EQUALITY OF
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION POLICY
1. EQUALITY OF
1.1 Statement of principle
1.1.1
'
the opportunity it offers. These principles apply to all, staff and non-staff alike.'
This statement, suitably modified, forms the basis of
Furthermore, entry for the examinations is available, and assessment is carried out, on an equal and fair basis to all candidates, regardless of origin, status or background.
1.1.2 This policy aims to ensure that
1.2 Eligibility for examination
1.2.1 Candidates of any age may enter for examination.
1.2.2 Candidates must have attained any pre-requisite qualifications (approved prior learning) as detailed in the syllabus, at the time of entry. (Proof of certification will be required for qualifications not awarded by
1.2.3 There are no other restrictions on entry.
1.2.4 Space will be given on entry forms for candidates to include all information necessary to confirm their eligibility for examination.
1.3 Equality of access to examinations
1.3.1 Criteria by which applicants are accepted for examination, and assessed, will be:
• fair
• consistently applied
• open
• congruent with the Percussion Academy Equal Opportunities Policy.
1.3.2 In no circumstances will any candidate be accepted for, or rejected from, examination, either wholly or partly on the grounds of race, religion, nationality, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, class, or employment status.
1.3.3 In carrying out assessment and awarding marks, the sole point of reference for examiners is the degree of mastery demonstrated by the candidate in relation to the tasks set for the examination. Any evidence that assessment has been affected by other factors, such as those listed in 1.3.2 above, constitutes grounds for appeal (see Section 1.5 below),and will be treated with the utmost seriousness.
1.3.4 Candidates will need to be aware that all examinations are conducted using English as the language of communication.
1.3.5 Documents, publications and syllabuses produced by
1.4 Staff responsibility
1.4.1 The Percussion Academy representative, who collates entries, is responsible for ensuring that equality of access is maintained. However, the
whatsoever; their role is purely administrative. Any such concerns should be referred in the first instance to the Chief Examiner.
1.4.2 Entries are forwarded from the
adjudicated upon.
1.4.3 To deal fairly with candidates and in order to avoid discrimination, staff need:
• clear policy and guidelines to work to, supported by staff development
• knowledge of the syllabus and application literature
• to be aware of the relevant legislation
• a network of sources of information and help - named contacts in the Percussion Academy organisation and beyond.
• at all stages to be helpful and courteous.
1.4.4 Ultimate responsibility for maintaining equality of access, and for monitoring this policy, rests with the Chief Examiner. Appropriate action will be taken against any member of staff who is shown to have compromised
1.5 Enquiries and appeals regarding equality of opportunity
1.5.1 Enquiries may be made by candidates either prior to application for examination, or after an application for examination has been rejected, and/or in relation to the conduct of an examination or the mark awarded.
1.5.2 Enquiries regarding equality of access and eligibility for examination prior to the examination taking place are dealt with by the Chief Examiner.
1.5.3 Enquiries regarding assessments already carried out are subject to the standard Enquiries and Appeals procedure.
For the purposes of this document, 'staff' refers to examiners and centre representatives, as well as Examinations Department staff employed or contracted by
1.6 Confidentiality
1.6.1 Information given by candidates at the time of application will be treated in the strictest confidence.
1.6.2 Information will be collected only regarding aspects of the individual which have a specific bearing on eligibility for examination, or which are required for certification, or which are required for compliance with criteria laid down by the regulatory authorities.
1.7 Examiners and representatives
1.7.1 Criteria by which examiners and representatives are appointed will be:
• fair
• consistently applied
• open
• congruent with the Percussion Academy Equal Opportunities Policy.
1.7.2 In no circumstances will any examiner or representative be denied appointment, or prevented from carrying out their duties, either wholly or partly on the grounds of race, religion, nationality, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, class, or employment status.
