Welcome to Make Believe!

Please find below an overview of our Terms & Conditions, Health & Safety and Privacy Policies, tailored to various aspects of our services. Kindly select the section that best fits your enquiry:

Make Believe School
Make Believe Camps
Make Believe Box Office
Make Believe ‘GAME’ Resident Team
Make Believe Health & Safety
Make Believe One Dream
Make Believe Class Act
Make Believe Events
Make Believe Academy
Make Believe Privacy Policy

If you have any other questions relating to the above, do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of the team who will be more than happy to help.

Below is an outline of our Terms & Conditions for all aspects of Make Believe. Please scroll down to the section that is most relevant to you.

Make Believe Terms & Conditions

1. These Terms & Conditions apply to Make Believe courses given to students, applied for and consented to by the parent or guardian (referred to hereinafter as “student”). Changes to these Terms & Conditions require the written consent of Make Believe

2. Course times and fees are given in the prospectus. Payment/transfer of funds for the first month constitute acceptance of an application. Receipt of the application and any deposit or fees paid at the time of application will be confirmed in writing along with all relevant course details

3. Fees are paid in advance on the first session of each month. The initial payment specified and all subsequent membership subscriptions must be paid in full to GoCardless. All subsequent membership subscriptions are payable at the beginning of the month to which they relate. If you fail to make a payment, our appointed finance company is authorised to act on our behalf in all respects relating to the recovery of any sums due from you and may recover the same in its own name. If the failure to pay is without good cause, and is not intended as notice of termination, our finance company is entitled to, and may charge you a £25 administration fee for dealing with the consequences of each default, which is a reasonable estimate of the administration costs which our finance company will incur. If charged, this sum will be added to your account/the next payment to be made

4. In the event of a student being absent, the full amount will still need to be paid. If a student is going away in the term period, a minimum of four weeks’ notice should be given and this will be deducted from your monthly fee. If it is a day less than a month of the required notice then you will still be liable for the payment

5. Courses take place once a week. The term dates for the following term will be made available for your viewing on our website; www.makebelievegroup.co.uk

6. Where a student is attending any course for the first time, they receive a free trial session. All Terms & Conditions must be signed on this session. However, the Terms & Conditions will not be activated until the first monthly payment is made

7. All students are signed up for three months; and payments are made monthly in advance via Direct Debit

8. Once the first payment is made the contract automatically continues

9. Make Believe requires one month’s notice for cancellation. In this situation the contract will expire on the last day of the notice period. Termination will only be accepted when received via our cancellation form. Please click here for the cancelation form.

10. Make Believe reserves the right to exclude students from lessons at its discretion

11. Make Believe reserves the right to make changes to the timetable and to the teaching staff

12. Make Believe reserves the right to use any personal data supplied within the company network (please visit our website to view our full data privacy policy on our website (www.makebelievegroup.co.uk)

13. Fees are reviewed annually

14. Make Believe reserves the right to alter the Terms & Conditions without prior notice. Your payment to Make Believe is a contractual acceptance of these Terms & Conditions. Up-to-date information can be found on our website

15. Make Believe reserve the right to use any photography and/or video footage of students taken for any marketing material throughout the network

16. Our Make Believe unique student Starter Pack is compulsory – students must purchase the Starter Pack priced at £29.50 on their first day of joining. The pack includes a Make Believe uniform and a branded water bottle

17. Students participate at their own risk and are obliged to inform Make Believe and its staff of any existing injuries or medical conditions

18. Students are obliged to take care of their own belongings. Make Believe can accept no liability for getting them lost or damaged

19. The liability of Make Believe and that of its staff is restricted to class time only and then only to gross negligence

 

Make Believe Code of Conduct (this must be followed by each student whilst in our care)

• We do not tolerate bullying and inappropriate language

• We request that no valuables be brought into any class as we do not take responsibility for items getting lost

• Students are not permitted to eat or drink in class (unless medically required). Water is permitted.

