Since the introduction of the new marking system in 2000 we have received many comments from teachers about marking bands 'D' and 'E'. In particular, there are some countries where these bands would normally be recognised as fail results in other types of examination, rather than notating levels of achievement at the lower end of the scale.

We are sure, therefore, that many teachers will be pleased that the marking bands will be changing from January 2004 to A, B and C only, with N for an unsuccessful result as previously.

Also, QCA accreditation of our Graded Examinations depended on our meeting the condition by the end of 2003 that the levels of achievement were reduced in number from five to three, as this allows for greater consistency in marking across examiners.

Marks will be awarded as shown below from 1st January 2004. This will apply to both Graded Examinations and Vocational Graded Examinations:

A (Distinction) 80-100
B (Merit) 60-79
C (Pass) 40-59
N (Unsuccessful) 00-39
(or less than 25% of the attainable marks gained in one or more units)

Attainment Descriptors

The principle of 'best fit' is applied in deciding the appropriate classification for each candidate. It is, however, not to be expected that a candidate in a particular category will necessarily demonstrate all of the characteristics listed in that category.

A candidate who achieves an 'A' classification (80-100 marks) is one who demonstrates the following attributes in performance:

• flair, vitality and skill
• fully appropriate style
• incisively-focussed dancing
• precision in the technique of the genre
• consistent, highly developed musicality
• confident and accurate responses to questions asked and/or tasks set

A candidate who achieves a 'B' classification (60-79 marks) is one who demonstrates the following attributes in performance:

• skill and proficiency
• largely appropriate style
• focussed dancing
• competence in the technique of the genre
• evidence of developing musicality
• relevant and appropriate responses to questions asked and/or tasks set

A candidate who achieves a 'C' classification (40-59 marks) is one who demonstrates the following attributes in performance:

• competence
• basic ability to carry out the required movements
• periodic moments of convincing focus
• basic competence in most aspects of the technique of the genre
• basic musicality
• broadly relevant and appropriate response to questions asked and/or tasks set, but some prompting may be required

A candidate who achieves an 'N' classification (00-39 marks) is one who is not able to demonstrate attributes required to gain at least a 'C' classification.

Examination Fees

All examination fees applicable from 1st September 2003 are as follows for the Graded Examinations:

Grade 1 - £23.00
Grade 2 - £24.00
Grade 3 - £26.00
Grade 4 - £27.00
Grade 5 - £28.00
Grade 6 - £30.00

View all other examination fees here

Timings

Every effort has been made to introduce greater consistency in the length of time each Graded Examination lasts across Faculties, as past variance in timings has led to a lack of clarity and understanding.

From January 2004, the timings for each Faculty will be as shown below: