teachers must maintain the recognised pass rate to remain eligible to enter candidates for future exams.
Every student at Essex Performing Arts & Music School are given the opportunity to take examinations once the required standard is achieved. Exams are not compulsory but can be useful as a measure of progress and also as a celebration of months of hard work. Depending on ability and attendance a student is usually in a grade for 18 months to 2 years based on 1 class per week for each dance genre.
Exam fee’s are separate from class fees and written consent and payment is necessary before students can be entered.
All Teacher’s at EPAMS are fully registered member’s with the ISTD/RAD and regularly attend training courses to update on new syllabi, exam requirements and teaching techniques to ensure we deliver appropriate content according to each child’s age and stage of development. All children receive high quality teaching to reach their full potential through having a positive dance experience.
For more information about the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing’ or Royal Academy of Dance please visit: http://www.istd.org or http://www.royalacademy.org
Essex Performing Arts & Music School 