How do I compose and examination or assessment class? The ARBTA examinations and assessments are not based on set work. This means there are not specific exercises for each level for students to learn and perform. However, teachers must abide by the requirements set in the programme of study. Each grade lists the required steps for each exercise. Teachers will then compose their own exercises based on these steps. Class Composition - Teachers must compose their class to include all requested steps for the relevant grade. Teachers may include other steps from previous grades but should not compose exercises using movements from higher grades. All exercises must be relevant to the grade and level of exam. Using the programme of study, teachers may create their own exercises to demonstrate the syllabus requirements. It is advised that teachers do not set work until six weeks before the examination. Teachers are required to submit a written or recorded example of their class they intend to present to the examiner six weeks before the examination is to take place. When you are composing your class, please keep in mind the level and ability of all students taking the examination or assessment. Do not make the exercises too long as they may exceed the timing allowance for that specific examination. Also, it may be too demanding for the student. The class should be composed to able to the student to perform at their optimum level. Intricate and complex choreography can disadvantage the student as they will focus more on remembering the combination rather than their technical requirements. Students do not gain extra marks for harder steps. They are marked purely on the requirements for that grade. There are no bonus points! Each grade suggests steps that may be combined into an exercise, amalgamation or enchaînement. These are simply suggestions and teachers are free to combine other appropriate steps when composing their class so long as all steps have been included. Each grade also stipulates how many exercises, amalgamations and enchaînements should be used for each component. When composing their class, teacher should adhere to the specified demands for the three Examination Components (or Areas of Study) in the General Grade Examinations in Russian Classical Ballet Specification. Area of Study Barre Exercises may be shorter and more specific to a particular step, performed with barre support. Some steps may be combined where appropriate. Centre (Au Milieu) Amalgamation of steps without the support of the barre. More steps may be combined which may decrease the number of amalgamations but increase the length of each one. Dance Enchaînements and compositions with increasing demands, including combinations of steps from the third section of the grade. When composing their class, teachers should recognise that the Examination Components are not weighted and therefore are of equal importance in terms of their assessment. The Beginning and the End - At the beginning of each examination or class assessment, candidates should line up in numerical order and be introduced by name to the examiner. At the end of the examination, candidates should remain in position (line) until dismissed by the examiner, exiting with a curtsey or bow to the examiner. All candidates should be clearly numbered in accordance with the published timetable. Candidates should enter and leave the examination room in an orderly manner.