FAQ's

The BATD is deeply passionate about fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. We actively promote equality by ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background, are treated with respect and fairness. Our commitment to child protection is paramount, and we take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of children within our care and programs. Through ongoing education, policies, and practices, we work to create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for everyone involved.

Yes, the B.A.T.D. has a social media policy.  Please follow the link below for further information. 

Please click on the link “Joining The B.A.T.D.”. You will find more information regarding the Association as well as an application form. Additionally, you can send your information and queries to Heather Gold - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

B.A.T.D.

Pavilion 8, Upper Level

Watermark Business Park

315 Govan Road, Glasgow Scotland G51 2SE

0141 427 3699 - extension 222

There are several options which may be available to you. This will depend on the amount of time the membership has lapsed.

You can rejoin the association up to 10 years from the date of your last subscription payment. You can backpay your subscription or you can pay a rejoining fee and subscription, or resit the examination.

All reinstatements require payment of a rejoining fee.

Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

How to Log In

1. Click Login in the top right corner of the screen.
2. Enter your email address as your username.
3. Enter your password and click Log In.

If you have forgotten your password:

• Click the Forgot Password link on the login screen.
• Follow the instructions in the reset link sent to your email address.

If you continue to experience login issues, please contact Head Office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

You can obtain forms by logging onto the member’s only section and going to the Documents page. There you will find forms pertaining to Membership Subscription payments, examinations, as well as applications.  If additional information is still required, please contact Nicola Hoole at Head Office - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Click on the Member Section of the Website (You must be logged in to access this section).

To pay your Membership Subscription, or Exam Invoice - Go to Shop, then Adhoc payment, you can make the payment here and just note  in the comments box what the payment is for - i.e. Subscription, Exam etc.  Please provide as much information as possible.

Payment Information

UK Members

UK members may pay for subscriptions, merchandise, and examination fees using:

Credit/Debit Card

Cheque

Cash (in office only)

All payments must be made in the appropriate currency.

North American and Overseas Members

North American and Overseas members may pay for subscriptions and merchandise using:

Credit/Debit Card

Payments must be made in the appropriate currency.

Please note:

North American and Overseas members cannot pay for examinations by credit card.

Examination payments can be made by:

Paying the examiner directly

Making a direct deposit into the B.A.T.D. North American account

Telephone Payments

All members may call Head Office to make a payment by providing card details over the phone.

Phone: +44 (0)141 427 3699

The B.A.T.D. chose to have our Medal Supplier store and distribute all our medals to keep costs down for the Association.  Therefore, Head Office does not have to keep a supply on hand and this reduces costs as every medal does not have to be in stock at H.O. With the distributor they are issued on a supply and demand process.  Certificates, however, are still issued by Head Office as the examination paperwork is issued and returned to H.O. The B.A.T.D. also has all pertinent teacher/student information that may be needed in making up the certificates.  Contact Nicola Hoole - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information. 

Who are Qualifications Scotland (formerly SQA)?

Qualifications Scotland (formerly Scottish Qualifications Authority) act as the credit rating body for SCQF qualifications.

They are not the awarding body for BATD examinations.

The British Association of Teachers of Dancing (BATD) remains the awarding body for all our examinations. BATD qualifications are credit-rated on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).

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What is the difference between standard BATD exams and BATD exams with an SCQF rating?

The syllabus remains exactly the same. However, SCQF-rated exams include additional quality assurance elements:

• Students must complete a logbook/diary (or equivalent format).

• The preparation process is documented (attendance, attitude, engagement with peers and tutors).

• A more detailed numerical marking system is used, allowing students to clearly see:

o Where they have excelled

o Where improvement is needed

• The full syllabus must be demonstrated. (For example, in the modern syllabus, the option to omit an exercise from a section does not apply.)

• Certificates include both the Qualifications Scotland/SQA branding and the SCQF logo and level.

Overall, the SCQF-rated structure provides an additional layer of quality assurance and makes the student’s standard of work more transparent to tutors and parents.

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Why is the SCQF rating important?

An SCQF rating:

• Allows parents and students to see how BATD programmes compare with other organisations.

• Aligns BATD qualifications with a globally respected framework.

• Ensures that colleges and universities can clearly recognise:

o The qualification level

o The credit value

o The guided learning hours involved

This is particularly beneficial for students applying for further or higher education, as institutions can accurately understand the level of achievement.

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Will the SCQF-rated exam take longer?