• We request that no mobile phones be used in class. In the case of an emergency, the Principal always has a contact telephone

• Chewing gum is not permitted

• Students must show teachers the utmost respect at all times

• Students must show their fellow students the utmost respect at all times

• Students must follow the teachers’ instructions at all times. Disruption, lack of respect or general misbehaviour in class will not be tolerated

Make Believe Holiday Programs/ Workshops/ Courses/ Activities/ Programs

Parents should contact their local Make Believe school to confirm if it is organising Workshops and/or Holiday Workshops/Camps.

Dates and times of Workshops and Holiday Workshops/Camps are released in advance on the Make Believe website.

From the date the initial payment is made, you have a seven (7) calendar day cancellation period to change your mind and cancel the students place on the Make Believe Holiday Workshops/Camps. Should this be the case, we will provide you with a refund.

If you cancel a Student’s place on a Holiday Workshop/Camp or Course outside of the Cancellation Period the total amount will be retained by Make Believe and you will be required to pay the balance of the fees for the Holiday Workshop/Camp or Course.

In the event of a student being absent from the Workshops and/or Holiday Workshops/Camps, the full amount will still need to be paid.

All Terms & Conditions are activated upon a payment being made

Make Believe reserves the right to exclude students from lessons at its discretion and all students are expected to follow the Make Believe Code Of Conduct (listed within our terms and conditions)

Make Believe reserves the right to make changes to the timetable and to the teaching staff the advertised programme or the programme delivery mechanism (for clarity this may mean that we switch to online zoom classes) in the event of illness or other circumstances beyond our control.

Where a session of a Make Believe Activity/ Holiday Workshop/Camp or Course has to be cancelled by Make Believe, Principals will give as much notice as possible. In the event of a last minute session cancellation, you will be notified by email, text message, a call to your mobile phone. Parents must ensure that they provide their Principal with up-to-date contact details.

In the event of a Make Believe Activity/ Holiday Workshop/Camp or Course being cancelled, Make Believe will provide substitute lessons where possible either at an alternative time, venue or online.  If no alternative can be offered, Make Believe will provide refunds for lessons that are unable to be fulfilled.

It is occasionally necessary to change the time and/or venue of a Make Believe Activity/ Holiday Workshop/Camp or Course session. This will only be done if absolutely necessary and Make Believe will do its best to keep class times, programme delivery mechanisms and/or locations as similar as possible but unfortunately this cannot always be guaranteed.

Make Believe reserve the right to use any photography and/or video footage of students taken for any marketing material throughout the network

Students participate at their own risk and are obliged to inform Make Believe and its staff of any existing injuries or medical conditions

Students are obliged to take care of their own belongings. Make Believe can accept no liability for getting them lost or damaged

The liability of Make Believe and that of its staff is restricted to class time only and then only to gross negligence

Ticket & T-shirt Terms & Conditions 

All tickets remain the sole property of The Company. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable and must not be resold or transferred to any person or entity for commercial gain or otherwise (other than to a guest of the purchaser which is not transferred for commercial gain). If any tickets are resold or transferred (or are attempted to be resold or transferred) by anyone other than the official resellers of The Company, then the tickets will become void and the ticketholder will be a trespasser and may be refused entry to, or ejected from, the theatre. In such circumstances, The Company will not be under any obligation to offer a refund and such person may be liable to legal action.

The Company reserves the right to make alterations to the relevant theatre production without being obliged to refund monies or exchange tickets. Tickets cannot be refunded under any circumstances. If a performance is cancelled ticket holders will be offered alternative performances (subject to availability) up to the seat value on the ticket or a refund of the seat value. The Company will not be liable for any additional expenses incurred by customers of a cancelled performance. If a performance is cancelled and a new one is announced and a new date is made available, from the date when the new performance is announced, customers will have a cooling off period of 7 days from the date of the announcement to request a refund. After this 7-day cooling off period, no refunds will be issued under any circumstances.

Full price tickets may be exchanged at The Company’s discretion for an alternative performance up to 7 days prior to the performance time, subject to a per ticket administration fee. Any such administration fee will be notified to the purchaser prior to any exchange of tickets. It is not possible to exchange discounted tickets or tickets sold as a package. It is not possible to downgrade tickets.