1.8 Office staff
1.8.1 Staff working in the Percussion Academy office, whether employed or otherwise contracted by Percussion Academy, are subject to the Percussion Academy Equal Opportunities Policy (available from Percussion Academy office or may be downloaded from: www.percussionacademy.co.uk
2. REASONABLE ADJUSTMENTS
2.1 Introduction and general guidelines
2.1.1
2.1.2 Where necessary, the needs of candidates are addressed on a case-by-case basis, and all appropriate and reasonable steps are taken to ensure that any special requirements which they may have are put into place, while at the same time maintaining the full rigour of the examination itself.
2.1.3 Information about particular needs MUST be made available to
2.1.4 It should be noted that, if such information is not included at the time of entry,
2.1.5 Information, requests and documentary evidence must be submitted for each subsequent entry of the same candidate in order for appropriate provision to be put in place.
2.1.6 Reasonable adjustments will be determined prior to examination. Assessment will always be carried out purely in relation to the degree of mastery demonstrated by the candidate in the examination.
2.1.7 Further correspondence about reasonable adjustments should be addressed to the Chief Examiner.
2.2 Practical Examinations
2.2.1 General
2.2.1.1 Copyright law must be adhered to in the case of photocopied music or texts, or alternative editions. Copies may need to be destroyed after the examination.
2.2.1.2 Certain questions in viva voce components may be tailored to the needs of candidates' understanding if there is clear evidence of their difficulties in
conceptualising certain terms or ideas.
2.2.1.3 In music examinations, candidates who are unable to offer any of the supporting tests for grade examinations, may elect to take Performance examinations, where these components are not required.
2.2.2 Blind and partially sighted candidates
2.2.2.1 Sight-reading/unseen extracts, and extracts used in the music aural tests, may be given using photo-enlarged or otherwise modified print (including the use of different colours of print and/or background, reverse black/white printing, etc.). Please advise
2.2.2.2 In the Performance component of exams, candidates may use
their own specially prepared copies of the music/text, including Braille versions, provided the original published edition(s) are also available in the examination room.
2.2.2.3 In practical exams, candidates may elect for the sight-reading test to be replaced by a memory test. In this, the examiner will play a short extract of music two times, which the candidate is required to play back on their instrument. Specimen tests are available from
2.2.2.4 In practical exams, the questions in the Viva Voce will be asked with reference to the scores used by the candidate (Braille music, modified stave notation or any individual system). Candidates playing by ear will still be expected to demonstrate a working knowledge of the symbols used in stave notation, appropriate to the grade. The candidate may be requested to respond by playing.
2.2.2.5 Where possible, special arrangements may be made for lighting in the examination room.
2.2.2.6 Candidates can expect examiners to be clear in their verbal directions, and to be prepared to assist them in moving around the room if requested. Alternatively, a suitable person, such as a parent or teacher, may be allowed to be present in the examination room to escort the candidate.
Such a person may take no active part in the examination process. This concession may at no stage be used as the basis of any complaint or appeal in respect of the examination.
2.2.3 Deaf and hard of hearing candidates
2.2.3.1 A sign-language interpreter may be allowed to be present in the examination room. Such a person may take no active part in the examination process. This concession may at no stage be used as the basis of any complaint or appeal in respect of the examination.
2.2.3.2 In practical exams, aural tests may be at a higher volume.
2.2.3.3 The examiner may be forewarned about the need to speak clearly and distinctly at an appropriate volume, to look directly at the candidate when speaking in order to facilitate lip-reading, and to repeat instructions if requested to do so by the candidate.
2.2.3.4 Instructions from the examiner may be written rather than spoken.
2.2.3.5 It is not the policy of
2.2.3.6 Extra time, by prior arrangement may be allotted where necessary.
2.2.4 Dyslexic and dyspraxic candidates
2.2.4.2 In the Performance component of practical exams, candidates may use their own specially prepared copies of the music, provided the original edition(s) of the music are also available in the examination room.
