1. International Dance Teachers’ Association
Level 3 Diploma for Dance Teaching Assistants

2. Purpose of this presentation
Introduction to the Level 3 Diploma for Dance Teaching Assistants
Overview of each section of the qualification
Workbook
Technique section
Discussion
Marking
Grading

3. Introduction to the Level 3 Diploma for Dance Teaching Assistants

4. What is the Level 3 Diploma for Dance Teaching Assistants?
New level 3 qualification
Aimed at those wanting to assist in dance classes
Supersedes the existing Pre-Associate in Theatre genres
Runs alongside the Pre-Associate in Ballroom/Freestyle genres

5. Why do we need a new qualification?
Link more effectively with the Level 4 Diploma in Dance Teaching in terms of knowledge of safe dance and observation of teaching practice
Regulated qualification more attractive to learners, especially those aged 16-18
Provides progression from graded examinations

6. What is in the level 3 Diploma for Dance Teaching Assistants?
Workbook
Safe dance practice workbook
4 teaching observation logs
Examination
Technical knowledge and demonstration
Discussion with examiner

7. How will the qualification be assessed?
Workbook
will be assessed by examiner at the beginning of the examination.
Technical knowledge and demonstration
will be assessed during the examination
Discussion
will take place throughout the examination between the examiner and candidate

8. The Workbook - introduction

9. What is in the Workbook? Safe dance practice workbook
Questions about risk assessment, safe dance and responsibilities of dance teaching assistants
4 teaching observation logs
Candidate observes dance teachers practice and/or reflects on their own experience in assisting with dance classes
Countersigned by teacher/trainer

10. How does the examiner assess the Workbook?
Candidate brings completed Workbook to examination
Examiner reviews the Workbook during first 15 minutes of examination
Candidate leaves room whilst Workbook is being reviewed

11. The workbook
Template for candidate to complete
Guidance will be part of the candidate handbook
Section 1 – understanding the importance of health and safety
Question 1 – risk assessment
Question 2 – responsibility for younger students
Question 3 – posture
Section 2 – understanding the importance of a healthy lifestyle
Question 4 – Nutrition
Section 3 – Understanding your responsibilities as a dance teaching assistant
Question 5 – Your responsibilities as a dance teaching assistant
Question 6 – the IDTA code of conduct

12. Teaching observation logs
Questions
The objectives of the class
What the teacher did in the class
Whether the candidate assisted
What they learned about teaching during the class and how they will put this into practice
Summary of discussion with teacher/trainer after the class
Template for candidate to complete
All logs should be signed by the teacher/trainer

13. Assessing the Workbook
Are responses
The Workbook is judged as achieved or not achieved by the examiner
Both elements of the workbook are reviewed holistically to form an overall judgement
Clear and concise?
Complete?
Sufficiently detailed?

14. The examination Introduction

15. Technical knowledge - examination
Candidates are required to
Demonstrate technical knowledge of syllabus requirements
Communicate knowledge of syllabus requirements

16. Technical knowledge - Theatre
Total mark 80
Technique (60 marks)
Musical awareness (20 marks)
All sections MUST be passed for the candidate to pass the qualification. This means:
Technique pass mark of 39
Musical awareness pass mark of 13

17. Technical knowledge – Ballroom, Latin, Classical Sequence and Freestyle
Total mark 80
Demonstration (30 marks)
Solo demonstration/Amalgamation (20 marks)
Theory (30 marks)
All sections MUST be passed for the candidate to pass the qualification. This means:
Demonstration pass mark of 19
Solo Demonstration/Amalgamation pass mark of 13
Theory pass mark of 19

18. Grading criteria Below pass
Knowledge and understanding was not demonstrated to the appropriate standard and there were inconsistencies and errors throughout.
Pass
Knowledge and understanding demonstrated at an appropriate standard overall with areas of strength balancing any areas of weakness throughout.
Merit
Knowledge and understanding was clearly demonstrated with minimal errors or inconsistencies shown throughout.
Distinction
Knowledge and understanding comprehensively and consistently demonstrated throughout.

19. Communicate syllabus knowledge
Discussion between candidate and examiner throughout the examination
Total marks 20
Candidate marked on:
Ability to communicate with examiner clearly
Level of confidence in communication

20. Grading criteria Below pass
Not able to demonstrate the ability to communicate knowledge and understanding appropriately with significant areas of weakness.
Pass
Demonstrated the ability to communicate knowledge and understanding appropriately. Any areas of weakness were compensated by areas of strength
Merit
Demonstrated the ability to communicate knowledge and understanding clearly overall during the examination with minimal hesitation.
Distinction
Demonstrated the ability to communicate knowledge and understanding clearly, confidently and concisely throughout the examination.

21. Deciding an overall grade
Report form sections:
Workbook (achieved or not achieved)
Technique and syllabus knowledge (80 marks)
Communication (20 marks)
Overall grade will be the total of all the sections expressed as a percentage (maximum mark 100)
The attainment bands: 
Pass 65%
Merit 75%
Distinction 85%

22. Review of Level 3 Diploma for Dance Teaching Assistants
Workbook (workbook and teaching observation logs)
Technique and syllabus knowledge
Discussion
Graded pass, merit, distinction
Aggregated overall mark/grade
Each section marked/ assessed separately

23. Information Launch of qualification at Congress in July 2019
Qualification documents available on the IDTA website in July including:
Specification and candidate handbook
Templates
FAQs
Presentation
Qualification operational from 1st January 2020