Every member of the audience regardless of age, must be in possession of a valid ticket in order to gain entry to the theatre. Babies will not be admitted into the auditorium and children must be able to sit unaided in their own seat. In the interests of other customers, parents or guardians may be asked to remove noisy or disruptive children.

Ticket holders only have a right to a seat of the value corresponding to that stated on the ticket and The Company reserves the right to provide alternative seats to those stated on a ticket.

The purchaser agrees that by purchasing tickets, they have agreed to these terms and conditions on behalf of themselves and their guests and the purchaser shall at all times be responsible for their guests’ compliance with these terms and conditions.

Any comments or complaints regarding the view from a seat or the audibility of the performance should be made promptly to a member of theatre management before or during the performance.

The Company reserves the right to refuse admission in reasonable circumstances. Any customers who are intoxicated will be ejected from the theatre. In such circumstances no refunds of tickets will be given.

Every student who is taking part in the show is required to purchase a show t-shirt. You may have seen a transaction of £15 plus £2 booking fee, this is for your child’s show t-shirt to look the part on the day and keep as a memory forever. This information is outlined in our student show manual. T-shirts are non-refundable 5 working days after the payment has been processed. If a refund request is made during this time, we will be happy to action this back to you.  If you have any questions on the above, please do not hesitate to get in touch with your Principal who will be able to help. As ever, looking forward to seeing you at Make Believe!

Mobile phones, pagers, digital watches, laser pens or any other electronic equipment should be disabled when inside the auditorium to avoid disturbing the cast and other customers.

Latecomers will only be admitted into the auditorium at a suitable break in the performance, but admission cannot always be guaranteed and exchanges or refunds for an alternative performance will not be permitted.

The use of photographic and any other recording equipment is strictly prohibited in the auditorium, The company reserves the right to delete unauthorised recordings and effect customers who are suspected of making recordings from the auditorium.

Customers may not bring food or drink into the building other than items purchased in the theatre. The Company reserves the right to refuse to serve alcohol to any customer that appears to be intoxicated.

Security searches may be conducted and The Company thanks customers in advance to their co-operation in helping us to ensure the safety of all customers.

Performances may be filmed or recorded on occasion by Make Believe. Ticketholders automatically consent to the filming or sound recording of themselves as audience members. If you have any objections to being filmed or recorded please contact a member of the Theatre management before the performance begins.

The Company does not accept responsibility for the loss or damage of any personal property or for any liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law).

Make Believe ‘GAME’ Resident Team Terms & Conditions 

What is the Resident Team?
The RT is made up of 65 students from across the network, who will be performing at the Hackney Empire, Greenwich Theatre & Millfield Theatre with two other schools. All students audition to be a part of this and with the audition process taking place at Chobham Academy.

How do I sign up to audition?
To be part of the Climb! 65 strong resident team, Make Believe students will have to be part of an audition process. You have to fill out a simple online application form. Please click here; https://www.makebelievegroup.co.uk/be-part-of-the-resident-team/ to enter your contact details.

Who can enter?
You must be a Make Believe student and between six and 18 years old.

What must I do during the audition?
All students will be required to sing a song (acapella) of their choosing. We also love to hear original songs. If you are singing a cover please stamp your personality on it. There may also be some dancing too but nothing needs to be prepared for this beforehand.

What is the audition format?
After you complete your registration form online, you will be sent an email confirming your audition details, so please ensure you are aware of the date and time. During the audition you will be singing acapella to the senior creative team together with a dance class. If you are successful on the day of your audition you will perform at all three three venues.

How long should I allow for the auditions?
We advise you give yourself plenty of time to arrive. You should ideally aim to register with the Make Believe team 15minutes before your audition. We aim to give the results within half an hour of the end of the audition. But please be patient – the process could take longer.

Is there a deadline for entries for the auditions?
Auditions are for one day on Friday 3rd March so we strongly advise that you enter as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

How long should my audition piece be?
Prepare a song and learn a verse and chorus. First impressions count in this audition.