2.2.4.3 In practical exams, candidates may elect for the sight-reading test to be replaced by a memory test. In this, the examiner will play a short extract of music two times, which the candidate is required to play back on their instrument. Specimen tests are available from
2.2.4.4 In music exams, where candidates use individually-prepared scores (modified stave notation, photo-enlarged, or any other individual system),the questions in the Viva Voce will be asked with reference to these scores. Candidates playing by ear will still be expected to demonstrate a working knowledge of the symbols used in stave notation, appropriate to the grade.
2.2.4.5 Special arrangements may be made for lighting in the examination room.
2.2.4.6 The examiner may be forewarned about the need to speak clearly and distinctly at an appropriate volume, and to repeat instructions if requested to do so by the candidate, or if the candidate does not respond initially to the instruction.
2.2.4.7 A suitable person, such as a parent or teacher, may be allowed to be present in the examination room. Such a person may take no active part in the examination process. This concession may at no stage be used as the basis of any complaint or appeal in respect of the examination.
2.2.4.8 Extra time of not more than 25% may be allotted where necessary.
2.2.5 Candidates with behavioural difficulties, learning difficulties or Attention Deficit Disorder
2.2.5.1 The examiner may be forewarned about the need to speak clearly and distinctly at an appropriate volume, and to repeat instructions if requested to do so by the candidate, or if the candidate does not respond initially to the instruction.
2.2.5.2 A suitable person, such as a parent or teacher, may be allowed to be present in the examination room. Such a person may take no active part in the examination process. However, they may repeat questions or instructions given by the examiner, and they may reassure or comfort the candidate if necessary. This concession may at no stage be used as the basis of any complaint or appeal in respect of the examination.
2.2.5.3 Extra time of not more than 25% may be allotted where necessary.
2.2.6 Candidates whose first language is not English
2.2.6.1 The examiner may be forewarned about the need to speak clearly and distinctly at an appropriate volume, and to repeat instructions if requested to do so by the candidate, or if the candidate does not respond initially to the instruction.
2.2.6.2 For practical examinations only, an interpreter may be allowed to be present in the examination room. The interpreter may translate the examiner's requests and instructions, and the candidate's spoken responses. Other than this, they may take no further active part in the examination procedure. This concession may at no stage be used as the basis of any complaint or appeal in respect of the examination.
2.2.6.3 Extra time, by prior arrangement may be allotted where necessary.
2.2.7 Candidates requiring wheelchair access
2.2.7.1 Every effort will be made to accommodate such candidates. Candidates will need to liaise directly with
2.2.7.2 Extra time, by prior arrangement may be allotted where necessary.
3. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS POLICY
3.1 Candidates who are unable to take an examination at the scheduled time, for medical reasons, are invited to submit a signed doctor's letter indicating the reason, and accompanied by the Examination Notification, to the Chief Examiner. The letter must be submitted within two weeks of the examination date, and must make clear that the candidate was incapacitated on the day of the scheduled examination. The candidate will then be permitted to re-enter for the same examination on payment of half the current fee. This fee may be waived at the discretion of the chief examiner.
3.2 Candidates who are unable to take an examination due to an unforeseen event with serious emotional implications, such as family bereavement or illness, separation from a partner, etc., are invited to write a letter, accompanied by the Attendance Notice, to the Chief Examiner, indicating the reason, and enclosing documentary evidence if possible, within two weeks of the examination date. On consideration of their case, the candidate may be permitted to re-enter for the same examination on payment of half the current fee. This fee may be waived at the discretion of the chief examiner.
3.3 Candidates who are unwell, or suffering from emotional stress, on the day of the examination, but elect to take the exam nonetheless, will not be granted any special consideration in terms of assessment. Candidates who fail to complete an examination will not be given the opportunity to complete it at a later stage. Components of an examination which are not attempted will be awarded 0, and an aggregated award will not be made.
3.4 Candidates should be aware that