Need help finding funding for my daughters fees for dance college!!

Oldernotwiser

andyrules wrote: »

I did pick up on that - but this is the course, one she won an audition for. I'm assuming it is different from an ordinary degree in PA. I don't know much about dance/drama - but I do know that in the performance industry picking the right course is massively more important than many other courses.

onw - am I the only one here that finds it frustrating to read about the gvt hurling money in all directions - except an ambitious and presumably talented youngster with a possible bright future? (and others) One who knows the meaning of hard work. You don't want me to juxtapose her and the monetary bribery of a sulky and workshy teen to come and disrupt some lessons, do you :D ? I wouldn't :mad: so much if it was fair and no-one got the money!



Have to wonder though about the £11000:eek::eek:

I know you're referring to EMA and I know we have different opinions on this but it's not relevant here.

Don't forget SOME people got their £11,000 fees paid for this course (presumably the best applicants) but there must surely be a limit to the number of people who can get that!

If we're making comparisons here, doesn't it seem strange that the government pays this amount per year for someone to do a course which is something of a luxury ( and not even at degree level ) but makes students studying, say, engineering or social work, pay for their fees - even at a much lower cost.

I wouldn't like to compare courses but there are degrees in Musical Theatre which are fully funded by the HE system which would be an option for the OP's daughter. Personally I feel that there are more deserving demands on the public purse than paying out over £33,000 when there are alternatives available.

chirop45

hi thanks for all the advice above. I know this course seems really expensive but we researched the degree courses and to do what she wants (which is hopefully to appear in the west end in musicals) she has to attend one of these colleges. The audition process is really tough a whole day of performing especially in dance she has worked so hard so of course in our opinion deserves her place!!! We are not looking for funding for the whole course as we are prepared to pay something and of course we are paying for accomodation. It just seems unfair that she can't have the same amount of student loan and pay it back like anyone else!! The course is an HND set at level 5/6 which is classed at degree level and can be converted to a full B.A degree by doing a further year by distance learning so it fits in with their work!!!

I have contacted my M.P and have an apt. next month so got my fingers crossed that she might come up with something? Hopefully will have our letters/pamphlet going out next week to various trusts and
some local companys.Trying to think of some good ideas for doing some sponsored events, and are contacting local press too. Not giving up hope yet other people do it so why can't we- positive thinking!!!!!

andyrules

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

I know you're referring to EMA and I know we have different opinions on this but it's not relevant here.

Don't forget SOME people got their £11,000 fees paid for this course (presumably the best applicants) but there must surely be a limit to the number of people who can get that!

If we're making comparisons here, doesn't it seem strange that the government pays this amount per year for someone to do a course which is something of a luxury ( and not even at degree level ) but makes students studying, say, engineering or social work, pay for their fees - even at a much lower cost.

I wouldn't like to compare courses but there are degrees in Musical Theatre which are fully funded by the HE system which would be an option for the OP's daughter. Personally I feel that there are more deserving demands on the public purse than paying out over £33,000 when there are alternatives available.

Sorry to drag this up, missed this for a few days. I think any tax-payer's money is relevant in comparison, even though i take your meaning about a different situation. And I agree, it shouldn't have precedence over other degrees (interesting that you chose a 'high-level' degree to compare:p). However, I don't see why she can't be offered the same route - ie loan/parental funding etc. And why is it a luxury if it's her career choice? Not everyone takes maths, law, medicine etc. And nor should they. If I pay a ransom to see a West End show I want competent performers! She could well end up earning a decent wage and being a mainstream taxpayer for her life. A good outcome surely. Bearing in mind the amount of 'odd' degrees (that qualify you for not much) that attract the usual loans etc. (we've mentioned them before)

I would just like to see fairness. As I said, I'm not familiar with drama - however, I know perfectly well, as you probably do, that in the performance world it isn't the qualification that is paramount but the contacts made on the course at the RIGHT institution.

andyrules

Lokolo wrote: »

And anyone in any sort of degree isn't ambitious, talented youngster with a bright future?