What do I need to bring to the audition?
Your acapella piece. That’s it! If successful at the audition, you will be part of a resident team that will perform at all three venues.

Who judges the auditions?
Our senior creative team at Make Believe.

Where are the auditions taking place?
To find out where the auditions are taking place, please click here:

Be Part Of The Resident Team

How many acts get through at the auditions?
We will be choosing 65 students from across the network, through an audition process, to take part at the Hackney Empire, Greenwich Theatre & Millfield Theatre in addition to performing with their school at their chosen venue.

I have applied to enter the auditions but haven’t heard back?
Please check your junk folder and spam emails before contacting us. If you are still unable to find your confirmation please email support@makebelieveworldwide.com

What happens after the auditions?

If successful at the auditions you will be part of the Climb! resident team. You will be required to attend regular rehearsals each week on a Sunday at Chobham Academy.

What happens when I get accepted into the show:

You will be required to pay a £30 (refundable) deposit at the audition should you be accepted. This is refundable on the premise of you meeting all the T&C’s and take part in the show.

How many tickets do I have to purchase?
If you are part of the Resident Team you will have to purchase a minimum of eight tickets.

Will my child have transport to the Theatre?
No. All children are required to make their own way to the venue at their scheduled time.

Will my child be safe backstage?
Health & Safety and the care of our students is our number one priority. In all of our shows we have DBS checked staff and licensed chaperones working backstage with the entire cast.

Will their be Photography & Videography taken of the auditionees and resident team members?

Make Believe reserve the right to use any photography and/or video footage of students/ auditionees taken for any marketing material throughout the network for all forms of media.

Is there parking at the theatre?
There are a number of paid parking facilities at the venue. However, we strongly recommend that you utilise the excellent underground, overground and bus services that arrive at station, just across the road to the venue.

By completing Resident Team registration, you have agreed to the terms and conditions present on the www.makebelievegroup.co.uk website.

If your question is not answered above, please feel free to email support@makebelieveworldwide.com

Health & Safety At Make Believe

Make Believe takes seriously their responsibility to ensure the safety of their students.

  1. All parents must complete a Registration Form when joining the school with clear information regarding emergency contacts and any relevant medical history.
  2. A copy of primary and emergency contact numbers will be kept on class registers.
  3. It is the parent’s responsibility to notify the Principal of any changes to their emergency contact details
  4. In case of a fire emergency the Principal and all teachers have a clear understanding of procedures to follow.
  5. Make Believe will undertake regular assessment of risks regarding our premises and any concerns will be raised with the owners.
  6. It is the Principals responsibility to keep a fully equipped First Aid Box within the building. In case of an incident an Accident report must be completed, and a copy given to parent/guardian on collection.
  7. The Principal is required to have up to date First Aid training and certificate can be provided on request.
  8. If required the Principal will contact the emergency services first, then the parent / guardian of the student(s) involved by the telephone number on the class registers.
  9. Parents understand that Performing Arts are an active sport and injuries can happen. Make Believe accepts no responsibility for injuries sustained via any means.
  10. Students will be supervised during class time only and parents / carers must ensure the safety of their children in the car park, waiting, changing and external areas.
  11. We hold no responsibility for children and young adults using the grounds around the building.
  12. Students/parents or guardians should inform the Principal of any special health considerations or existing injuries before participating in class
  13. Parents must be responsible for ensuring their child’s punctuality.
  14. Dress code must be observed at all times, especially footwear for safe dance practice.
  15. Appropriate footwear should be worn inside the studio to protect the floor and for health and safety reasons. For further guidance, we ask that parents speak with their Principal
  16. Shoes must be worn when using the toilet facilities.
  17. Students should not wear any jewellery.
  18. No food (or chewing gum) is allowed in any of the classrooms. Water is permitted in cap bottles.
  19. No child will be allowed to leave the premises with anyone other than a parent unless confirmed with the Principal prior to class either verbally, via email or they have disclosed it on the registration form.

