TRAINING THE TEACHERS OF THE FUTURE

Here at BALPA we believe in giving young people as many opportunities as possible.  As well as attending classes, young people can volunteer to help at our classes (subject to availability and a brief application).  The opportunities we have on offer are detailed below.  With all of these, the young person can start at the level suitable for them and doesn’t need to have completed the prior levels.  

 

Arts Awards

These are for young people who are interested in the performing arts and want to explore them further.  The bronze, silver and gold categories encompass participation in an artform, as well as  volunteering in our classes and activity days.

Explore – age 8+

Bronze – age 12+

Silver – age 14*+

Gold – age 16*+ (this carries 16 UCAS points)

 

*It is possible to start these awards at a younger age, depending on child’s capabilities.

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“Zoe was keen to participate initially because of her love of dance and the fact that it will support her future UCAS applications. This initial view was far too simplistic though, as taking part has given her so much more than she had imagined. It has developed her self-confidence and given her valuable life skills that will apply to whatever path her future career takes her in. She has worked creatively and systematically to ensure she both meets the criteria of the course and engages the young people she is working with in meaningful and positive ways. It has boosted her own mental well-being and provided invaluable balance alongside her studies. The courses have also given her an appreciation for the challenges of the workplace. She had developed her work ethic and has a sense of pride in dedicating herself to making sure the vision comes together.” 

V.S, Silver Arts Award & Dance Leadership Level 2 parent 

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Dance/Sport Community Leadership Awards

Through our dance classes and volunteering opportunities, we can help young people to work towards their Level 1 (age 12+) or Level 2 (age 13+) Community Dance Leaders Award.  A lot of the Dance Leaders Award criteria fits nicely with the Arts Awards above,  so the young people can count their work towards both awards.  Young people can also access the Community Sports Leaders Award by combining our fitness classes with volunteering.

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“The dance leadership course has been an amazing opportunity for me. It has massively helped me to grow in confidence and truly understand the beauty of teaching dance. I’ve been able to lead dance sessions for children of Primary School age and have loved every minute! Watching the children’s joy appear on their faces as they master choreography is magical, but I wouldn’t have had that opportunity if to wasn’t for the dance leadership course. The staff guiding me through the course have been incredible at giving me the confidence to pass on to the children. I have learnt the basics such as leading warm-ups and creating choreography, as well as other skills that I wouldn’t have associated with dance before. I have learnt to be patient and have developed my communication skills and behaviour management understanding. I personally believe that the dance leadership course is amazing and so worth doing. I am truly grateful for BALPA for giving me this opportunity and hope many other people get to enjoy it just as I have.” 

A.B, Dance Leadership Level 2 Participant 

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SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERING AWARDS 

South Gloucestershire Council have developed their own South Glos Youth Awards and again these can be completed with volunteering and other skills hours used for the above qualifications. We believe our students can be the teachers and mentors of the future and we want to offer these to every young person who wishes to participate in them. We help mentor the students through the awards and provide workbooks and other materials necessary. 

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Is your child under 11 but wants to learn more? 

We have a range of awards for under 11s including the Explore and Discover Arts Awards and the South Gloucestershire Stars Award. These all help children develop an interest in the Arts and progress them towards taking further awards when they turn 11. 

 

We keep fees to the above to an absolute minimum (£10 - £50) and have bursary funding available to help low-income families.  These awards are all subsidised by funding we raise.

 

Interested?  Register your interest here.