The Definitive Guide Graded Exams V6.Qxp Layout 1 06/05/2014 17:07 Page 2

Graded Exams V6.qxp_Layout 1 06/05/2014 17:07 Page 1

The Definitive Guide Graded Exams V6.qxp_Layout 1 06/05/2014 17:07 Page 2

Written by Glyndwr Jones with essential contributions from the Awarding Organisations listed on pages 20 to 23. Particular thanks are due to Andrew McBirnie, Philippa Bunting and Nigel Scaife.

Produced by CDMT Old Brewer’s Yard t 020 7240 5703 17-19 Neal Street e info@cdmt.org.uk Covent Garden w www.cdmt.org.uk London WC2H 9UY

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COMPLEMENTINGHISTORY OTHER LEARNING 3

over a million candidates annually

Graded examinations grew from the examination structures put in place by the music conservatoires in the mid 19th Century which aimed to assess the development of young musicians and to support standards in teaching. By the beginning of the 20th Century the scope of the assessments had expanded to include drama and dance. It is little surprise that the early geographical spread of these examinations mirrored the footprint of the old British Empire with Awarding Organisations’ archives recalling examiners leaving from UK ports on sailing ships for long international tours, certificates in hand.

Today, graded exams are available in over 90 countries and attract well over a million candidates annually. The range of performance specialisms covered includes an extensive list of musical instruments and styles, dance genres, drama disciplines and musical theatre.

Front cover from left: Trinity College London, Kevin Ricks bbodance, Johan Persson Trinity College London, Kevin Ricks Back cover: Dance Proms, Elliott Franks Inside front cover: Associated Board of The Royal Schools of Music This page from left: Thinkstock library image National Association of Teachers of Dancing New Era Academy Graded Exams V7.qxp_Layout 1 08/05/2014 10:13 Page 4

4 WHAT ARE GRADED EXAMS?

Graded exams provide a series of qualifications that offer a progressive learning structure for developing performers. They form a set of motivational milestones from beginner level to a standard of proficiency and artistry appropriate for entry to Higher Education — either colleges specialising in the performing arts or the university and conservatoire sector. Working through the grades represents a typical route for those wishing to become performing artists, as they are an authoritative source of internationally understood benchmarks.

Graded exams are offered in: •Music For example orchestral instruments, piano, electronic keyboards, singing and guitar •Dance For example ballet, tap, freestyle, modern jazz, ballroom, Spanish and contemporary •Drama and Communication For example acting, speech and performance arts •Musical Theatre

Photos from left: Rockschool Royal Academy of Dance, David Tett English Speaking Board Graded Exams V6.qxp_Layout 1 06/05/2014 17:07 Page 5

The graded approach, which typically Preparation for graded exams develops high encompasses eight grades, encourages learners standards of performance, perception, creativity, at all levels of competence to develop and knowledge and understanding. Additionally, the display their skills sequentially. It also provides grades provide a scheme of clear incremental a structure for teaching, monitoring and standards by which candidates, teachers, rewarding individual achievement, leading at parents/carers and employers may measure each grade to an independent assessment of progress in acquiring genuine command of the the candidate by an external examiner. skills required in each discipline, whether for educational, vocational or social purposes. internationally understood benchmarks Graded Exams V7.qxp_Layout 1 08/05/2014 10:13 Page 6

6 GOVERNMENT RECOGNITION

The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) is the regulator of qualifications in England. Many Awarding Organisations offering graded exams are recognised by Ofqual and its partners in Wales and Northern Ireland.

These Awarding Organisations are committed to submitting annual statements to the regulator confirming their compliance with Ofqual’s General Conditions of Recognition. Ofqual evaluates these returns and ensures that Awarding Organisations carry out their roles correctly through formal audits and, where relevant, comparability studies of assessment standards.

Further, graded exams are included in Levels 1 to 4 of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) as shown in the table below.

