RAD

Colours of Dance trains ballet pupils for entry to the Royal Academy of Dance's portfolio of examination syllabi. Teachers will determine when each pupils is ready for examination, but a general description of what standards the examinations assess to - and thus what qualifications they provide, are provided by the RAD and copied below for convenience. 

Please note that the following study hours relate to in-person attendance.  During Covid, this has been severely restricted and the consequent impact on students' strength, stamina and posture/placing is not to be underestimated.  Students' recovery once back in the studio is hugely varied.  It is worth remembering that assessment standards have not changed, though the journey of the students wishing to achieve those standards has.  It will take time for all students to recover their strength and placing and it cannot be forced.  Our teachers will assess each student as an individual to help them find the right path and timing for themselves, as they grow and develop biologically at the same rate as always, no matter what!  

Our teachers spend a lot of time considering the needs of each of their pupils carefully, in addition to which the Principal provides a further review.  Our focus is to try to ensure that students enjoy every class and are moved up to the next grade when they are ready to take on that challenge.  In some cases, that might mean preparing for an exam and in all cases, their move up will likely be later that might normally be expected.  please trust the advise of your teachers as we will move any student up a grade as soon as we are sure they are ready.   Do contact us if you have any questions.

Recommended Study Hours: These have been set by the RAD as a guideline as to what is required in general for students in terms of hours in the studio and in self-practice, before attaining success at examination.  Students' actual hours of study will vary according to their specific experience, so these are intended as a guide.  The students' actual needs and progression will be managed by their teacher.   Preparation for examinations requires attendance at specific 'exam focus' classes.

Primary in Dance Examination: normally 40 hours (ie 4 terms)

Grades 1-3 Examination: normally 60 hours (ie 5-6 terms @ 1hr/wk) in class supported by 10 practice hours - Grades 1-3 Solo Performance Award: 50 hours in class supported by 10 practice hours

Grades 4-5 Examination: normally 75 hours in class supported by 20 practice hours - Grades 4-5 Solo Performance Award: 60 hours in class supported by 15 practice hours

Grades 6-8 Examination: normally 90 hours in class supported by 40 practice hours 

Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate Examination & Advanced Foundation: 150 hours in class supported by 125 practice hours

Advanced 1 Examination: 150 hours in class supported by 175 practice hours

Advanced 2 Examination: 150 hours in class supported by 225 practice hours

Entry to Vocational Graded Classes (Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate & Advanced): This syllabus is designed for those students wishing to focus on classical ballet, those who wish to train vocationally, or those aspiring to become a teacher in the future.  As such, the technical requirement is greater than for the childrens graded syllabi, it includes pointework for girls and additional allegro for boys and there is no character dance.  Colours of Dance guidelines for students wishing or invited to study this syllabus are that the student should be attending two graded syllabus classes a week at Grade 4 or higher, with attendance at the vocational classes additional to that - ie a minimum of 3 hours ballet classes per week.  This is necessary in order to support good technical development and safe practice.  Entry to vocational graded classes is usually by invitation from the Principal and is always subject to approval by the Principal.

"The RAD offers a portfolio of internationally recognised exams designed to encourage, motivate and reward students of all ages and abilities.   The RAD is recognised to award qualifications on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) and National Qualification Framework (NQF) in England and Northern Ireland by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) and the Council for the Curriculum Examinations and Assessment (CCEA), and in Wales by the Welsh Government. The RAD is recognised to award qualifications on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) by SQA Accreditation, a part of the Scottish Qualifications Authority.   Grades 6-8, Intermediate and Advanced Foundation are included in the UCAS points tariff. Further information is available online and in Examinations Information, Rules and Regulations and Specification documentation, as well as Focus on Exams.  Visit www.rad.org.uk/exams for further details, or email exams@rad.org.uk "  

Details of the QCF levels may be found here: https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/achieve/exams/Results,%20qualifications%20and%20recognition/recognition-accreditation

Details of the UCAS points that are gained from RAD Grade 6/Intermediate examinations and above and which may be used for university applications, which are given here:  https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/achieve/exams/Results,%20qualifications%20and%20recognition/ucas-points