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PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT

Charlotte Carnes : Head of Dance

Rebecca Paris : Dance Teacher

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The aim of Amesbury’s Academy of Dance is to build confidence and creativity through a holistic approach to dance. In our dance spaces we aim to ignite imagination and excite a curiosity for dance, allowing Amesburians to be expressive, take risks and be their authentic selves without fear of judgement. Dance at Amesbury provides an outlet for self-expression and movement. Through studying the art form, pupils build upon their dance composition, appreciation and performance skills, blending their artistic practice with physical activity.

At Amesbury we feel passionately about the positive impact dance can have on a child’s personal development, sense of self-worth, passion and zest for life. We aim to encourage and reveal pupils’ creative potential through dance. Our philosophy is that dance is for all with our Hip-Hop, Ballet, Modern, and Contemporary classes all being non-selective.

We do offer further provision for pupils who are extremely passionate about dance and excel on a technical or performance level with scholarship tuition and the opportunity to audition for Amesbury’s two dance crews: ADC for Years 3 – 5 and Troupe for Years 6 – 8.

Parents are able to see CCA dance pupils perform in recitals throughout the year, Pre-Prep in the Michaelmas term during the CCA Dance Recital and Prep School in the CCA Dance Production which will be schedule for either the Lent or Trinity term, dependant on school events (parents will be notified of the date in advance). Teachers are always available to discuss pupil progress so please email Miss Carnes, Head of Dance on c.carnes@amesburyschool.co.uk if you have any questions.

Please note, that whilst we do our best to accommodate pupils joining Dance CCA’s that have not signed up at the beginning of the academic year, at times due to exams or productions we may need to delay the start date for sign-ups until a class has completed an exam or show.

Ballet

In Ballet at Amesbury, pupils not only develop their classical technical skills but also the art of storytelling through classical movement. Pupils in the Pre-Prep learn the basics of classical ballet technique and in the Prep school begin to work towards ISTD Classical Ballet Examinations from Grade 1 upwards. Imperial Classical Ballet is based on the teaching of the French School at the Paris Opéra. Focusing on encouraging a sound basic technique and an understanding of musical interpretation, it provides the essentials of a pure classical training.

It is not compulsory for pupils to take ballet exams but pupils will be working on the ISTD syllabus in lessons. From Year 3 upwards, Ballet pupils will not be working towards choreography for dance recitals in their ballet lessons due to the commitment, time, and dedication it takes to prepare for ballet examinations in an academic year.

Please note, exam candidates require knowledge and skill of the previous syllabus for the exam criteria. We advise that ISTD Ballet exam pupils prioritise Ballet session attendance and aim to make-up any missed lessons ahead of exams.

Exams will take place in the Trinity term. Pupils being entered for ballet exams will be required to attend additional preparation lessons in the Easter holidays and the Trinity term.

Hip-Hop

Hip-Hop at Amesbury is taught through a blend of urban styles. Pupils are encouraged to build their freestyle ability in lessons as well as develop upper body strength in order to achieve break dancing freezes and movements. In the studio, pupils learn new commercial sequences incorporating the latest trends and rehearse technical exercises to develop Hip-Hop skills. As pupils move up through the Prep school, as well as developing Hip-Hop technique, pupils learn how to build choreographic skills, analyse street crew formations, and collaborate with others to develop street style choreography.

Modern (Reception-Year 4)

In Modern dance at Amesbury, we look at the fundamentals of movement by exploring different qualities and styles necessary for performing to various pieces of music, especially choreographing to music which we know appeals to Amesburians. In the dance studio, pupils are able to develop their ability to control movement and combine sequences that promote awareness of the mechanics of the body and facilitate theatrical expression.

Year 4 Modern pupils will automatically move up to Year 5 Contemporary at the end of the academic year.

Contemporary (Year 5-8)

Contemporary dance almost defies description because it can be balletic or wholly abstract, jazz-influenced or lyrical, structured or unconventional, all of which will be explored through choreography in lessons. In Contemporary at Amesbury, we strive to blend together modern dance pioneers with recent trends under the ever -evolving umbrella of Contemporary. Contemporary gives pupils the freedom to explore movement as an outlet for expression, whilst building the physical skills that underpin the technical foundation to many elements of dance.

Troupe & ADC

Pupils from Year 3–8 are able to audition for a position in Amesbury’s two dance crews at the beginning of each academic year. To gain a position, pupils will be required to participate in a dance workshop in front of an audition panel as well as prepare a one-minute solo piece. As pupils have to prepare a one-minute solo dance to a set piece of music, a deadline is given to sign-up for auditions. The deadline is set to allow all auditionees a fair amount of time to prepare their solo piece, review the audition criteria and to manage audition expectations. If pupils have not signed up by the deadline, then they are not able to audition.