The syllabus is the same. However, a few additional minutes may be required for:

• The examiner’s review of teachers’ checklists

• A sample review of student logbooks

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Are there any changes to the syllabus or music requirements?

No.

There are no changes to the syllabus content or music requirements.

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Is there an additional cost for SCQF-rated examinations?

Yes.

There is an additional £10 per exam (across all genres, Grade 5 through Associate) to cover the extra administration required for SCQF credit rating.

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Will the certificate look different?

Yes.

The certificate will include:

• Qualifications Scotland/SQA branding

• The SCQF logo

• The SCQF level and credit rating

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Can we enter some candidates for SCQF-rated exams and others for standard BATD exams in the same session?

Yes.

Students may take either (or both) within the same examination session.

The more SCQF examinations taken, the greater the opportunity to strengthen recognition and progression pathways, including potential UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admission Service) recognition where applicable.

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How much extra work is required from the tutor?

Additional requirements are straightforward and supported:

• Completion of an observation checklist for each student (attendance, attire, attitude, etc.)

• Completion of a logbook checklist

• Providing guidance to students on completing their logbook

Teachers will receive:

• Clear instructions

• A checklist template

• Suggested delivery guidance to make the process manageable and efficient

If a diary format is used, clear headings should be included to allow for quick review.

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What is a logbook?

A logbook is a record of:

• Work completed within the grade

• Personal strengths and weaknesses

• Tutor corrections and advice

• Relevant theory notes (where appropriate)

It supports reflection and progression throughout the course.

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Does the logbook have to be an essay?

No. The logbook can take various inclusive and flexible formats, such as:

• A diary completed after each class

• A structured logbook following the provided checklist

• A PowerPoint presentation

• An essay

• A viva voce (discussion between student and tutor)

• An ongoing recorded dialogue between tutor and student

(If this option is chosen, the tutor must record dates and discussion summaries.)

The process is designed to be inclusive and supportive, giving every candidate the opportunity to succeed.

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Who completes the observation and logbook checklists?

The tutor completes:

• The observation checklist (attendance, attire, attitude, etc.)

• The logbook checklist

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Does the examiner take the checklists?

No.

Checklists should be placed in a folder or sleeve on the examiner’s desk. The examiner will review a sample but will not remove them from the studio.

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Does the examiner look at the logbooks?

Yes.

Logbooks should be made available to the examiner at the beginning of the session. The examiner will review a sample during the visit.

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Will anyone from Qualifications Scotland (SQA) visit my dance studio?

No.

Qualifications Scotland (formerly SQA) act as the credit rating body only. They are not the awarding body.

A BATD examiner will attend the examination session as usual.

All examiners will undertake CPD to ensure standardisation and consistency.

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Will students be marked to a different standard?

No.

The required performance standard for BATD examinations remains the same.

However:

• The report form will be updated

• A more detailed numerical marking structure will be used

• The marking criteria will be printed on the reverse of the report form

• Students will more clearly see areas of excellence and areas for improvement

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What do teachers need to do when applying for examinations?

When submitting entries, teachers must clearly inform Head Office which examinations are to be SCQF rated.

Why are UCAS points only applied at Elementary level?

UCAS tariff points are only allocated to programmes that sit at SCQF Level 6 as the point system is used for entrance to University at SCQF Level 7.

Information on UCAS points and a Tariff table can be found in this link:
UCAS Tariff Points – what are they and how do they work?

The Tariff Table is detailed below, the full table can be downloaded using this link.

SCQF Points –
In the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF), credit points indicate the volume of learning involved in a qualification, with each point representing approximately 10 hours of learning. SCQF levels, on the other hand, show the difficulty or complexity of the learning outcomes. Essentially, credit points quantify the learning effort, while levels indicate it’s depth and complexity.
 

Pass = 4 Points, Merit = 8 Points, Distinction = 12 Points

UCAS Points –
UCAS points can be earned through graded exams from the BATD. These points can be used as part of an application to university, potentially contributing to the candidate’s overall UCAS points total. The number of points awarded depends on the grade achieved (Pass, Merit or Distinction) and the level of the examination. The BATD offers UCAS points at Elementary level in Ballet, Modern, Tap, Jazz and Highland.

Additional Information -

If you require further guidance or sample documentation, please contact Head Office for support.

All UK examination bookings are to be made through Head Office. Contact Heather Gold (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for information and assistance with Amateur & Professional Examinations. 

All North American examination bookings are to be made with the relevant North American Coordinator - please see below. 

