Welcome to Chiltern Academy
School of Performing Arts

FAQs

We have listed some frequently asked questions and answers for you here. Please browse through them. If you wish to see the answer to one of the questions, click on the question, and a box will open to reveal the answer.

Do we have to wait until a new term to join?

Ans: No you can start at any point during the term. Just contact us to check that classes are running that week.

I have younger children with me, is there somewhere we can wait?

Ans: Yes, we have a small waiting areas so bringing younger siblings along is not a problem.

Are the dance teachers qualified?

Ans: All our dance teachers are qualified, hold current DBS certificates and are trained in First Aid and Child Safeguarding.

Do you offer a free trial?

Ans: Yes we do. Once you have had your free trial you will be charged at the same rate as everyone else for the remainder of classes within that current term.

Is it weekly or termly payments?

Ans: We operate a term payment system and have 4 terms per year. All parents/carers will receive an invoice for the forthcoming term and a half terms notice is required when leaving the academy.

Do they have to buy a uniform after the trial?

Ans: We usually recommend that for the first few weeks they wear their own clothes and once settled buy the regulation uniform.

Can we stay and watch the lesson?

Ans: In our experience, children relax, pay attention and enjoy the lessons better without a parent or carer watching as it can be distracting so we ask that after the free trial/taster session, parents do not watch the lessons.

Do the children have to do exams?

Ans: No they do not; although it is a fantastic experience and great for confidence building and rewarding after all their hard work. If a student does not wish to partake in exams they can  move up with their peers.

Do you run classes in the school holidays?

Ans: No we do not run timetabled classes in the holidays but regularly offer workshops with guest teachers.

In which genres can students take an exam?

Ans: we enter students for ballet, modern, tap and jazz examinations.

Who decides who is going to take an exam?

Ans: The class teacher. All teachers are professionally qualified and are able to assess who is ready. They have knowledge of the technical criteria needed for each grade and put a great deal of thought and consideration into deciding who is ready for their exam.

Students who attend more than one class per week seem to be entered for exams more often, do they receive preferential treatment?

Ans: Not at all. Students who attend more than one class per week sometimes progress more quickly. If they attend classes of different genres they will be improving their co-ordination,core strength and technical ability.

. Can my child move up to the next grade without taking the exam?

Ans: We prefer our students to take their examinations but understand that sometimes this is not logistically or financially viable. We certainly do not want to stop anyone form progressing if they are not able to take an exam.

How much will the exam cost?

Ans: When we feel your child is ready you will receive a letter of invitation to sit the exam. The fees are outlined in the letter so you are aware of ALL costs before you commit to the exam.

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