Each crew rehearses on alternative Thursday evenings from 5.45-6.45pm and performs choreography at internal or external dance platforms in the Trinity term.

Troupe & ADC is aimed at pupils who take technical dance classes, love performance opportunities and are extremely passionate and excited by dance. The two dance companies are a real asset to Amesbury school and always light up the dance studio! There is no charge for this CCA.

Dance Scholarship & 1:1 Provision

Year 7 & 8 Dance Scholarship class takes place on Thursdays from 5pm – 5.40pm. During this class, pupils are tutored in technical development, improvisation, choreographic skills, performance development and dance knowledge. Audition and interview skills are also extensively covered in the session. Pupils will choreograph or co-choreograph solo pieces which will be used in 13+ auditions or showcased in Performing Arts events.

If pupils are taking their 13+ dance scholarship, they will be guided in how to create their own dance portfolio or complete any written requirements for the award. The programme helps pupils develop their skills, both in and outside of the dance studio. We enjoy watching pupils flourish in multiple areas as part of the programme, enhancing their Amesbury experience and receiving the benefits of what our Performing Arts department has to offer. Pupils attending dance scholarship also have the opportunity to lead dance sessions for the Pre-Prep throughout the year to build upon their leadership skills and advance their understanding of how others learn to dance.

In the past at Amesbury, in addition to dance scholarship preparation for senior schools, we have helped Amesbury pupils successfully audition for the English Youth Ballet, The Royal Ballet, Tring Park, Ballet Boyz and The Centre of Advanced Training. We aim to support and offer 1:1 audition preparation lessons for pupils who are invited to audition for dance associate programmes, professional productions and senior school 13+ dance scholarships. There is no charge for the group Year 7 & 8 Dance Scholarship class.

Recitals & Examinations

Parents will be notified of the dates for recital, dance platforms, productions and exams once they are confirmed.

For CCA Dance Recitals and shows, tickets will be sold to cover the costs of the production and added to the end of term Fees bill. Pupils may also be required to purchase dance costumes.

For pupils who are being entered for ISTD Classical Ballet Examinations, entry fees and the cost of extra rehearsals will be added to your termly bill.

All additional costs related to exam preparation and recitals will be communicated to parents prior.

Further Information

For Year 3–4 Ballet on a Friday after school, parents or guardians should collect pupils from Mrs Paris at the PAC entrance at the end of their lesson. If pupils from Year 4 are going home in-between the end of the school day and ballet classes instead of ASC, parents or guardians should drop pupils to the PAC at the start of their ballet lesson in ballet uniform.

Pupils from Reception–Year 2 will be collected from their classroom (as well as Year 3 Friday ballet pupils) by their dance teacher.

Pupils from Years 3–8 should arrive at the PAC or Studio at the start of their lesson where they will be greeted by their teacher.

Dance Timetable

Ballet Mrs Paris

Reception

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Year 6

Year 7

Year 8

Modern—Miss Carnes

Reception

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3 & 4

Monday 1.00-1.30pm

Monday 12.30-1.00pm

Monday 10.30-11.00am

Friday 3.45-4.45pm

Friday 4.45-5.45pm

Thursday 1.30-2.30pm

Fridays 1.30-2.30pm

Mondays 1.30-2.30pm

Tuesday 1.30-2.30pm

Thursday 1.00-1.30pm

Wednesday 12.30-1.00pm

Wednesday 1.00-1.30pm

Wednesday 1.30-2.00pm

Contemporary Miss Carnes

Year 5 & 6

Year 7 & 8

Hip-Hop Miss Carnes

Year 1 & 2

Year 3 & 4

Year 5 & 6

Year 7 & 8

Monday 10.30-11.00am

Wednesday 10.30-11.00am

Thursday 12.30-1.00pm

Thursday 10.30-11.00am

Friday 10.30-11.00am

Tuesday 10.30-11.00am

Troupe & ADC—Miss Carnes

Alternative Thursdays 5.45-6.45pm

Scholarship Miss Carnes

Thursdays 5-5.40pm

Dance Uniform

Please note, our priority is that children feel happy and comfortable in ballet clothing in lessons so please do contact us if you would like your child to wear an alternative ballet uniform.

We understand that pupils may wish to wear a ballet outfit that they already have and appreciate that parents might want pupils to wear their current ballet outfit until they have grown out of it.