Qualifications RQF

Grades 1 to 3 in Music, Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre Level 1

Grades 4 and 5 in Music, Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre Vocational Grade - Intermediate Foundation in Dance Level 2

Grades 6 to 8 in Music, Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre Vocational Grades - Intermediate and Advanced Foundation in Dance Level 3

Vocational Grades—Advanced 1 and 2 in Dance Level 4

Photos from left: London College of Music Exams/University of West London Trinity College London Performers College, David Bartholomew Graded Exams V6.qxp_Layout 1 06/05/2014 17:07 Page 7

promote the currency of qualifications

The European Qualifications Framework (EQF) Qualifications in England. The first Level refers relates different countries' national qualification to their placement within the RQF and the systems around a common European reference second to an appropriate EQF Level. allowing learners, employers, education institutions and other agencies to evaluate a There are clear stages people move through qualification from another country against one in education and training that are common to from their own. The EQF thus aims to improve many countries, and Awarding Organisations the portability of qualifications across Europe. generally liaise with authorities around the world in order to promote the currency of On recognition to the RQF, qualifications their qualifications. regulated by Ofqual are given two Level references on the Register of Regulated Graded Exams V6.qxp_Layout 1 06/05/2014 17:07 Page 8

8 EXAMINATION DESIGN

reliable and valid assessment processes

Graded exams test skills, knowledge and Syllabuses spell out the assessment requirements understanding in the performing arts by means in terms of content, evidence and standards. of formal practical examinations conducted by The duration of each examination increases as the examiners selected and trained by Awarding grades progress, with some variation according to Organisations. The grades are 100% externally the specialism being assessed. Clear assessment assessed and encourage students to evidence criteria are applied to establish highly reliable and their performing abilities under examination valid assessment processes. conditions. Candidates’ performances are judged The overall scheme of assessment uses a progressive according to how effectively the principal skills mastery model which allows candidates to enter of each discipline are employed as a means of and exit the system at any point. artistic expression. Graded Exams V7.qxp_Layout 1 08/05/2014 10:13 Page 9

benefit candidates beyond the examination domain

This approach permits fine distinctions to be work, unseen tests and theoretical questions made between different levels of achievement, are clearly defined. These provide a structured with the expected competences and complexity framework which teachers can integrate into of tasks increasing as candidates advance. the curriculum. There are no prescribed There is also a progressive shift of responsibility courses of study. for initiating and sustaining performance work When syllabuses are revised, transitional from teacher to learner which benefits arrangements are put in place to cater for candidates beyond the examination domain variations in preparation periods and for the in terms of autonomy and independence. orientation of teachers to any new requirements. The syllabuses are cumulative in design and the All materials are generally published in English, outcomes for each grade assume mastery of the though specific demand for translation is outcomes of the previous grades. Parameters for given positive consideration. examination components including technical

Photos from left: Royal Academy of Dance, Elliott Franks London College of Music Exams/University of West London London College of Music Exams/University of West London Graded Exams V6.qxp_Layout 1 06/05/2014 17:07 Page 10

10 COMPLEMENTING OTHER LEARNING

mirror performance in the ‘real world’

Graded exams complement other qualifications such as GCSE, A-level and School Leaving Certificates. Whilst these generally contain some assessment of practical skills including performing, devising or improvising, the nature of the examination is significantly different from that in the grades. Graded exams do not permit more than one performance of a set work, whereas some other types of qualifications allow for numerous performances followed by the opportunity to select the best ‘take’ for assessment through the use of, for example, recordings. The grades therefore have a higher degree of criticality built into their design, more closely mirroring performance in the ‘real world’.

Photos from left: National Association of Teachers of Dancing Graded exams are designed to provide maximum positive feedback Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Trinity College London on learning while not defining either resources or teaching methods too prescriptively. Preparatory work on material and rehearsal encourage collaborative group activity, where appropriate, whilst examination content adds depth to candidates’ practical studies, introducing them to a wider range of repertoire. Graded Exams V6.qxp_Layout 1 06/05/2014 17:07 Page 11

assessment systems which are distinctive

Because they grew from a common structure However, there are some differences which and were developed along similar lines, graded allow teachers to choose not only between exams in music, dance, drama and musical various subjects offered by Awarding theatre offered by the various Awarding Organisations but between assessment Organisations are broadly similar. For example, systems which are distinctive in terms of their most require candidates to perform set works. focus on specific disciplines, genres and, in some cases, preferred teaching methodologies. Graded Exams v8.qxp_Layout 1 15/05/2014 14:35 Page 12

12 REPERTOIRE AND CONTENT

Awarding Organisations generally ensure that the repertoire set for each examination is different from that listed by their competitors. However, some duplication is inevitable for specialisms in which the entirety of the repertoire is limited. The selection of repertoire is rigorously controlled to ensure that it is appropriate for both the level and the allocated mark weighting.

