School policies and code - Counterpoint School of Performing Arts, Swansea

At Counterpoint we maintain the voluntary code of conduct developed by the Council for Dance Education and Training UK, endorsed by the societies of the I.S.T.D and R.A.D. to which we are affiliated. In so doing we :-

Uphold the standards of our dance teaching and the reputation of dance teachers.
Maintain an equal opportunities policy - any form of discrimination is unacceptable.
Assure that all our teachers are qualified, competent and update their knowledge and skills on a regular basis.
Always act in a manner to safeguard and promote the interest and safety of our students.

School Policies

1. Students who attend Counterpoint may not attend other dance and performing Arts schools . We believe this to be a matter of etiquette amongst reputable professionally run schools-

ensuring students are not confused by differing teaching approaches
training is safe and non-repetitive
teachers don't clash in their methods
students are not in conflict trying to attend classes at more than one school

i) Counterpoint school terms consist of four weeks and enrolment day is Saturday. Four weeks school fees are paid in advance on the fourth week of each term in preparation for the following term. Bills for each term are sent out in advance to the student's home.

ii) Fees are to be paid in advance of each new term. Outstanding accounts must be cleared to ensure the school is adequately funded to pay our teachers and overhead costs. All students benefit from a sufficiently funded school!

iii) Class prices range from £3.50-7.50 depending on level and length, and unfortunately refunds cannot be given for absences.

iV) On the rare occasion that we might experience adverse weather conditions, such as heavy snow, we regret that refunds cannot be given unless the school has given prior notice of it's closure.

V) If theatre rehearsals or exam sessions fall on the day of your child's usual classes, refunds again will not be given. Teachers at these times are working over and above their paid hours, and have to be present to supervise/take responsibility for all present.

Vi) Should any cheques written to the school be returned by our bank unpaid, the person issuing the cheque will incur all charges that our bank issues. The total amount will be added to their child's next bill. Regardless of circumstances, Counterpoint cannot unfortunately commit to these extra and unnecessary costs.

2. Regular attendance is essential when students are preparing for examinations or performances.

i) Students are entered for examinations or auditions at the discretion of the Director.

ii)Examination fee deadlines must be adhered to. Candidates cannot be entered once the deadline has passed. If a student changes their mind once entered refunds can only be given on receipt of a doctors note.

3 . Musical Theatre Students are required to pay an annual joining fee of £10. The joining fee will cover the cost of a Musical Theatre file and for any music, information sheets and scripts received during the year.

i) Private lessons in any genre may be cancelled without charge providing 24 hours notice is given.

4. Students are expected to wear the correct uniform for their lesson, and around the building. For ballet lessons hair needs to be pulled back tidily into a bun, fringes need to be kept off the face. For tap, modern and jazz hair can be in any style but up and off the face. Jewellery, watches, baggy t-shirts, jumpers etc cannot be worn in class, as clear body lines cannot be seen and they fail to project our disciplined and professional image. Students incorrectly dressed will be asked to leave their class in order that they may change into the accepted dress.

i) New Theatre Boutique in the foyer will supply all the Counterpoint uniform. The new personalised hooded sweaters displaying the Counterpoint logo will be available to order from September. New students are not required to purchase the correct school uniform for the first term attended.

5. Students are required to arrive in good time for their classes so that they do not miss the essential warm up component. Late arrivers will not be able to join in with the rest of their class until they are warm, to prevent injury. Teachers have the right to refuse a student's entry into class if they consistently arrive late to lesson.

i) Parents and guardians are kindly requested not to drop off or wait for their children at the car park but to accompany them to and from the studio in the interest of their safety. Once within the building we can be responsible for their health and well-being, and will supervise them until collection

ii) During classes parents are asked to wait outside of the studio to avoid distraction. Open days are scheduled for parents to spectate.

iii)Please read the notice board on arrival to classes. This has proved to be the most effective method of communication. Alternatively, check our online notice board, which will be updated regularly.

6. Students are asked not to sit on the stairs blocking entrances. The studios, theatre, changing areas and the foyer should be kept clear and tidy at all times. Please use the litter bins in the foyer and elsewhere.

i) No outdoors shoes should be worn in the studios

ii) No food or drink should be taken into the music room or studios

iii) Under no circumstances should a student be wandering around the college grounds, corridors or college building at any time unless accompanied by a teacher. All students must wait in the foyer. Seniors once changed in the changing rooms may return to the foyer only. This rule is for the safety of students, and failure to comply with this rule can result in the withdrawal of membership at Counterpoint. The canteen area on the first floor is out of bounds unless a student is accompanied by a parent or teacher.

7. In accordance with the Data Protection Act, Counterpoint handles all information in the strictest confidence.

i) Class registers are also covered by Data Protection - they are kept not only to record regular student attendance, but also for health and safety reasons.

8. In the event of fire or similar emergency, each teacher is responsible for directing their students to the appropriate muster point within the lower college car-park.

i) All injuries at Counterpoint, regardless of cause and no matter how small, must be reported and recorded in the School Accident Book. First-Aid equipment is always present at the reception area.

ii) A qualified First-Aider is always present on the premises during Counterpoint's operating hours.

9. All teachers at Counterpoint are fully CRB checked.

10. We request that students ask permission if they wish to dance any material choreographed by the teachers at Counterpoint at concerts outside of Counterpoint.

11. Please notify the secretary in writing of any change of address, telephone number, or if a student is terminating her/his membership. If a student decides to leave the school we are always disappointed, but would be most grateful for notification so that both teachers and students can wish them a fond farewell!

Finally, to maintain the happy ethos throughout our school it is important that if parents or students have any concerns regarding any aspect of our school they speak to the School Principal, who will be happy to assist in any matter.

'Freedom to a dancer means discipline. That is what technique is for- liberation.'

-Martha Graham