Ballet Uniform—Reception-Year 2

If parents would like to purchase a new ballet outfit, we suggest the attached leotard and skirts to make changing easy. The ‘Roch Valley Sleeveless ISTD Junior Lycra Leotard with Skirt’ is very simple for young children to put on, along with ballet socks and ballet shoes. For Reception - Pale Pink, Year 1 - Lilac and Year 2Pale Blue.

Alternatively, ballet dancers can wear: t-shirt, black shorts (or Amesbury PE Shorts), white socks, black ballet shoes. In winter: plain black/navy jumper.

Ballet Uniform—Prep School Years 3-8

Please see below the uniform suggested by the ISTD for examinations: It is advised that pupils rehearse in exam uniform, as the more familiar they are dancing in the clothing, the more comfortable they will feel in the exam setting. For lessons, we suggest that pupils purchase a wrap-around cardigan for the colder months and wear non-satin, elastic ballet shoes as these are more durable and practical.

Girls ISTD Regulation Uniform

Grade 1: Regulation ISTD sky blue leotard, pink/skin tone ballet socks, blue belt, pink satin ballet shoes with elastic.

Grade 2: Regulation ISTD sky blue leotard, pink/skin tone ballet socks, blue belt, pink satin ballet shoes with elastic.

Grade 3: Regulation ISTD cherry leotard and belt, pink/skin tone tights, pink satin ballet shoes with ribbons.

Grade 4: Regulation ISTD purple leotard and belt, pink tights and pink satin ballet shoes with ribbons.

Grade 5: Regulation ISTD navy blue leotard and belt, pink tights and pink satin ballet shoes with ribbons.

*A reminder that non-satin, elastic ballet shoes are suggested for ballet lessons as these are more durable and practical. Satin ballet shoes with ribbons can be purchased closer to the examination.

Ballet Belt Colours from BalletHoo Godalming:

Grade 1 & 2 - Cornflower

Grade 3 - Plum

Grade 4 - Purple

Grade 5 - Navy

Link to BalletHoo Godalming who supplies ISTD Ballet Uniform: Dance Schools - Amesbury School - Ballet Hoo (ballethoodancewear.co.uk)

Boys ISTD Regulation Uniform

During lessons: White t-shirt, black shorts (or Amesbury PE Shorts), white socks, black ballet shoes. In winter: plain black/navy jumper (or Amesbury Sports Jumper). Boys are required to wear a white ballet unitard with black ballet tights for ISTD examinations.

Hip-Hop

Trainers and knee pads

Contemporary Dance Footundeez

Modern

No footwear required; pupils will dance in bare feet.

Please note that for Hip-Hop, Contemporary and Modern Dance classes, pupils may wear the uniform that they arrive into school for that day.

Dance Scholarship, Troupe & ADC Dance outfit of choice and trainers.

Fees

Payment for tuition is required each term and will be added to the school bill. Lessons are booked by the term: Term lengths may vary and charges will be adjusted accordingly.

Ballet, Hip-Hop, Modern and Contemporary Group Lessons

30 Minute Lesson £ 9.30

40 Minute Lesson £10.00

45 Minute Lesson £11.00

60 Minute Lesson £12.50

Private Lessons

30 Minute Lesson £23.50 per dancer

40 Minute Lesson £31.00 per dancer

45 Minute Lesson £34.50 per dancer

60 Minute Lesson £47.00 per dancer

For CCA Dance Recitals and shows, tickets will be sold to cover the costs of the production and added to the end of term Fees bill. Pupils may also be required to purchase dance costumes.

For pupils who are being entered for ISTD Classical Ballet Examinations, entry fees and the cost of extra rehearsals will be added to your termly bill.

All additional costs related to exam preparation, recitals, shows etc. will be communicated to parents prior to the event.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION & GAMES

Amesbury Tennis Academy

Andy Warry MPC/PTR PRO : Head Tennis Professional

Andy Warry manages the ATA programme with a team of professional coaches that are all LTA & PTR qualified. We offer children from beginner to national level the opportunity of learning tennis from committed, knowledgeable and driven tennis coaches. We have a passion for teaching the game of tennis and bringing out the best in any player.

Tennis is a life sport enjoyed by all ages from 2½ to 82½. Tennis offers the complete beginner, and the player that perhaps is a little nervous of contact sport, the perfect balance between competitive/social and simply just good exercise without the rough and tumble. Or the player that wants to stretch themselves into competitive tournament structure and perhaps play for school/ club/county/country.

Tennis provides life skills, and provides development of hand and ball skills, fitness, confidence, control, adapting to situations, offensive and defensive play, social skills and a worldwide language.

