Louise Benson School of Dance

Exams

ISTD Dance Examinations:

‘The examination structure of the ISTD 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.
The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) is one of the world’s leading dance examination boards. From Ballet to Ballroom, they have 12 dance faculties covering Theatre, Dancesport and Social Dance.
Since 1904 they have provided training for dance teachers and examiners, enabling teachers to enter their students for examinations, develop new techniques and spread the joy of dance.

(Source ISTD)

At Louise Benson School of Dance our pupils have the opportunity to take ISTD examinations once they can display the correct discipline and ability required for the grade. Examinations are not compulsory but they are beneficial, gradually building strength, ability and confidence.

As a guide it takes approximately 18 months to 2 years (in higher grades) to move from one grade to the next. It is very important that attendance is consistent when preparing for an exam, pupils will be offered extra classes in the weeks leading up to their exams to help each them achieve their full potential.

Pupils are assessed externally by visiting examiners recruited and trained by the ISTD. They receive a report and successful candidates are awarded a certificate and progress to the next grade.

All ISTD examination results are monitored by the ISTD/QCA and all teachers must maintain the recognised pass rate to remain eligible to enter candidates in the future. Our teachers regularly attend training courses to update on new syllabi and exam requirements.

We are aware that for various reasons some pupils are unable to take examinations and these pupils are moved up to the next grade when appropriate.

The marking system for ISTD dance examinations are as follows:

• Distinction: 80-100 marks, reflects a high to extremely high standard of achievement overall
  
• Merit: 60-79 marks, reflects a good to very good standard of achievement overall
• Pass: 40-59 marks, reflects a satisfactory to fairly good standard of achievement overall
• Not attained: 0-39 marks, indicates that there is insufficent level of achievement

LCM Musical Theatre Examinations: 

It provides a structured approach that enables students to progressively master the understanding, knowledge and skills necessary for effective communication and performance; fosters learning through vocal and dramatic performance techniques; and encourages a love of the literary and musical aspects of the genre. Candidates may choose their own performance repertoire for the examinations, and are encouraged to explore the full range and extent of possibilities, so that they may have the opportunity to perform material which is as appropriate as possible to their own particular performance skills and interests. Examinations are conducted by trained external examiners and are held at approved centres in the UK and overseas’.

• Distinction (85-100%)A candidate who achieves a Pass with Distinction will have offered a highly accurate and fluent response in all or most of the components. They will have demonstrated the ability to perform accurately from memory, with audibility, good projection and secure vocal technique, and will have shown evidence of an excellent sense of characterisation and interpretative skill.
• Merit (75-84%) A candidate who achieves a Pass with Merit will have offered an accurate and fluent response in all or most of the components. They will have demonstrated the ability to perform accurately from memory, with audibility, good projection and secure vocal technique, and will have shown evidence of a good sense of characterisation and
  interpretative skill.
• Pass (65-74%) A candidate who achieves a Pass will have offered a mostly accurate and fluent response in all or most of the components. They will have demonstrated the ability to perform from memory with reasonable accuracy, with an acceptable level of audibility, projection and reasonable vocal technique, and will have shown some evidence of characterisation and interpretative skill.