What is involved in participating in an Exam/Class Award with Wellington Ballet?
What are class awards and exams?
Learning and presenting their work really helps students progress with their ballet. Royal Academy of Dance, NZAMD Class Awards & Exams give students a goal to reach for and a sense of achievement throughout the preparation and on the day. Entering for a class award or exam is optional but highly recommended.
Class Award (RAD only): The teacher guides the class on the exam day. Students perform their exercises and one dance for the examiner. The marking is on an Occasionally-Generally-Frequently scale and a certificate and badge are awarded. This is a newer option introduced by the RAD.
RAD Ballet Exams: Students present their exercises and two dances, without their teacher present. They receive a mark out of 100. Pass (40-54), Merit (55-74), Distinction (75-100). A certificate and badge are awarded.
NZAMD Jazz & Contemporary Exams: Students present their exercises and a dance. The exams are done in small groups. They receive a mark out of 100. Pass (50-55.5) Pass Plus (56-65.5) Commended (66-75.5) Highly Commended (76-85.5) Honours (86-95.5) Honours with Distinction (96-100)
Exams
Pre–Primary – No exam
Primary
Children at this level will sit a Class Award they will be expected to learn the Royal Academy set exercises and dances. They will enter the exam with me and no parents will be allowed to watch. They will need to attend 4 extra lessons a during term 3. An exam fee is paid to the RAD and there will be a charge for extra lessons. The exam venue will be Khandallah Bowling Club.
Grade 1 – Grade 5
Children will be expected to learn the Royal Academy of Dance set exercises and dances. They will enter the exam in groups of 4. Nobody is permitted to watch the examination. They will be graded out of 100 for their effort and awarded with Pass, Merit and Distinction. They will be expected to do two lessons a week during the whole year. An exam fee is paid to the RAD and there will be a charge for the pianist. The exam venue will be the Khandallah Bowling Club.
Intermediate Foundation (2 year study period) & Intermediate (1 Year)
Children will be expected to learn the Royal Academy of Dance set exercises and dances. They will enter the exam in groups of 4. Nobody is permitted to watch the examination. They will be graded out of 100 for their effort and awarded with Pass, Merit and Distinction. They must do 2 lessons per week. There may be holiday lessons. An exam fee is paid to the RAD and there will be a charge for the pianist.
Advanced Foundation & Advanced 1
Children will be expected to learn the Royal Academy of Dance set exercises and dances. They will enter the exam in groups of 4. Nobody is permitted to watch the examination. They will be graded out of 100 for their effort and awarded with Pass, Merit and Distinction. They must do 2 lessons per week. There may be holiday lessons. An exam fee is paid to the RAD and there will be a charge for the pianist.
Jazz/Contemporary
Examinations take place in Term 3. They will enter the exam in small groups. Sometimes there are extra rehearsals for these. An examiner comes from NZAMD. They receive a mark out of 100. An exam fee is paid to NZAMD.
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Exam Dates 2025
They will be around this date so please mark your diaries.
Intermediate Foundation/Intermediates/Advanced
First Session
Second Session
Grades Primary – Grade 5
Term 3:
NZAMD Jazz/Contemporary Exams