ATA Coaches & Lessons

Andy Warry Head Pro MPC Level 5 & PTR PRO

Mark Edwards Assistant Head Pro LTA Level 3 & PTR RPT Stonebridge

Kay Sargent Part time Coach LTA Level 3 & PTR

Claire Bertram Part time Coach LTA Level 3 & PTR

Justin Worthy Part time Coach LTA Level 2

Josh Jenkins Part time Coach LTA Level 2

Adele Tarrant Part time Coach

Tuition

Tuition and lessons follow the Traffic Light System of Red/Orange/Green and then progressing to the full game with yellow balls.

Pre-Prep

Prep School (Years 3-8)

Year 3 4.00-4.45pm

Year 4 4.00-5.30pm

Year 5 5.45-6.45pm

Years 6-8 5.45-7.15pm

* 4.45-6.15pm

*

*When applying for these particular group lessons please state if you do not want your child to participate in the optional 30 minute extra for match play.

Advanced & Performance Groups (Invitation only)

Invitation to the Advanced & Performance Groups is intended to provide a supplementary lesson to existing group and/or individual lessons.

Year 1 & 2 8.20-8.50am

Year 3 & 4 4.30-5.45pm

Year 5 & 6 5.45-7.15pm

Year 7 & 8 7.20-8.20am

Private Lessons

Private lessons are available on a 1:1, 2, 3 or 4 sharing basis. These lessons are available to pupils from Nursery to Year 8 and can be held before school, morning break, lunch break or after school. Lesson times will be arranged to fit in with your child’s timetable.

Competitions & Fixtures

Amesbury School Tennis Championships are for all year groups and begin in the Lent Term, finishing with a Finals Day at the National Training Centre in Roehampton where competition cups are presented.

School Tennis Fixtures take place in the Trinity Term in a league or on a friendly school match basis where appropriate.

Tennis Leaders LTA Courses run for Year 8 in their last term at school; this is optional but gives them a solid understanding and is the first step of a Tennis Qualification.

LTA Tournaments will be arranged where possible for the players to gain tournament experience at the weekends and during the holidays.

Feedback

Coaches are always available to talk to parents regarding progress. Termly written reports are also provided.

To contact Andy Warry, please call 07833 467777 or email a.warry@amesburyschool.co.uk

Fees

Payment is added to the end of term Fee bill.

Group Lessons

There are usually no more than eight to ten players per coach, dependent on age and ability; wherever possible tuition is standardised in terms of ability. Costs for lessons are:

30 Minute Lesson £ 9.30

45 Minute Lesson £11.00

60 Minute Lesson £12.50

75 Minute Lesson £15.00

90 Minute Lesson £17.50

Private Individual Lessons

30 Minute Lesson £23.50 per player

60 Minute Lesson £47.00 per player

Private Shared Lessons x2 Sharing 30 Minute Lesson £15.50 per player x3 Sharing 30 Minute Lesson £12.50 per player x4 Sharing 30 Minute Lesson £10.50 per player

Martin Rance : B.J.A. 5th Dan & Level 3 Coach

Judo is a modern Olympic sport invented by a Japanese teacher and is now very popular as a physical education and general fitness training method and fun sport. Amesbury has a long tradition of an exciting and enthusiastic Judo Club. Tuition is provided by a judo black-belt and professional teacher from ProCoach Judo, a company providing a high quality judo service to Amesbury and other schools across the south of England for more than 25 years.

Pre-Prep (Years 1 & 2)

Year 1 & 2 Monday 3.45-4.15pm

Prep School (Years 3-8)

Year 3 & 4 Monday 4.15-5.00pm

Years 5-8 Monday 5.00-5.45pm

Reporting

Pupils’ progress is monitored using in-class gradings and this is recorded in the individual pupil’s grade record card. In addition to this system Mr Rance is also available for discussion and feedback on pupil progress. Should you wish to speak to him directly please contact procoachjudo@yahoo.co.uk

Examinations

In the sport of judo pupils are graded by coloured belts: white, yellow, orange and so on. As pupils progress within the school judo club Mr Rance will conduct in-class grading assessments to award grades. In order to take part in the grading assessments pupils must have a grade record card (£1.50) from Mr Rance. When pupils are awarded a new grade, a new coloured belt and certificate (£6.50) wil be available from Mr Rance.

Additional requirements for tuition

All pupils must have a white judo kit, which can be hired from the Judo coach at a cost of £8.00 per term. The cost will be added to the end of term school bill.

Should you wish to hire kit please contact procoachjudo@yahoo.co.uk

Fees

Payment is required termly and is added to the end of term school bill one term in arrears. Judo tuition is £91.00 per pupil per term (based on 10 sessions per term).

PHYSICAL EDUCATION & GAMES

FOOTBALL CLUB—PRE-PREP

Oli Meaker, Little Footy Stars

Little Footy Stars takes great pleasure in introducing children into the world of football through enjoyment and active play, giving them a positive and fun experience which we believe will create “a sporting habit for life”.

Using our Montessori method of teaching that is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play. We are able to help each child develop their motor cognitive and social skills which are especially important at a young age.

We encourage each child to learn the basics of following instructions and all basic football skills. We learn through our experiences, which involve; group activities, running, dodging, chasing, turn taking & sportsmanship. Most of all we involve everyone, no matter their physical or social ability!

More information can be found regarding Little Footy Stars on our website: www.littlefootystars.co.uk

Pre-Prep School

Year 1 & 2 Friday 8.00-8.30am

Reception Tuesday 8.00-8.30am

A minimum number of pupils are required for the club to take place. There will be a maximum of 30 pupils per session (split into groups). Places will be allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and unlucky applicants will be placed on a waiting list.

Examinations

There are no examinations.

Fees

Payment is required termly and will be added to the school bill in arrears. Lessons are charged at £45.00 per term, based on 10 sessions per term.

FOOTBALL CLUB—PREP

Toby Cross

Toby is very experienced teaching sport and fully aware how to ensure that children take the maximum from each session:

* Ensure sport is fun, competitive, and exciting

* Deliver high quality, active sessions

* Inspire children through positive experiences of P.E and services

Toby works to the highest possible standards; the sole focus is to ensure the children experience sessions focused upon fun, inclusivity, and social awareness while covering all British values.

Prep School

Year 3 & 4

Tuesday 4.00-5.00pm

Years 5-8 Thursday 4.50-5.50pm

A minimum number of pupils are required for the club to take place. There will be a maximum of 30 pupils per session (split into groups). Places will be allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and unlucky applicants will be placed on a waiting list.

The club takes place from the start of the Michaelmas Term until the October half term, and then resumes after the February half term until the end of Trinity Term.

Examinations

There are no examinations.

Fees

Payment is required termly and will be added to the school bill in arrears. Lessons are charged at £83.00 per term, based on 10 sessions.

Golf

Hindhead Golf Club Pro

Golf tuition is available for all pupils in Years 3-8 in the Trinity Term. Lessons are taught by Golf Professionals at Hindhead Golf Club. This is a wonderful introduction to the game of golf with first class tuition from fully qualified teaching professionals at a fraction of the cost of normal one-on-one lessons.

Prep School (Years 3-8)

Lesson times are as follows (subject to availability):

Monday 5.00-6.00pm & 6.00-7.00pm

Friday 5.00-6.00pm & 6.00-7.00pm

Reporting

The Golf Professionals welcome communication and are happy to feed back progress upon collection of the pupil at the end of the session.

Examinations

There are no examinations. Children have the opportunity to enter the Senior and Junior Amesbury Golf Society Competitions which are held towards the end of the Trinity Term, and to participate in occasional inter-school matches.

Additional requirements for tuition

Pupils taking part in golf lessons should arrive at their lesson dressed in School uniform, trainers and waterproof jacket.

Golf clubs can be borrowed from the golf course or can be the pupil’s own set.

Fees

Payment will be added to the school bill one term in arrears. A minimum number of participants are required for the lessons to take place and there are limited places per session. The cost of these lessons will be confirmed early in the Trinity Term.

VISUAL & EXPRESSIVE ARTS

ARTS & CRAFTS

Wanda Grosvenor & Clare Lindley

Join us for a fun and social arts and crafts class that explores colour, texture and form, where your imagination leads to your creation.

The emphasis of these lessons is on helping children to apply their imaginations and gain confidence through their creativity. Each week you will utilise a different media and a new skill in order to create a fun and unique project.

The session will begin with the activity being introduced followed by a demonstration, the craft might be either a quick one week project or a more detailed project completed over several weeks. The children are then provided with the materials and assisted as they create their craft which they take home when completed.

At each session a “Craft of the Week” is introduced followed by a demonstration. The children are then let loose on the materials and assisted as they create their craft. The projects will be taken home - the aim always is to make them fun and functional for outside the class as well.

Pre-Prep

Year 1 & 2

Prep School

Year 3 & 4

Thursday 4.00-4.45pm

Thursday 5.00-5.45pm

Session numbers are limited to a maximum number of pupils per group.

Additional requirements for the session

There are no additional requirements.

Fees

Payment will be added to the school Fees bill one term in arrears. The cost is £96.00 per term, based on 10 sessions.

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