ISTD Diploma in Dance Instruction (DDI)

Introduction to ISTD Diploma in Dance Instruction

This qualification gives prospective dance teachers a solid grounding in the skills and knowledge required to teach dance in a safe environment. It consists of four mandatory units. Two units are generic and cover teaching skills with a focus on teaching observation and safe dance practice. The other two units are dance genre specific and focus on the technical, performance based and musical knowledge required at this level, both through personal performance and that of pupils of various levels. During the course students study observation techniques and how these may lead to greater understanding of teaching methods and skills – this serves as a basis for the development of practical teaching skills at Level 4 (Diploma in Dance Education). The qualification has a Qualifications and Credit Framework credit value of 68 and its Qualification Accreditation Number is 501/1002/0.

Aims

The Diploma in Dance Instruction is primarily aimed at students who wish to prepare for the Diploma in Dance Education to become accredited dance teachers.  The Diploma in Dance Instruction has been accredited by Ofqual at Level 3 on the Qualifications and Credit Framework, which is equivalent to A’ level standard.

Entry conditions

Students must be at least 17 years of age before the end of the academic year in which they register.

Prior Accreditation and Achievement

The Diploma in Dance Instruction allows students to build on their current qualifications and experiences. Where students have achieved certificated qualifications within or outside of the Qualifications and Credit Framework that meet the learning outcomes and assessment criteria of a unit(s), students may apply to claim exemption from the relevant unit(s) of the qualification through the exemption route. Where students feel they can demonstrate that their previously achieved knowledge, understanding or skills meet the learning outcomes and assessment requirements for a unit(s) within the qualification, students may apply to claim credits for the relevant unit(s) through the recognition of prior learning. All applications must be made through the College.

ISTD Diploma in Dance Instruction – General Structure

The qualification is divided into four units, as shown below

• Unit 1 – Observation and Understanding of Teaching and Learning Techniques
• Unit 2 – Promotion of Health and Safety in Dance
• Unit 3 – Vocational Graded Examination in Dance – Intermediate
• Unit 4 – Dance Practice and the Relationship between Music and Dance in a Chosen Dance Genre

Units 1 and 2 are common to all dance genres and once attained do not have to be retaken when qualifying in another genre. Units 3 and 4 are specific to each dance genre and the student may choose to take these units more than once to pursue the study of different dance genres. Unit 3 must always be achieved before the learner may be examined for Unit 4. 

Students must complete all units of the qualification within a maximum of five years. Students returning after more than five years may be required to attend refresher courses to bring themselves up-to-date with current practice. This will be at the discretion of the College which will assess current skills, knowledge and understanding of the previously attained units.