Sixth Form options

[Livy2]

Hi,

Are we too late to look at auditioning for musical theatre for Y12/13? DD was planning to stay on at her school but they are being awkward (trying to change the level of her GCSEs following a couple of bad Science mocks) and DH has suggested she looks elsewhere. Don't really want to do the nearest college as the standard isn't high enough and was really planning to audition for Drama School at 18+.

It never rains but pours (especially as we had an awards evening last night for elder DD and younger DD ends up crying because she thinks she hasn't got any talent - but she has special needs and we love her as she is). What a palaver ..

[jasmine2]

Hiya..think we were at the same awards evening as you... no it is not too late at all..go for it xx

[Livy2]

Hi,

Yes, we spoke to your DD last term and she told us then about her experience at the college which is why we don't want to go there. Don't know why school are being so difficult - it's not as if she's going to change careers and become a scientist

[paulears]

Schools are not geared up for performing arts post 16. The kids need a change of environment, and a change in teachers. School teachers rarely have industry experience in the arts - that's not their background - so even when the teachers are keen, the steer given to their students is often rather distorted. Colleges and the specialist centres tend to treat their students in a similar way to how production companies treat their cast - as in soft on guidance and any form of coddling - leaving them to sink or swim based on their attitude. School teachers cannot suddenly stop being "Miss" or "Sir", and know far too much about their kid's existing ability. At a new place, everyone starts on the same level, and the staff form their own opinion, quickly, based on what they see now - not when they were 12!

Colleges have far more rules applied to them now, compared with when I did it - scrutiny which was lax in the past is now on the change. BTEC, my old exam board used to sample a few units (modules) each year, but from next, they will be looking at EVERY unit, and EVERY assessor - which is scaring the pants out of them!\\

Very tricky decision!

[JayLou62]

I think my dd will be going to Dance College South West instead of 6th form. Ideally she wishes to go into ballet but has already received 3 'no's and is waiting for results of another and has one audition left to go plus auditioning for the above college. If she goes there she will continue with RAD Adv 1 and 2 ballet, Intermediate Tap and Modern and her private singing lessons (she is currently working towards Grade 6 which she will take in the summer; her teacher intends her to do her Grade 8 next summer). She will pick up pilates/body conditioning, American tap, flamenco, drama, MT, hip hop, contemporary, and have masterclasses with professionals from West End shows. She will also work towards her DDI/DDE qualifications (teacher training).
The course is geared towards the individual's current level of dance ability and I know the standard of dance for my dd's year is high. The day starts at 9.00am and there are dance classes all day until 10.00pm (the college day finishes at 5.00pm but they can pick up extra classes if they want to).

[Katymac]

I think that sounds wonderful Jaylou - I wish they offered that near to us

[JayLou62]

They can help with accommodation Katymac with local families