Work
throughout the year may be on examination syllabi or show/competition work.
SCHOOL
POLICIES & CLASS ETIQUETTE
Pupils
coming from other schools may need private lesson to determine ability
levels and class places.
Pupils
are accepted on condition they do not attend another dancing school once
enrolled.
Pupils
should not take outside dancing exam, competition or workshop without prior
consultation.
Please
speak to the Principal before undertaking outside performances, auditions or
professional engagements.
Permission
should be sought for newspaper interviews concerning JMDS pupils.
Parents
are invited to watch classes on the first and last lessons of term when
families should watch in silence, in order that pupils can concentrate
fully. (NB it is normal practice in most dancing schools not to permit
spectators during classes)
Please
make sure children arrive in plenty of time and are ready to dance at the
required times. Pupils waiting for their class should wait outside the
teaching room.
It
is very important to read the notice boards at each studio, for frequent
announcements
Newsletters
are issued each term. If you have asked to be put on the JMDS mailing list
all notices and newsletters will be sent
via email. This is the best way
of communication. Please check
your email regularly & inform me of any address
changes. If you prefer a
printed copy then this will be individually named & either handed or
posted to you. Please keep them safe,
along with this Information Sheet
The
best source of information is our web site www.jmds.net. Please check it regularly.
All
teachers have their own style of teaching.
Occasionally we may need stand-in teachers. Pupils and parents alike
should treat all teachers politely
and with respect.
Teachers
have discretion over whether a child will take exams and progress into the
next class.
Under
traditional class etiquette, teachers will be addressed by all pupils as
"Miss" eg. "Miss Jayne".
I
would like to feel that parents can telephone, write, or e-mail me
(jmds2002@hotmail.com) if they wish to discuss any matter.
Please
note that out of respect for my family my office hours are from 9.30-3.00pm,
Monday - Friday. I will respond
to voice messages as promptly as
possible. My mobile should only
be used in emergencies.
The
Head Girl of the School is a senior "all rounder" who is able to
give teachers support and help whenever needed.
The
Head Girl, always chosen by Miss Jayne, will be a student teacher and a
representative for other pupils.
The Head Girl's parents should be fully supportive of the School and of their daughter's position.
Left, Head Girls for 2004/5, Lisa-Marie Pritty and Sarah Matthews. Right, Head Girl for 2002 & 2003, Nikki Waite, and her predecessor, Emma Yexley, with Miss Jayne
Some pupils may take on the role of ‘student teacher’ under the direction of Miss Jayne.
Student teacher Lucy Jones
A
competition organised between dancing schools throughout England. Solos,
duets and groups all involved. Entry
fee is payable for all items.
Sections
include: ballet, tap, song & dance, modern, acrobatic, character,
national, solo song, drama.
Preliminary
sessions and semi-finals are held locally. Finals are held in London.
Competitors
gaining an Honours mark to go through to the Semi-finals where a Merit
Certificate is required to go on the list
for Finals but only the top three in each age group and section, nationwide,
go to the Finals in London.
Takes
place in October or November or early December each year.
Any
of our pupils can enter with their own dance composition either for
themselves or another child at the school. Sections are the same as
for the British Arts Awards.
Medals
awarded to each child. A trophy to the highest mark in the Choreography
section.
Items
can be entered for British Arts competition.
Full-
length ballets and musicals may be staged end-January/early February every
other year. Shows entail many hours preparation &full day rehearsals,
just ahead of show dates. Full commitment is expected on these days from all
pupils. All rehearsals have to be attended otherwise pupils will not be able
to perform. This ensures a professional/slick production.
Presentation Day held annually in July. Usually includes invited performances followed by the Grande Finalé when EVERY pupil appears on stage in school uniform. For many, it’s the highlight of the year. Over 80 cups and trophies are then awarded for the children's work during the year. It is essential that every pupils from Baby to Advanced is present.
Group
dances for shows and competitions are choreographed based on the full class
of students. It is very disruptive if a student decides to leave.
When choreography is started, a commitment by all pupils is required
and expected.
We
follow the ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers' Dancing) syllabi for ballet
& tap, and British Arts Association syllabi tap, drama, and modern medal
tests.
Uniform
required for ISTD exams and also pink satin ballet shoes with ribbons.
Exam
success generally dictates whether children progress into the next higher
class.
Pupils
will only be entered for an exam when they are ready.
an enormous number of medals, plus their many year & examination
badges
Photo by Peter Matthews
Year
Badges are available at 50p & a list of pupils who are due goes on the notice
boards. Badges worn on the right-hand side of
uniform.
Hand
made examination badges are awarded after grade exams and medal tests and
cannot be replaced if lost. Badges to be worn on the left-hand side of
school uniform.
|
Dance
|
Ribbon
Colour |
Result
level |
Embroidery |
|
Ballet |
Pink |
Honours |
Red |
|
Tap |
Orange |
Highly
Commended |
Mauve |
|
Modern |
Yellow |
Commended |
Green |
|
Drama |
White |
Pass
Plus |
Dark
Blue |
If
funds permit, some costumes are purchased and returned to 'Wardrobe' for
future shows.
Our
Wardrobe Mistress is Debbie Kingston tel: 01923 24106. A catalogue
with photos is available. Costumes may be hired at a small charge.
Please return costumes in good condition, straight after use. Creased
costumes or those returned in an unreasonable state will be charged for
cleaning/pressing/repairing. Late returns will incur charges
The
full JMDS uniform is also available from Stepping Out in Apsley, Hemel
Hempstead.
Costumes
are required for British Arts Awards Competitions, Medal Tests and
Presentation Day.
Class
teachers decide on costumes for groups and a 'costume leader' (a volunteer
‘mum’) is appointed for each class.
Parents then need to come into class and liase with the costume leader.
Please read the terms of payment below to avoid late payment surcharge & non-notification charges:
All fees are due on the first lesson of term or during the first 2 weeks if given to a teacher or posted.
An extra charge of 10% of total fees is payable on fees which are not in the office by the 3rd Monday of term. After the first week of term it is your responsibility to ensure payment reaches Miss Jayne and is not simply given to a teacher, otherwise the 10% will be added. You accept the responsibility for this extra charge by your child attending classes at JMDS. No exceptions can be made on the surcharge.
Please note that I require one month’s notice in writing if a child no longer wants the class place. You have agreed to this when signing your child’s registration form & these are kept on file as proof of your agreement. You will be subject to half a term’s fees should this notice not be given.
Notice must not be given verbally to teachers – it must be in writing to Miss Jayne please.
February 2008
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