News
Our new leads Introducing our lead examiners, assessors and lecturers.
Lead examiners As part of our Dance Department strategy, the new roles of lead and deputy examiners were created in 2021 to ensure that we have the subject experts and robust procedures in place to safeguard standards in our examinations and to maintain those standards over time. The key responsibilities for the Lead Team members are to set and maintain standards of marking in their portfolio areas by supporting examiner progression and consistency of marking. They also advise the Dance, Examinations and Quality Assurance departments on the suitability of examiners post-standardisation and provide their faculty expertise and advice on standards-related initiatives, activities, and enquiries. Working closely and in tandem with examiners, committees and heads of faculty development, the lead and deputy examiners monitor the effectiveness of standardisation and marking processes and ensure that the mark schemes are applied consistently. They also provide consistent support mechanisms for examiners and nurture progression and professional development through the provision of oneto-one feedback during all standardisation training. Our lead examiner teams are highly valued examiners with significant prior experience in ISTD examinations and an in-depth faculty knowledge, excellent understanding of the syllabus, standards, and teaching in the relevant examinations, and a firm commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
18 Dance | Issue 496
Insights from our lead examiners and deputies Key factors that contribute to good teaching “Being able to communicate, listen, adapt, and motivate all contribute to good teaching. Patience is also essential.” Helen Green “A good teacher is always an effective communicator but more importantly should be passionate about sharing their knowledge with everyone and admits they never stop learning.” Alison Jenner “There are many factors that contribute to effective teaching but essentially, all dance teachers must have the ‘eye’ to see the dancer’s execution of their work, how to impart any information that may improve the technical, musical or artistic skills and deliver this with encouragement to build confidence and trust. Also important is the ability to give purpose and the reasons why certain exercises or movements are necessary to develop the dancer’s demonstration and performance.” Lyn Richardson “A passion for the subject. Knowledge must be there but inspiration is vital.” Vivienne Saxton
Key factors that contribute to effective learning “The student’s willingness to learn, participate with enthusiasm, self-discipline and be a positive member of the class to enable a healthy working atmosphere and environment for all.” Lyn Richardson
