At Highgate Ballet School children learn in ability appropriate classes and can take Cecchetti graded ballet exams when they are ready. The exams are divided into recreational level standards, (Class exams) QCA recognised Grades and pre-vocational professional level exams. After successfully passing an exam the candidate will receive a report form and a certificate. Ballet exams are optional and recommended and some students may choose not to take them but can still move up with their peers.
Class Examinations
The youngest age group is the Pre-Primary, which is aimed at children ages 3-5. This group do not take ballet exams.
The first Class exam is Cecchetti Primary. Children are ages 5-7 and enter in groups of 3-4 with the class teacher. Usually a child would spend 4 terms in Primary with one class a week before taking the exam.
Standard 1: Class exam is aimed at children ages 6-9 and like Primary, are entered in groups of 3-4 with their teacher. The younger age group would have had some previous dance experience and may have taken their Primary already. The syllabus typically takes 3 terms to complete.
Standards 2 and up:Children are ages 7 and over. These are intermediary levels between the grades and the exams are suitable for children who take ballet only once a week. Children are entered in groups of 2-4 with their class teacher. Some classes that are studying standards may do them for a term or two before moving onto the grade, rather than taking the exam.
Grades Examinations
Children are entered in 2’s without the class teacher, they must attain a good technical level and know theory as well.
Grade 1:The minimum age to take Grade 1 is 7 years old. The exam is aimed at children ages 7-10 and can take 3-4 terms to complete on one class per week. In the term of the upcoming exam it is strongly recommended that an additional weekly class be attended. Children are entered in 2’s without the class teacher, they must attain a good technical level and know theory as well.
Grade 2:The exam is aimed at children ages 8 and over who have had considerable previous dance experience. Grade 2can take 4-6 terms to complete on one class per week, so twice weekly attendance is recommended. In the term of the upcoming exam, where a child is taking one class a week, it is strongly recommended that an additional weekly class be attended.
Grade 3:The exam is aimed at children ages 9 and over who have had considerable previous ballet experience or 12+ with comparative physical activity or experience such as gymnastics or contemporary dance. Grade 3 can take 4-6 terms to complete on one class per week, so twice weekly attendance is recommended. In the term of the upcoming exam, where a child is taking one class a week, it is strongly recommended that an additional weekly class be attended.
Grade 4;The exam is aimed at children ages 10 and over who have had considerable previous ballet experience (usually 3 or more years on 2 + classes weekly), or 13+ with comparative physical activity or experience such as gymnastics or contemporary dance. Grade 4 ideally requires a minimum 2x a week commitment. It can take 3 or more terms to complete on two classes per week. It is strongly recommended that an additional weekly class be attended at this level.
Grade 5: The exam is aimed at children ages 11 and over who have had considerable previous ballet experience (usually 4 or more years on 2 + classes weekly), or 14+ with comparative physical activity or experience such as gymnastics or contemporary dance. Preparing for the Grade 5 exam requires a minimum 2x a week commitment. It can take 3 or more terms to complete on two classes per week. It is strongly recommended that an additional weekly class be attended at this level. Also at grade 5, there is also an introduction to pointework, Students are assessed by the class teacher before they can go on pointe.
Grade 6: The exam is aimed at children ages 12 and over who have had considerable previous ballet experience (usually 4 or more years on 2 + classes weekly), or 15+ with comparative physical activity or experience such as gymnastics or contemporary dance. Preparing for the Grade 6 exam requires a minimum 2x a week commitment. It can take 3 or more terms to complete on two classes per week. It is strongly recommended that an additional weekly class be attended at this level. Also at grade 6, as with grade 5, there is basic pointework, which is not examined, Students are assessed by the class teacher before they can go on pointe. The Grade 6 exam has the required minimum QCA points that can be included when applying for university.
Pre-Vocational Examinations
Dancers are entered singly or in 2’s without the class teacher. They must attain a very high technical level and know theory as well.
Intermediate Foundation:This is aimed at dedicated ballet students ages 12+ who are taking at least 2 ballet classes weekly and may also be attending external associate programmes The minimum age to take the exam, which includes some basic pointework is 12.
Intermediate:This is aimed at dedicated ballet students ages 13+ who are taking at least 2 ballet classes weekly and may also be attending external associate programmes Most students attending at this level have successfully completed their Intermediate Foundation exam. The minimum age to take the intermediate exam, which includes some pointework in the centre as well as at the barre, is 13.
Advanced 1:This is aimed at dedicated ballet students ages 14+ who are taking at least 3 ballet classes weekly, have attained their Intermediate exam or who are working at the equivalent level, and may also be attending external associate programmes, Mature students and those ages 17+ and have been assessed as able to study at this level are encouraged to take 2x a week. This level is equivalent to the apprentice level in a dance company. The Cecchetti Advanced 1 syllabus is extensive and includes advanced level pointework.
Advanced 2:This is aimed at dedicated ballet students ages 16+ who are taking at least 3 ballet classes weekly, have attained their Advanced 1 exam or who are working at the equivalent level, and may also be attending external associate programmes, Mature students, teachers and those ages 18+ and have been assessed as able to study at this level are allowed to attend. The Cecchetti Advanced 2 syllabus is equivalent to working in a ballet company at soloist level, the work is challenging and not suitable for drop-in classes.
Private coaching classes: for ballet exams and teacher training at the higher levels can be arranged, also pre – enrolment class assessments for all students ages 7+. Please contact the school for more details.
