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NEW WAYS TO PROGRESS

Modern Theatre dance is evolving to meet the needs of today’s students and teachers. That’s why the ISTD is excited to offer Modern Theatre Class Examinations—designed to give learners more ways to develop their skills, artistry, and creativity in a dynamic and supportive environment.

Overview

Our Class Examinations have been carefully developed by a team of ISTD teachers, examiners, and industry experts.

The goal? To create a streamlined syllabus that helps students:

  • Develop artistry and individuality
  • Experience and refine Modern Theatre technique
  • Foster creativity within a group setting
  • Build confidence and positive social interactions
  • Stay competitive in the wider examinations industry
 
 

Why choose Class Examinations?

Class Examinations provide a flexible, complementary structure alongside traditional graded exams. They allow teachers to:

  • Teach set exercises from the ISTD syllabus in a way that suits all students, regardless of whether they’re preparing for a class or graded exam
  • Offer structured goals for after-school clubs or recreational dance classes, while still allowing room for creativity and choreography

“The class exams provide structure and a clear goal for students, while also giving teachers the freedom to incorporate creative routines. It’s a great way to prepare dancers for the regulated exam world.”

A supportive examination experience

Class Examinations take place within the familiar class environment, with the teacher leading the session and an examiner observing either in person or remotely. Just like graded exams, Class Examinations offer two pathways—Option A and Option B—to accommodate students with varying physical abilities and strengths.

 
 

Key information

  • Duration: 15–35 minutes, depending on the number of candidates and their level
  • Assessment Criteria:
    • Technical Skills: posture, coordination, placement, timing, spatial awareness
    • Performance Skills: response to the teacher, recall of syllabus content, dynamics, musicality, and overall enjoyment
  • Recognition: Candidates receive a report and certificate with attainment levels of either Awarded with Commendation or Awarded

Any questions? Visit our Modern Theatre Class Examinations FAQs page.

Modern Theatre Class Examinations FAQs

“The ability to teach the same content to all students and integrate it into a broader programme is a real advantage.”

The benefits of submitting students to Class Examinations

1. Flexible, non-regulated structure

Class Examinations for Grades 1 to 6 provide an alternative to traditional graded exams, allowing students to participate in a non-regulated assessment within the comfort of their own studios.

2. Technical and artistic development

Class Exams help students build both technical and artistic skills, with a focus on safe dance practice. Each level prepares students with the foundational steps and techniques they’ll need to progress to higher levels.

3. Individuality and inclusivity

With the option to choose between Option A and Option B settings, Class Exams accommodate students’ unique strengths and physical abilities, just as in graded exams.

 

 

 

4. Seamless integration with Graded Syllabus

Class Exams and graded syllabus work feature the same exercises, enabling teachers to deliver both in the same class. This allows Class Exams to function as a stand-alone training programme or as part of a broader pathway to regulated exams.

5. Supporting progression

Class Exams provide a structured yet flexible approach to training, offering students clear progression while maintaining the freedom to explore their creativity and build confidence.

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about booking a Class Examination, the exam process, the Modern Theatre Specification and how it can help your students Step Up to Success.

Login to QUEST  Read the Modern Theatre Specification