Trinity College London content is carefully controlled

This is usually achieved by convening panels of selectors who work under the supervision of a senior academic with reference to detailed guidelines and previous syllabuses. However, in case of own choice material, Awarding Organisations generally provide comprehensive guidelines and/or exemplar material to assist candidates in making an appropriate selection of repertoire. Since many Awarding Organisations operate globally, special care is taken to include works which are suitable for candidates and teachers from a variety of backgrounds. In some cases, candidates may perform their own works. These must meet the expectations indicated in the syllabus. Graded Exams V6.qxp_Layout 1 06/05/2014 17:07 Page 13

parity of standards between options

The assessment criteria for performances highlight the need for candidates to relate closely to the repertoire they perform. Learning outcomes indicate the progressive depth of understanding demanded and, where available, candidates’ choices from the repertoire lists are guided by the necessity to demonstrate these qualities.

Examiners often carry confidential tests. These are written by specialists, working under the supervision of a senior academic, and are replaced at regular intervals. Detailed guidelines for all unseen tests are given in the syllabuses, and exemplars are usually published for the benefit of teachers and candidates. Where there is a choice between different types of test, their content is carefully controlled to ensure parity of standards between options.

bbodance, Johan Persson Graded Exams V6.qxp_Layout 1 06/05/2014 17:07 Page 14

14 CANDIDATES AND CENTRES

Graded exams are appropriate for learners of Research indicates the importance of creative all ages from primary through to tertiary and training to other fields of study, including the continuing education. There are no restrictions development of physical co-ordination, in terms of age, gender, disability, ethnic or communication skills, individuality, self- social background. The age range of candidates discipline and mental application. Graded exams entering is extremely wide, and Awarding encourage the development of transferable Organisations generally do not seek to tie one skills: improving own learning and performance grade to a particular age group. (reflecting, critically evaluating, discussing ways to improve learning); working with others (group The grades are open to children and young work, discussion, social skills, benefiting from people learning in schools, colleges or privately. what others think, say and do) and, in the case of They are also taken by adults wishing to increase the drama grades, communication (reading, their performing experience for the purposes of reflection and language across the curriculum). employment or pleasure. For example, they could provide a useful qualification for primary school teachers who need evidence of their practical performance skills, or for individuals Photos from left: London College of Music Exams/University of West London who wish to enhance their experiences in the Midlands Academy of Dance & Drama, Sophie Piearcey London College of Music Exams/University of West London arts for leisure. Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Graded Exams V6.qxp_Layout 1 06/05/2014 17:08 Page 15

encourage the development of transferable skills

Assessments are generally conducted throughout the year on dates requested by centres or set and announced in advance by Awarding Organisations. Examinations are held in a wide variety of venues such as schools, colleges, universities, and private education centres, many of which have a long and distinguished history. All centres are expected to demonstrate that they are able to offer appropriate facilities such as a warm-up room.

Since graded exams are entirely externally assessed by an examiner appointed and trained by the Awarding Organisation, venues where examinations are held are not ‘centres’ in the same sense as schools delivering courses such as GCSEs and A levels in the UK. The centre is not responsible for assessing any part of the qualification. Graded Exams V6.qxp_Layout 1 06/05/2014 17:08 Page 16

16 ASSESSMENT AND AWARDING

Graded exams are awarded at distinction, merit and pass levels. Candidates who are successful receive a certificate and, usually, a report including a breakdown of their marks. The examinations consist solely of an external assessment, conducted in controlled conditions on one occasion only.

Examiners arrive at a result by judging each component from the following three perspectives:

• The general standard of achievement • The attainment bands applied to the specific expected at the grade attempted and grade attempted (i.e. distinction, merit, pass articulated by the repertoire or below pass). Marks indicate low, mid or high achievement in each category • The assessment criteria and related attainment descriptors Graded Exams V6.qxp_Layout 1 06/05/2014 17:08 Page 17

consistency of assessment judgments

The examiner assesses the candidate according to the criteria of a specific grade. Whilst the syllabus is cumulative and skills from earlier grades are integral to the candidate’s performance, in order to ensure reliability the examiner does not examine skills other than those required for the grade entered. Candidates are not awarded a pass at a lower grade in the event of a failure at a higher grade.

Awarding Organisations monitor examiners for consistency of assessment judgments, understanding of assessment criteria, application of attainment bands, and the conduct of unseen tests.

All examiners take part in training and standardisation activities during which marks, grades, comments (where applicable) and results are analysed, compared and discussed in detail. The outcome of this kind of session is a greater reliability of marking across the panel. These events also provide a good opportunity to share working practices.

Photos from left: CPA Studios Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, James Hudson Spanish Dance Society, George Abdilla Graded Exams V6.qxp_Layout 1 06/05/2014 17:08 Page 18

18 PROGRESSION AND FURTHER STUDY

provide a progression route to the higher-level diplomas

Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music

The pattern of progression through the grades Higher Education institutions in the UK to make varies according to individual choice. Some broad comparisons between applicants holding candidates choose to advance through the different types of qualifications. The specific sequence from grade to grade, others prefer ratings for these RQF Level 3 grades can be to select only specific grades. Depending on found at www.ucas.com the ability of the learner and the purpose of The grades provide a progression route to the assessment, every grade is a potential exit point. higher-level diplomas in performing and Grades 6 to 8 in music, dance, drama and teaching offered by the Awarding Organisations. musical theatre, and Intermediate and Advanced In music, conservatoires often specify Grade 8 as Foundation examinations in dance are included a prerequisite for their courses. In dance and in the Universities and Colleges Admissions drama, colleges often identify a pass at RQF Level Service’s (UCAS) Tariff. This provides a means for 3 as appropriate additional evidence to support candidates’ applications. Graded Exams V6.qxp_Layout 1 06/05/2014 17:08 Page 19

Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, Chris Christodoulou and Music for Youth

Higher level qualifications in music, dance, The fundamental principle of these industry drama and musical theatre remain true to standard qualifications is that the opportunity Awarding Organisations’ commitment to is created for candidates to display their skills in conducting relevant and reliable whatever role they choose, be it performer, assessments which enable candidates to teacher, director or another specialism. Holders show their best in examination conditions of higher-level diplomas have excellent which are supportive of their aspirations and potential employability, not just in the arts and endeavours. They provide schemes of creative industries, but in a wide range of assessment at standards comparable to spheres. those expected in full-time tertiary training. GradedGraded Exams Exams V6.qxp_Layout V6.qxp_Layout 1 1 06/05/2014 06/05/2014 17:08 17:08 Page Page 20 20

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22 A W A R D I NG OR G A N I S AT IONS

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Soccietyiety Court( R(RBSBS) ) Trinity College London (TCL) 020 7326 8000 FounFoduedn dined 187 in 71877 StevenageEssex SG1 Road 3EY 2020ww CampionCampionw.rad.o Court rCourtg.uk Blue Fin Building 01438Stevenage 489901 SG1 3EY EssexEssex Road Road 110 Southwark Street wwFoundew.rudssia in 192nballe0 tsociety.co.uk StevenageStevenage01438 SG1 SG1 489901 3EY 3EY London SE1 0TA Foundwwed inw .192russia3 nballetsociety.co.uk 0143801438 489901 489901 020 7820 6100 www.russianballetsociety.co.uk www.ruFssiaounndballeed int 192socie3ty.co.uk www.trinitycollege.co.uk FoRuussianded nin Balle 1923t Society (RBS) Founded in 1923 Founded in 1877 20 Campion Court Essex Road Stevenage SG1 3EY

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Founded in 1923 Graded Exams V6.qxp_Layout 1 06/05/2014 17:08 Page 23

Graded Exams V6.qxp_Layout 1 06/05/2014 17:08 Page 23

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Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, Simon Richardson

Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, Simon Richardson Graded Exams v8.qxp_Layout 1 14/05/2014 10:59 Page 24

This booklet describes the history, distinctiveness and purpose of Graded Exams, particularly how they contribute to the development of performing artists of all ages and ability - encompassing music, dance, drama and musical theatre - across the world.

It draws on the research and academic practices of twenty Awarding Organisations, all of which are committed and passionate about promoting progressive mastery in a range of performance disciplines. These organisations offer rigorous assessments, based on the well-known internationally acknowledged benchmarks that form ‘the Grades’.

Today, Graded Exams are available in over ninety countries and attract more than a million candidates annually. We hope that you enjoy this booklet which explores why the Grades have become the world’s most popular assessments in the arts.