We are committed to reviewing our policies and procedures annually.

One Dream Terms & Conditions

How do I sign up to audition?

To enter the One Dream auditions you have to fill out a simple online application form available on our website www.makebelievegroup.co.uk

What is the cost of entering the competition?

There is no cost. The One Dream ethos is to give emerging talent the opportunity to have a platform to showcase their ability and compete on a level playing field.

How long should I allow for the auditions?

We advise you give yourself plenty of time to arrive. You should ideally aim to register with the One Dream team 30 minutes before your allocated time. We aim to give the results within half an hour of the end of the audition. But please be patient – the process could take longer. Should you get through to the second round on the day, you may be asked to come back for a second audition.

Who can enter?

Anyone who is a UK resident aged between six and 18 years.

What are the age categories?

6 to 11 years and 12+ years.

What kind of song can I sing?

We are open to all types of music.

Can I sing a cover?

Certainly, and we also love to hear original songs. If you are singing a cover please stamp your personality on it.

Is there a deadline for entries for the auditions?

Auditions are for one day on 18-6-22 or 25-04-22 (at selected venues) so we strongly advise that you enter as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

What is the audition format?

After you complete your registration form online, you will be sent an email confirming your audition details, so please ensure you are aware of the date and time. For the first audition you will be singing acapella and your performance will be judged by a panel of music industry ex­perts. If you are successful on the day of your audition you will perform in the live show where you will sing to a backing track. In the first audition, all acts are expected to perform acapella and will be required (if successful) to provide a backing track for the live finals. Songs should be no longer than two minutes long for the final and on the first audition contestants may be asked to sing the entire version of their song.

When is the final?

The final will take place in October and November 2022

Do we have any expectations of you?

We want to hear your singing ability but we would like you to generate interest from friends and family to create a buzz. Importantly, please take on board the feedback from the judges. We are not looking for people who just want to turn up and see how it goes. If you are serious, we would love to meet and hear you!

How long should my audition piece be?

Prepare a song or performance of your choice up to two minutes in length and no longer. First impressions count in singing competitions so don’t be alarmed if you are stopped early. It does not mean the judg­es do not like your performance.

What do I need to bring to the audition?

Your acapella piece. That’s it! If successful at the audition, you will have longer than two minutes to perform in the live shows.

Who judges the auditions?

Industry professionals including singers, DJs, voice coaches and teachers.

How many acts get through at the auditions?

If you are good enough, you will get through. We do not have a number in mind.

I have applied to enter the auditions but haven’t heard back?

Please check your junk folder and spam emails before contacting us. If you are still unable to find your confirmation please email support@makebelieveworldwide.com

What happens after the auditions?

If successful at the auditions you will be asked to pay a refundable £30 deposit (not a fee). This will ensure your place in the Final.

Why is there a deposit?

One Dream wants to ensure that the acts who take part in the competi­tion are as dedicated to their talent as we are. The £30 deposit ensures that acts turn up to perform for their live show and try their best. Ex­perience has shown that if we do not take a deposit some singers will drop out on the day of their showcase, leaving us with an empty slot and an opportunity which could have been given to another act.

Will I get my deposit back?

The deposit will be returned at the end of the live show on the day that you leave the competition subject to punctual attendance at the live show and four tickets being purchased. If acts do not collect their de­posits at the end of the day of the live show there is a claims procedure which is administered by emailing support@makebelieveworldwide.com

Do I have to sell tickets?

All acts that make it successfully past audition will be given tickets to sell for Final Showcase. One Dream has been designed to help acts progress and provide a platform to gain as much exposure as possible. This means that you are expected to demonstrate a fan base. Acts are asked to sell at least four tickets to family, friends and fans.

How much are tickets to the live shows?

All tickets are booked through our online ticketing system (This will be provided nearer the time) Tickets to the Finals are £25. The showcase will last approximately 90 minutes and will also include a special guest performance, along with the final singers (Booking fees may apply).

How many tickets do I have to sell?

