Examinations

At Bom Funk we offer A.T.O.D (Australian Teachers of Dancing) syllabus classes in ballet, jazz and tap. Students looking to reach a higher level of technical training in these styles are invited to sit exams as a participant or examination candidate. Examinations are not compulsory at Bom Funk but highly encouraged for technique acquisition and development.

WHY SHOULD YOU CONSIDER EXAMINATIONS FOR YOUR CHILD?

 The Australian Teachers of Dancing (A.T.O.D.) is a highly reputed dance organisation with members worldwide. They are leaders in the field of dance education and provide an exciting, vibrant, professional and educational environment for dance studios. Examinations with A.T.O.D. have a wonderful reputation for being an exciting and rewarding experience for students. Examinations are conducted in a group situation and the Examiner is professional, encouraging and friendly.

 The word ‘exam’ can sound scary or have a negative connotation at times. One of the reasons we chose to go with A.T.O.D was because of the relaxed and supportive atmosphere their exams encourage. They offer an option to sit an exam as a participant or as an examination candidate. 

 Participant candidates will receive feedback, their certificate and medal but are not given a grade or mark. They cannot be 'failed.' 

 Examination candidates will receive feedback, their certificate and medal and a grade or mark for each exercise performed.  If examination candidates feel they are not ready on the day they can be swapped to a participant candidate prior to entering the exam room. 

BENEFITS TO CHILDREN PARTICIPATING IN EXAMINATIONS

 The Examination –

• provides an opportunity for students to be introduced to the examination procedure in a relaxed and familiar environment;

• provides the students with a medal and written report with positive and technical comments to assist with ongoing training;

• provides an opportunity for student’s to build self-esteem and a sense of achievement;

• gives the student’s family and teacher/s the opportunity to build confidence by congratulating the students on how wonderful they are!

Exam day process:

Both participant and examination students enter the examination room in a relaxed yet disciplined manner in small groups. The exam consists of both a practical and theory component.  The practical component is a series of exercises. These are exercises they have been practising in class. In the theory component the students will be asked a number of questions based on the theory booklet (Bronze-Gold Ballet & Tap only). More information on this is included under the Theory section below.

In the junior grades, exercises are seen altogether as a group, in pairs or line by line (with the exception of tap where some are performed one at a time so sounds can be heard) and dances are seen in pairs. All results are confidential and it’s up to the candidate if they want to share their marks with others or not.

In the exam, students are able to repeat an exercise if they feel they did not perform it at their best. The examiners provide positive and constructive comments that will help students grow (we can tell them the same corrections but they only seem to listen when it comes from a guest judge – can you relate parents?!). 

Studies show that children who participate in dance examinations each year gain confidence and learn important life skills such as learning to concentrate in an examination environment which assists with their school examinations and other similar situations. Participating in examinations also gives them a goal to work towards and an opportunity to receive an independent assessment of how they are progressing technically. The higher levels can also lead to examinations for Teaching Diplomas and some high schools may allow examination results to be included as part of their studies (please speak with your school as each school is different – we can provide you with information to assist).

A.T.O.D. prides itself on keeping examination fees to a realistic and affordable level with families in mind. On passing the examination, students receive an examination report/certificate and a medal from A.T.O.D.   

 We would like to encourage you to allow your child to join the growing number of students who learn, perform and excel within the A.T.O.D. system of training.

Exam results: 

• Test 1,2 & 3 in Classical Ballet, Jazz and Tap - the students are awarded a PASS or UNSUCCESSFUL result if entered as an exam candidate. Students receive a PARTICIPANT result if entered as a participant.

• A student who cannot perform Pointe work in the Classical Ballet examinations – Gold Star and above, may do the Pointe exercises in Ballet shoes and receive a mark not higher than Commended for Gold Star, Credit Plus for Elementary, Pass for Intermediate and Advanced. The teacher must advise the examiner prior to the commencement of the examination day that the student will perform pointe exercises in Ballet shoes.

The method of assessment for all components of examinations are as follows:

• Highly Skilled

• Competent

• Satisfactory

• Needs Improvement

Dates: 

 A.T.O.D exams in Canberra are usually held in July/August.

These may change depending on the number of students we have sit an exam and on the Examiner's schedule. Students may need to take a short amount of time off school if exams are held on a weekday. Schools are very supportive and understanding of this. Exams usually run for approximately 20-40min depending on the number of students in the group. 

At the end of Term 2 we have a watching week where you are invited to watch the class perform their exam work.

Exam levels:

Years 1 - 2 Classes: TEST TWO (only year 2s can sit an exam)

Year 3 - 4 Classes: TEST THREE

Years 4 - 5 Classes: BRONZES (alternating between Bronze Star & Bronze Medal each year)

Years 5 - 6 Classes: SILVERS (alternating between Silver Star & Bronze Medal each year)

Senior Classes: See class description for level details (Silver and above)

EXAM ATTIRE:

(NOTE: Boys will have uniform requirements organised individually for exams)

Exam Entries ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED: