Jazzaddict

Examination Entries

Examination entries are due by the closing date in term two. This enables a timetable to be set. Teachers are notified of their examination timetable in June of that year.

Examinations are scheduled for weekdays between 9am and 6pm. If teachers require examinations outside of these times then this must be specified at the time of exam registration.

Late Entries

Small numbers of late entries will be accepted subject to timetable availability. An additional late fee is required. Entire school entries cannot be entered as late entries. Late entries attract a late fee of $5 per entry.

Report Sheets

Examination entries are required to be completed on the electronic form provided.  The names entered by the teacher are pre-populated through onto all examination related forms including the candidate report sheets and certificates.  It is important that teachers enter the candidate name correctly at the time of entry.

Refunds

Examination refunds are only given on receipt of an original medical certificate. These must be provided within 30 days of the examination date.

Multiple Examinations

Students are permitted to sit more than one examination but this must be pre-approved by Jazzaddict Australasia. The student will then be timetabled to sit the lower examination level first. They must pass this level to sit the next level.

Entry Levels and Grading Rules

Students can enter the syllabus at any level up to, and including, Intermediate Three. From Advanced One students must have sat and passed the previous grade to move up to the next level (ie. No student is permitted to start at Advanced upwards without having sat and passed Intermediate Three).

The Examination Room

A Heater and jug of water are compulsory.
All mirrors must be covered. This includes mirrors on rear and side walls.
All Viewing windows must be covered so outside sources are unable to view examinations.
Music must be cued and back-up music is highly recommended.
The music operator must not talk or have any interaction with the students. If the music operator is a teacher, then a screen between the teacher and students is compulsory.
Candidates are to enter in groups of no more than eight students. Group numbers will be scheduled in your timetable.
Candidate number one student should be standing on the examiners left hand side, working up to the higher number candidates on the examiner’s right hand side. This enables the examiner to read left to right.
Candidates should be entered in height order with number one being the shortest and number eight the tallest.

Examiner Responsibility

The examiner will seek to create an atmosphere that will encourage your students to perform to the best of their ability. Students should be well prepared to ensure a smooth-running, enjoyable examination.

At the completion of the day, the Examiner may be available to go through any teaching points with you. A Teacher Examination Report will be posted to you as a reference for the next year. This is a helpful guide to further improve your teaching staffs’ examination preparation of candidates.

Marking Procedure

The examiners have been instructed to mark in accordance with technical requirements for each exercise. Requirements include; placement, musicality, timing, travel, lines and definition, knowledge of the syllabus, focus and performance.

Adult Students

Adult students are marked less technically than children and teenage students. The marking takes into account that adults are not always able to meet the physical requirements of some exercises. Turn exercises can be reduced to single turns if necessary. Due to the different marking procedure, adult student results are not taken into account for top awards.

Examiner Hosting

The examiner must be collected from their hotel allowing plenty of time for a prompt start. The first class of candidates should be ready to enter the exam room when the Examiner arrives. The studio is expected to provide the Examiner with refreshments and lunch.

Examination Results

Examination results are attributed based on the following marks:

50 – 55 Pass
56 – 65 Pass Plus
66 – 75 Commended
76 – 85 Highly Commended
86 – 100 Honours

The Examiner’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Medal Tests

Medal tests are an option for students who struggle to meet the technical requirements of the examination. Students who are entered for medal tests are marked with more weighting on performance and style and less emphasis on technical ability.

Medal test results are attributed based on the following marks:

50 – 59 Bronze
60 – 79 Silver
80 – 100 Gold

The Examiner’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Candidate Preparation

Candidates must:
Be clearly labeled with an examination number front and back. It is important that teachers have two sets of numbers so that there is no waiting between examination groups.
Be well groomed. Make-up is permitted but not compulsory.
Have hair secured back and off the face. Fringes are acceptable but must be clear of the eyes.
Wear appropriate dancewear. Uniforms are compulsory.

Examination Protocol

Candidates must enter the room briskly, stand in their positions and greet the examiner – “Good morning/ good afternoon”.
Transitions to starting positions should be made quickly and silently.
Students may ask a question by raising their hand.
Students will be expected to present traveling steps, amalgamations and dances in groups of two or three (or possibly individually from Intermediate levels).
Students must be able to count themselves in with the music. The examiner or teacher may assist with Primary or Junior One students if this is not possible.
Candidates must move back to the centre at the completion of the examination for a bow to thank the examiner.

Mock Examinations

It is highly recommended that teachers conduct mock examinations to rehearse the protocol of examinations to ensure a polished, fast and smooth examination.

Medication

Inhalers and medical requirements are permitted in the examination room. It is advisable to have a box of tissues available in the examination room for candidates with winter colds.

Fluids and Towels

Water bottles, knee pads and towels are permitted in the examination room for students Elementary and upwards.

Bathroom

Students should use the bathroom before entering the examination room however; students are able to excuse themselves during the examination if necessary.

Enquires/ Complaints

We welcome your feedback. Any queries, suggestions or complaints should be directed to the Jazzaddict Australasia office.

Teacher Registration

Teachers must become registered to teach Jazzaddict Australasia syllabus work. All work and music is copyright to Jazzaddict Australasia. Jazzaddict Australasia is a registered trademark.

To become a registered teacher, you must complete and return the Annual Teacher Registration Form and enclose the registration fee. The registration fee registers the dance studio for one year. If you have not received an Annual Teacher Registration Form with this Teacher Manual, please contact the Jazzaddict office.

New teachers are accepted on a two year trial. During that time they must enter candidates for examinations each year and attend the Teacher Refresher Course. Examination results and teacher report sheets will be monitored during that period. If the work of a teacher is consistently of a poor standard, despite assistance from the Jazzaddict staff, then the Directors reserve the right to decline registration on the subsequent year.

Teacher Refresher Courses

Teacher refresher courses are held in January every second year (bi-annual). It is compulsory for every registered studio to have a representative at these workshops.

Syllabus work, technical work and music are covered. Open forums are scheduled to share ideas, suggestions and opinions.

Jazzaddict Australasia Awards

At the completion of examinations, marks will be collated to ascertain the top results for each grade. The top candidate in each grade will be given an examination fee refund and a $150 scholarship award and certificate.