We ask that all acts sell four tickets each.

Is there an age restriction on fans coming to watch my show?

There are no audience age restrictions. Under 18s may need to be accompanied by an adult.

How does the voting system work?

In order to progress in a live show, you must be in the top judges’ scores. The highest scorers will be invited to perform live in the grand final.

What prizes are in store?

One Dream will be giving a cash prize to each category winner along with PR exposure to help promote their career.

By completing the One Dream registration form you are agreeing to the terms and conditions present on the www.makebelievegroup.co.uk website. Make Believe reserve the right to use any photography and/or video footage of all participants taken for all marketing and distribution purposes.

Class Act – Terms & Conditions 

How do I sign up for Class Act?

To enter Class Act you have to fill out a simple registration form via QR code or online link and sign the Terms & Conditions.

What is the cost of entering the competition?

There is no cost. The Class Act ethos is to give emerging talent the opportunity to have a platform to showcase their ability and compete on a level playing field.

How long should I allow for the auditions?

Auditions will be happening during school hours at your local school. We aim to give the results within half an hour of the end of Class Act.

Who can enter?

All students at your school are able to take part.

What kind of performance can I do?

All students can read a poem, sing a song, tell a story, play a tune, tell a joke, do a dance or express themselves in whichever way they want.

What is the duration of my audition piece?

Please try to aim for 30 – 45 seconds, therefore we can make sure everyone is seen. Should you wish to perform a song, please prepare a verse and chorus.First impressions count in competitions, so don’t be alarmed if you are stopped early. It does not mean the judges do not like your performance.

Do I need the music for my dance?

Yes, please make sure you supply your own music. You will be provided with an email address on where to send your music to. The only format accepted will be a youtube link.Technicians will play the music, exactly how it has been sent to us on the day.

Is there a deadline for entries for the auditions?

Auditions are for one day at your child’s school, so we strongly advise that you enter as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Most likely, the deadline for your child to sign up will be 3-4 days prior to Class Act Auditions.

What is the audition format?

After you complete your registration form and agree with our Terms & Conditions, you will be invited to the audition and our Make Believe team will be in touch, so please ensure you are aware of the date and time. For the audition you will be showing a performance which will be judged by the Make Believe team and teachers of the school.

Do we have any expectations of you?

We want to see your unique performance. Importantly, please take on board the feedback from the judges. We are not looking for people who just want to turn up and see how it goes. If you are serious, we would love to meet and hear you!

What do I need to bring to the audition?

Your acapella piece or dance track or other type of performance material, to showcase your talent. That’s it!

Who judges the auditions?

Teachers and the Make Believe team at the auditions in school.

How will my data be used?

When registering for Class Act with your school, you give full permission for this data to be passed over to Make Believe, therefore they are able to liaise with you in regards to the event and general post follow ups.

Can I see a copy of the Make Believe privacy policy?

Yes, you can find the privacy policy on our official Make Believe website.

Will there be videography and photography during my child’s performance?

Yes. Make Believe reserves the right to use any photography and/or video footage of all participants taken for all marketing and distribution purposes throughout the network for all forms of media.

Can I see a behaviour policy?

Yes, you can find the behaviour policy on our official Make Believe website.

What prizes are in store?

The participants of Class Act Auditions will be awarded two weeks for free at their nearest Make Believe school. The winners of the Class Act Auditions, will receive a free membership voucher to their nearest Make Believe school. This will be for; 3 months, 2 months or 1 month, depending on the results.

What can my child expect after Class Act Auditions?

Certain primary or Secondary schools might be part of the extra round called Class Act On Stage. This event would be happening in your local theatre a couple of months after the Class Act Auditions. Should this be applicable to your child’s primary/secondary school, this will be made clear to you by our Make Believe team.

Make Believe Matilda Event (London & Liverpool)

  1. These Terms & Conditions apply to Make Believe courses given to participants, applied for and consented to by the parent or guardian (referred to hereinafter as “participants”). Changes to these Terms & Conditions require the written consent of Make Believe.
  2. Course times and fees are given upon sign up. Payment/transfer of funds for the course constitute acceptance of an application. Receipt of the application and any deposit or fees paid at the time of application will be confirmed in writing along with all relevant course details.
  3. There is no fee to take part in the Matilda Experience however a refundable deposit for the amount of £20.00 is required upon sign up. You will receive this deposit back once you attend the workshop and screening in full on the 3rd of December 2022 for our London event and 4th of December 2022 for our Liverpool event. Please allow 2 weeks post event for the deposit to be refunded back. We put this in place to ensure that with the limited spaces that we have people that apply do not take away the opportunity from somebody else.
  4. In the event that the participant is absent, the full deposit will not be refunded.
  5. The screening will take place on 3rd December 2022 (London) and 4th December 2022 (Liverpool) from 12:30pm until 5:00 pm approximately.
  6. Once the deposit is made the contract automatically continues.
  7. Make Believe reserves the right to exclude participants from the course at its discretion.
  8. Make Believe reserves the right to make changes to the timetable and to the teaching staff.
  9. Make Believe reserves the right to use any personal data supplied within the company network
    (please visit our website to view our full data privacy policy on our website www.makebelievegroup.co.uk).
  10. Make Believe reserves the right to use any photography and/or video footage of participant’s taken for any marketing material throughout the network.
  11. Participants participate at their own risk and are obliged to inform Make Believe and its staff of any existing injuries or medical conditions.
  12. Participants are obliged to take care of their own belongings. Make Believe can accept no liability for getting them lost or damaged.
  13. The liability of Make Believe and that of its staff is restricted to course time only and then only to gross negligence.

Make Believe Code of Conduct (this must be followed by each participant whilst in our care)

  • We do not tolerate bullying and inappropriate language.
  • We request that no valuables be brought into any session as we do not take responsibility for items getting lost.
  • Participants are not permitted to eat or drink in class (unless medically required). Water is permitted.
  • We request that no mobile phones be used in class. In the case of an emergency, the senior Make Believe team member on site will always have a contact telephone.
  • Chewing gum is not permitted.
  • Participants must show teachers the utmost respect at all times.
  • Participants must show their fellow participants the utmost respect at all times.
  • Participants must follow the course leaders’ instructions at all times. Any disruption, lack of respect or general misbehaviour throughout the session will not be tolerated.

The Make Believe Academy FAQs

What are the benefits of graded examinations?

Graded examinations provide an ongoing measurement of student progress, awarding hard work and validating knowledge and skills developed. Children gain a great sense of achievement from taking graded examinations, developing self-confidence and belief alongside evidencing their progression. Examinations are internationally recognised and aid in achieving Duke of Edinburgh Awards and strengthening University Applications through the achievement of UCAS points for Grades 6-8.  

What will children be taught in Make Believe Academy classes?

Make Believe Academy classes run for 8 weeks and are designed to teach children to view taught content in their weekly singing, acting and drama classes through a new lens. They will develop skills and focus on extracts from termly content creating exam ready drama scenes, dance routines and songs. In addition to this, children will select an examination question appropriate to their grade, write their response in class and rehearse this to camera. As Musical Theatre examinations are group exams, children must work as a team to rehearse their introductions, performance, technical skills and reflection examination elements together.

What are RSL & PAA?

RSL Awards offer vocational and technical qualifications covering Music, Performing Arts and Creative Digital Media. Performance Arts Awards (PAA) are a branch of RSL Awards offering Performing Arts examinations in musical theatre, street dance, jazz dance, acting, screen acting & public speaking.

Are exams regulated?

RSL/PAA examinations are fully regulated by OfQual, Qualifications Wales & CCEA. Examinations are internationally recognised. 

Will my child be assessed individually or in a group?

This is dependent on the examination being taken. All Musical Theatre examinations are group exams, with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 8 assessed candidates.

What will my child be graded on?

Each graded exam has a specific set of criteria that are assessed. Musical Theatre graded exams, for example, contain three core elements: Performance, Technical Skills, and Understanding & Reflection.

What exam should my child take?
Graded examinations range from Premiere to Grade 8. Each step in the exam chain demonstrates learning, progression, and skills in incremental steps. There are minimum requirements for each grade band and so a one-size-fits-all approach isn’t possible! Every child who is entered into Make Believe Academy will have an individual discussion with their parent/guardian and local Principal to discuss individual goals, current strengths, areas for improvement, and how these align with graded examination entry.

Can my child skip grades and/or start at a higher grade?

Students are not required to take grades in succession and can even skip grades if deemed appropriate! For example, it may be more appropriate for a child in our Junior class to take Grade 3 as their first examination.

Will my child have to travel to an examination centre?

No – all examinations can be submitted via recorded video. This allows flexibility within examination groups which is paramount to building confidence in examination settings.

What is the cost of Make Believe Academy graded exams?

Upon enrolment, an enrolment entry fee is payable and membership fees will be added to your direct debit.

What is an Enrolment Fee?

Enrolment Fees include exam entry which increase incrementally by grade and include:

   Exam entry 

–    Exam recording & uploading

   A physical Graded Examination certificate

   The creation of material for your child’s specific examination group

How much are Membership Fees?

Make Believe Academy classes run for 8 weeks as a bolt-on to your child’s weekly singing, acting and dancing classes. Your membership fee is dependent on the syllabus your child is studying and will be added to two consecutive direct debits. 

When can my child join Make Believe Academy?

Enrolment can commence during our Spring & Autumn terms. Please note that it is not possible to join mid-way through a Make Believe Academy term.

Will my child take their exam at the end of their Make Believe Academy term?

Children will only be entered for examinations if their teacher and principal confirm they are ready for grading. If they are not yet ready or feel additional sessions are required, this will be communicated to you directly and your exam entry fee will carry over to the next term (subject to any exam board fee increases). 

Does my child need to attend all 8 classes?

Yes. The award of a graded examination evidences commitment to learning and skill development. As Musical Theatre exams are taken in groups, all children are required to rehearse together. Illness cannot be avoided and missed content will be discussed on an individual basis, however, weeks should not be booked off during academy term time as this may result in your child being unprepared for examination grading.

What if my child is unable to attend Make Believe Academy for more than 2 weeks?

This is likely to result in your child being unprepared for examination grading as they have missed 25% of taught content. At Make Believe Academy we want to set every child up for success, and we will only put children forward for their exam if their teacher and Principal agree they are ready for assessment. If you know in advance that your child will be unable to attend for two weeks please speak to your Principal – they will be able to provide personalised guidance.

Who will be in my child’s assessment group?

Children will be grouped into grade specific classes. Grades 1-3, for example, can take their examination together and so would be grouped together within the academy.

What happens if my child fails their exam or I am not happy with their grade?

Whilst this is unlikely, as children are only put forward for an exam when their teacher and principal agree they are prepared, there are steps you can take to appeal your child’s awarded grade. You can access RSL’s policies and regulations below, and your principal is happy to discuss processes with you.
https://www.rslawards.com/policies-regulations/ 

Will one term at the academy be long enough for my child to be put forward for assessment? 

In most cases, yes! There are, however, cases where your child may be required to attend more than one term of classes. For example, higher grade bandings require additional guided learning hours, solo exams may require one-to-one tuition over a longer period of time and children who are unable to attend all Make Believe Academy classes may not be ready for assessment. Your Principal will discuss this with you during your intro call before term commences. Enrolment Fees are valid until your child is put forward for assessment.

My child has a permanent disability and/or a specific learning need. Will this be considered during assessment?

Yes. A Reasonable Adjustments form can be completed and sent to our examiner in advance of assessment. Medical evidence is required to support reasonable adjustments. Diagnostic confirmation on headed paper by medical practitioners, an Educational Psychologist or SEND qualified personnel is accepted. Special considerations can be applied for candidates who have a temporary disability, medical condition or learning needs or who are indisposed or are affected by unforeseen circumstances beyond their control at the time of the assessment.

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