Our classes are fun and stimulating, filled with colour and energy, so our awards naturally are the same!
We have a unique set of proficiency awards for both the Music Programme and the Dance Programme which span from the very first classes to a level broadly equivalent to the Scottish Advanced Higher in both disciplines. (We don't stop there, though, we just recognise that not everyone will want to continue to professional training).
The skills our students learn are continuously progressed, with natural occasions of good quality learning celebrated in the context of the class itself, between teacher, student and peers. However, there are certain skills that are appropriate to be learned at each stage of development, and we like to recognise these in an achievement model that is unique to Rhythm Academy.
Each award level comprises a set of specific skills across key disciplines that are demonstrated by the student and assessed by the teacher - that doesn't mean exams! It means continuous improvement, effort and achievement throughout the year that gets recognised at appropriate intervals.
Assessment judgements are always within the flow of the lesson. There aren't "Blue Award Exams", for example, and levels can take anything from 6 months to 18 months to complete, depending on attendance, application and personal practice. Periodically, we'll use it as motivation to do a colour challenge and try to unlock a set of skills that lead to the award in that colour.
Awards are handed out in the form of certificates on the successful completion of a level, which is normally at the end of a term, but could be at any point during the session, if the outcomes have been achieved.
This gives our students an opportunity to reflect and recall the work they've actually done over time, which is often just as important as moving onto the next thing!
The top-level awards require some specific assessed work to be completed. This tracks with the ability, maturity and responsibility expected of a more advanced student, and allows for independence and personalisation in their curriculum while still training to a high level of competence.
These awards do not replace external examination in either music or dance, and they're not here to compete with any examination boards.
What they do offer is an alternative, relevant, made-for-us method of fostering and celebrating achievement that is unique here at Rhythm Academy.
Everything that happens here is meant to make everything around it better. That's the idea behind these awards, too.
They are also included in the deal at Rhythm Academy, so no extra classes, no extra cost.
