Delaware Valley RSCDS: Teacher Certification
RSCDS Teacher Certification: the New Process
The following is a simple overview. For detailed information, visit the RSCDS website. The website includes the Examination Syllabus, and lots of details, including dates & deadlines, fees, necessary forms, and other particulars.
There is a five-part modular examination process through which a candidate moves to achieve two levels of proficiency.- Teachers' Certificate 1: Units 1, 2 and 3
- Teacher's' Certificate 2: Units 4, and 5
Unit 1: Written Exam
The exam is based exclusively on the RSCDS Manual. It assesses the candidate's background knowledge about the history of SCD, the history and functioning of the RSCDS, the form and technique of SCD, and music. Preparation for Unit 1 can be done as home study or at a Branch organized course, if one exists. The candidate must pass the written exam (score of 60% is passing) before receiving his/her Teachers' Certificate 1. The Unit 1 exam may be taken before, during, or after the completion of Units 2 and 3, but the certificate is not awarded until Unit 1 has been passed.Headquarters administers the exam three times a year (October, February, May). An invigilator (UK word for "proctor") supervises the sitting of the exam (no, you don't have to travel to Scotland!). Candidates must register with HQ a minimum of six weeks in advance of the exam date.
Unit 2: Dancing Proficiency Exam
This is the only exam of dancing skill. Preparation in a Branch or Summer School course is required. RSCDS administers the exam at Summer School (TAC, St. Andrews etc.) or on a tour by travelling examiners. Candidates prepare a pre-set syllabus of l5 dances and are asked to brief and dance a selection of these in front of the examiners.Unit 3: Practical Teaching Exam
Preparation in a Branch or Summer School course is required. RSCDS administers the exam at Summer School (TAC, St. Andrews etc.) or on a tour by travelling examiners. Candidates prepare to teach any of the five basic steps and a selected list of formations at the BEGINNING LEVEL. Normally, a candidate is assigned one step and two formations, and teaches these to a class of students.Important Note: The courses for Unit 2 and 3 are often given in close juxtaposition at a summer school course. In this circumstance, a candidate failing Unit 2 is allowed to take the course and exam for Unit 3 at that session, but must pass the Unit 2 exam within three calendar years, in order for the results of the Unit 3 exam to count.
Unit 4: Record of Practice Teaching
This Unit is required course work. The candidate submits a record of at least 6 hours of teaching with detailed notes on the plans for steps, formations, dances, management, music etc., as well as a record of what actually took place. Some self-reflection is encouraged.Additionally, the candidate works with a mentor RSCDS teacher during this time. The working form of communication with the mentor is flexible but the mentor must formally indicate that communication did take place. The Record of Teaching must be submitted at least 6 months in advance of the Unit 5 exam, so that examiners can read, comment, and give helpful feedback to the candidate BEFORE the Unit 5 exam.
Unit 5: 2nd practical teaching exam
Preparation in a Branch or Summer School course is required. The exam is administered by the RSCDS at the Summer School (TAC, St. Andrews etc.) or on an examination tour by travelling examiners. The candidate should be prepared to teach any RSCDS dance, showing a solid level of proficiency in dance analysis and execution of all components of the lesson.Upon passing Unit 5, the candidate has earned the RSCDS Teachers' Certificate!
Considering becoming an RSCDS teacher?
Again, let me emphasize that this is a rather cursory overview. Please consult the RSCDS website and read the Examination Syllabus carefully.
Use this link: http://www.rscds.org/members/examinations (some other links on the site don't work yet - JB)
For the RSCDS.org members' section password: Ask the webmaster or one of the DVB teachers.
If you're considering embarking on the path to becoming an RSCDS teacher, you're welcome to discuss the process with me.
Prepared by Geoffrey Selling, DVB Teacher Coordinator, August 2006