BTDA Exams

TSSPA students have the opportunity to take British Theatre Dance Association Exams. The BTDA is accredited by the Council for Dance Education and Training.

For full exam details for current students, CLICK HERE

Graded Exams can be taken in the following subjects:

Classical Ballet
Tap
Speech & Drama
Modern
Singing
Jazz Dance
Street Dance

Visit the BTDA website here.

Examinations are not compulsory but are encouraged, as they help to affirm students' achievements, boost confidence and encourage a sense of direction and progress in their training. Students will be entered for exams when their teacher feels they are confident, capable and ready to fulfil their potential at the appropriate level.

Our exam results boast 100% of pass throughout all the years we have been entering children, in all subjects, with exemplary grades across the board. You can view detailed exam results from our exam sessions by clicking here.

At our exam sessions the School is also assessed and in 2009, the BTDA once again awarded TSSPA with a 97% centre score.

FOR MORE DETAILED EXAMINATION INFO, CLICK HERE.

GRADED EXAMS AND MEDAL TESTS

We have two types of exam, both by external examining body, the British Theatre Dance Association (accredited by the Council for Dance Education & Training). They are our GRADED EXAMS and MEDAL TESTS. The main difference is that GRADED exams are curriculum based and the student takes the exam alone (or in a small group) with examiner, while MEDALS are performance based exams taken in front of the Examiner AND an audience of parents, other students, staff etc.

ROSE AWARDS are for younger children, are private like Graded exams and the candidates are accompanied by their teacher in the examination room.

YOUR CHILD'S EXAM:

Please note: You are not obligated to enter your child into the exam. We will suggest they take it if we feel they are ready, and you can decide with your child. We feel that examinations help affirm a student's achievements and boost confidence and encourage a sense of direction in the tuition we offer, but different children have different needs and levels of readiness. Please note that once you agree to the exam, Theatre Street PAYS the BTDA in advance for all examinations, so you are committing to meeting these expenses as outlined on our website (see above).

If you or child decides not to do the exam this time, this does not prevent them from entering at the next session.

UNIFORM:

MEDAL exams require a costume of some kind. This can be something you pull together from home or purchase especially, or something we can maybe advise upon - please contact us if you require help. Please bear in mind there is no way I can costume all the exams, this is the students' (and obviously the parents') responsibility. If it is singing, for example, a nice dress or smart outfit is suitable, it needs to be clear that effort has been made.If a character costume is obvious (i.e rags for an urchin in Oliver or Annie song) then an appropriate costume is better, please speak to us if in doubt.

For jazz dance a dance costume is required, and JAZZ SHOES.

GRADED exams (and ballet Rose Awards) require the appropriate uniform that the student wears in class, so if they are not currently wearing uniform in class, please get in touch. I will instruct BALLET students further on the strict BTDA ballet uniform code for their exam.

All DRAMA exams require TSSPA Stage School uniform - TS t-shirt/Black legging or trousers/black jazz shoes or plimsolls.

EXAMINATION FEES:

The examination board has a very strict process so we in turn have to be very strict about the payment of exam fees, which MUST be paid for in full by two weeks prior to the exam. These fees must be paid either in full upon confirmation of the exam or in two instalments if you wish, half on confirmation of the exam, half by the deadline, but upon confirmation you commit to paying for the exam in full.

(Please note that exam fees cannot be paid "instead" of school fees if these fees are due - payments made to TSSPA will be applied to cover tuition fees due before examination fees).

CANCELLATION POLICY:

The Examing Board's cancellation policy is as follows:- if your child is ill then we can rearrange the exam for a later date or obtain a refund of 90% of the fee. A doctor's letter will be required for this.

How to Arrange a Trial

Download Newsletter

Request a Prospectus

Information

BTDA Exams