LSOM Examinations Policy

It is the responsibility of everybody involved in the Limerick School of Music examinations process to read, understand and implement this policy.

Rationale

Limerick School of Music (LSOM) examinations/assessments provide vital summative assessment. The examinations/assessments provide information to students, parents, and teachers, other educational institutions and employers about knowledge, understanding and skills achieved.  To this end, the School participates willingly in the administration of these examinations/assessments in the best interests of the students and the School.

Purpose

To ensure that

• The examinations system in Limerick School of Music combines entitlement with flexibility.

• Students are given the opportunity to demonstrate the highest achievement of which they are capable and competent.

• Students undertake examinations/assessments knowing what is expected of them in terms of preparation and behaviour.

• Students/Parents are guided in their decisions about whether to enter/withdraw an examination entry and to do so with full knowledge of the implications for their path of progress.

• Teachers understand fully their obligations and responsibilities with relation to examinations/assessments.

• The School meets the requirements of examination security and is properly equipped to undertake the administration of examinations, including data processing and a results service.

• Accurate examination/assessment data is available to inform target setting.

• Curriculum planning, target setting and careers links take into account up-to-date information on the current examinations/assessments system.

Responsibility for Examinations and Assessments

•        The Principal and Deputy Principal, together with the management team, have overall responsibility for the school as an examination /assessment centre including external examinations.

•        The Deputy Principal will take responsibility for the administration of entries, complete the relevant paperwork, organise the examination/assessment sessions and examination data.

•        Administrative staff will provide support for the input of data, communication with the examination boards, posting of the examination/assessment times and all aspects of examination results procedures.

Regulations

•        Students commence examinations when the teacher deems that they are of an appropriate age.

•        Once a student has commenced examinations, it is expected that an examination or assessment will be completed each year.

•        Limerick School of Music students are obliged to take their examination in the timetabled examination periods and may not enter for an examination outside of these periods.

•        Limerick School of Music enters its students for Associated Board theory examinations in June each year. 

•        Limerick School of Music students may not enter practical/theory examinations, other than diplomas, outside of the school.

•        Limerick School of Music acts as a centre for external examination bodies.  Any queries with reference to entries, results, certification etc. pertaining to external examining bodies must in the first instance be directed to the Deputy Principal.

•        Students who wish to enter for a Grade VI or higher Associated Board practical examination must have passed A.B. Grade V theory and may be required to submit written proof with their entry form.

•        Limerick School of Music will not be liable for refunds in the event that:

          (i)  A student’s entry is withdrawn because of lack of adequate preparation by the student.

          (ii)  A student fails to attend an examination/assessment and does not produce a medical certificate or evidence of other mitigating circumstances. (Some examination bodies may issue a refund on medical grounds.)

•        If a student’s entry is to be withdrawn there must be consultation between the student, parents/guardians, teacher and Principal before any final decision is made.  Withdrawals should be given in writing to the Deputy Principal.

•        Any proposed changes to the examination/assessment style, timing of examinations, syllabus changes etc. must be approved by the end of the academic year.  Proposed changes should, in the first instance, be discussed at a department meeting.

•        Limerick School of Music students and teachers are expected to abide by Limerick School of Music examination policy.

Examination/Assessment Periods

* Diploma examinations will take place in Limerick School of Music when there are sufficient numbers to merit the organisation of a private centre.

Associated Board Exams

·         Associated Board Practical examinations take place in May & December each year.

N.B. Written proof of having passed the AB Grade V Theory Exam must be submitted with an entry for AB Grade VI-VIII practical exam.

·         Associated Board Theory examinations grade V (digital) takes place in May and written papers (Grades VI, VII & VIII) are also held in June of each year.  (Usually the 3rd Saturday in June)

House Examinations and Assessments

Limerick School of Music House examinations and assessments and Organ exams take place in May each year.

·         House Practical examinations cater for pre-grade I Instrumental and Vocal students and Organ students.

·         House Theory/musicianship examinations (Grade I – VIII) are held in May of each year.

·         Assessments cater for students who, for a number of reasons, may not be quite ready to take an Associated Board exam.

Diploma Examinations

There are a range of options available to prospective diploma candidates in Teaching & Performance at Associate, Licentiate and Fellowship levels.

Junior and Leaving Certificate Examinations 

The school provides tuition at Junior and Leaving Certificate levels for practical exams and at Leaving Cert level only for the written exams.  The practical exams are usually timetabled around Easter (depending when it falls) and students may opt to take their practical exam at Limerick School of Music. The written exams take place in June of each year and students sit these at their own mainstream school.

Review Date 28 November, 2023

Cecilia Madden, Principal, LSOM