Lokolo - you are twisting my words- naughty boy, you know I was comparing the bright ones who fall OUT of loan area with those who have no interest but qualify for money.

Lokolo

andyrules wrote: »

Lokolo - you are twisting my words- naughty boy, you know I was comparing the bright ones who fall OUT of loan area with those who have no interest but qualify for money.

But thats not what you said. I found it quite offensive that just because I can't dance or play football I am not ambitious or talented.

Oldernotwiser

According to the direct.gov website, the course at Performers College is a National Diploma and not an HND and the college's website says the same. It's a Level 3 course.

"Performers College

• National Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre (3 years)
• National Diploma in Professional Dance (3 years) "

In fact the whole DaDa funding scheme is for 16+ courses and specifically NOT for degree/HND level study, which was why I suggested from the start that the OP's daughter did a degree or foundation degree in this area, where normal HE funding is available.

andyrules

Lokolo wrote: »

But thats not what you said. I found it quite offensive that just because I can't dance or play football I am not ambitious or talented.

The quote you took from me referred specifically to the girl in question - and nowhere have I suggested that you are not ambitious (how could I, I don't know you), nor have I suggested that only dancing students or footballers are ambitious. In fact, I put in parentheses (others) to extend it to any other youngster in need, nor have I mentioned football. I think it was quite clear - and I find it annoying that you seem to want to twist this as it deters from the point I'm making.

chirop45

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

According to the direct.gov website, the course at Performers College is a National Diploma and not an HND and the college's website says the same. It's a Level 3 course.

"Performers College

• National Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre (3 years)
• National Diploma in Professional Dance (3 years) "

In fact the whole DaDa funding scheme is for 16+ courses and specifically NOT for degree/HND level study, which was why I suggested from the start that the OP's daughter did a degree or foundation degree in this area, where normal HE funding is available.

Just like to say this course can be converted to a BA(Hons) degree within a year and was told it is at level 5/6 makin this possible. She will also be able to qualify in to become a dance teacher another reason for attending one of these places!! University is no use to her for this career check out where the cast come from in the west end musicals from these specialist drama ,performing arts colleges. If they have been to university they end up doing at least a year at one of these places which has to be self funded!! Didn't post on here to start a debate on which place was best just wanted to know if anyone had any good ideas that could help!! Perhaps she should have done sport seems nobody would be complaining and hey might have got help too !!! Feeling a very frustrated Mum!!!

Oldernotwiser

chirop45 wrote: »

Just like to say this course can be converted to a BA(Hons) degree within a year and was told it is at level 5/6 makin this possible. She will also be able to qualify in to become a dance teacher another reason for attending one of these places!! University is no use to her for this career check out where the cast come from in the west end musicals from these specialist drama ,performing arts colleges. If they have been to university they end up doing at least a year at one of these places which has to be self funded!! Didn't post on here to start a debate on which place was best just wanted to know if anyone had any good ideas that could help!! Perhaps she should have done sport seems nobody would be complaining and hey might have got help too !!! Feeling a very frustrated Mum!!!

I'm not trying to start an argument but the college's website itself says that it's a National Diploma (Level 3) and not a Higher National Diploma (Level 4) and the DaDa grants are not for Level 4 anyway.

If you're going to be investing over £35,000 in your daughter's education you need to be clear what you're paying for. I wish you luck in raising the funding but please don't believe that this is a degree level course!

chirop45

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

I'm not trying to start an argument but the college's website itself says that it's a National Diploma (Level 3) and not a Higher National Diploma (Level 4) and the DaDa grants are not for Level 4 anyway. There is absolutely NO WAY it's level 5 which is postgraduate and level 6 doesn't exist within this context. You have either been misinformed about this or you've misunderstood.

If you're going to be investing over £35,000 in your daughter's education you need to be clear what you're paying for. I wish you luck in raising the funding but please don't believe that this is a degree level course!

Thanks for that slight misunderstanding but can assure you the degree can be obtained after course has finished please see website for trinity college co uk /dada (won't let me post it as a link)