Highland Branch Examinations | Mrs. Joy Tolev - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Theatre Branch Examinations | Ms. Shelagh Connolly -  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

The first step is to contact Head Office to request your preferred date for examinations. Be sure to give Head Office details of ALL branches you will be entering on the day, this would include any professional examinations. This information is needed to allow Head Office to allocate an Examiner suitable to your requirements. Certain times of the year can be particularly busy so be sure to book early. 

Head Office will send out a Mastersheet and this should be filled out fully on both sides.  Side 1 contains details of date, venue etc. and on side 2 you should enter the approximate number of students at each level in each branch. This Mastersheet details current discount entitlement. It is very important to fill in the full postal address of your venue. 

North American Teachers need to contact the North American Coordinator relevant to your needs. These coordinators will address all of your requests. Once again book early as the North American Tours fill quickly. 

Highland Branch Examinations | Mrs. Joy Tolev - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Theatre Branch Examinations | Ms. Shelagh Connolly - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Professional Examinations are quite similar, please contact Head Office as soon as you know your exam date, to get further information on the requirements pertaining to your particular exam. 

The Executive Council, in conjunction with the General Secretary and Association’s committees, will first determine if new examiners are required. An advertisement will be posted in the Conference Guide and or Report. This may also be posted on the website in the News Section.

Applicants for Examinership must be over 23 years of age on the date of the application, not hold or have held office with another dance organisation and have been actively involved in the B.A.T.D.

Applicants for Examinership of the Highland Branch must hold a Fellowship Highland and a Fellowship or Membership in Scottish National.

Applicants for Examinership of the Ballroom Branch must hold a minimum of 1 Fellowship and 1 Membership in Modern Ballroom, Latin American, or Classical.

Applicants for Examinership in the Theatre Branches must hold a minimum of 2 Fellowships and 2 Memberships in branches which come under the umbrella of the Theatre branch genres and must include Ballet, Stage or Tap and Modern Dance or Jazz qualification.

Associate qualifications shall not be considered in any application.

The Executive Council has the authority to review and amend the system of appointing Examiners. It is a condition of appointment or re-appointment that all Examiners must attend his/her relevant annual Examiner’s meeting(s) and any presentation of new, revised, or upgraded syllabus in all branches in which they are qualified to examine. In addition, all Examiners must attend any Professional Development Courses. Examiners who have resigned and taken office in another Association shall not be eligible to hold offices again in the B.A.T.D.

Prospective applicants should apply to Head Office for the relevant form. The completed form shall be returned to the General Secretary who shall present the application to the Executive Council at the next available meeting. Applications approved by the Executive Council shall be forwarded to the relevant committee for further vetting. The recommendation of the committee shall be returned to the Executive Council for consideration. Successful applicants will be invited for an interview. The interview will be conducted by a panel of 3 Examiners appointed by the Executive Council. The recommendation of the interview panel will be returned to the General Secretary who will present the findings to the Executive Council at the next available meeting. A successful candidate will be appointed as a Probationary Examiner.

If there is no possible way for you to locate a B.A.T.D. teacher in your surrounding area, you could list on your application self-taught. If you are a first time Associate, we would strongly recommend against this. You should be guided through the process with a professional instructor in the subject. Many things could be overlooked in your preparation process. The difference between or standards required between Amateur and Professional exams differ greatly.

In the case of an Associate furthering their studies in another subject we do advise you to take the time to at least have your work checked over by a Professional before submitting yourself for the examination. This way you can assure yourself that the work shown will be in line with the requirements for the examination. We will be able to put in touch with several members of the Association for advice and guidance whether in person or on the virtual platform.

Filming during exam sessions is strictly prohibited, for the safety and security of the Exam candidates. This will include all Amateur and Professional examinations.  Protection from the potential abuse and privacy of the dancer and Examiner is essential.

No more than four candidates can be entered into the examination room. This includes medal and grade examinations. The only exception to this would be if the Teacher has only 5 candidates at a particular level. If you enter 5 candidates, please allow an additional 5 minutes per grade, per group.

Examples 7 candidates = 1x4 & 1x3. 9 candidates = 3x3. 10 candidates = 2x3 & 1x4.

Yes, candidates can enter both examinations on the same day. 

This Examination is part of our Highland Exam process only.  

Recreational Exams are for children who have not reached the required standard for the full medal test, and this is an interim exam to help bridge the gap before taking complete medal test. 

The Syllabus is available from our online shop.  Please note you will need to be logged in to the website to access this section of the website, as it is within our Members only area.  You can also purchase this by calling Head Office on 0141 427 3699.