Not every student wants to take a full music exam. This is where our own assessments step in.

Everyone needs to have achieved something. We all like praise. Our Simon Balle Music assessments are a way of reaching a standard and getting the recognition, without taking the full exam. Available up to 'Grade 5'.

The idea is straightforward. Students will prepare two pieces at the correct standard and perform to the Director of Music at an agreed time. The amount to prepare is less, but the standard is the same. If successful, the musician will receive our Simon Balle certificates. Standard achieved, let's move forward! It is just not a full exam with all the tests and so on.

These are designed to be less pressure yet bring achievement, recognition and a performance. They are assessed in the same way as a GCSE or A level performance, with the standard relative to the 'grade' being taken. If the musician achieves Band 3 or 4, they have met the standard!

Link to the mark scheme.

How do I prepare for my assessment?

• Set a date with the teacher and take it seriously. Just because it is an internal exam should not mean that musicians do not prepare thoroughly.
• Have agreed practice times at home that are routine
• Listen to recordings of the pieces you are performing to help you understand the music.
• Be ready for your assessment time!

We hope that these assessments will help celebrate all our musicians, enabling them to have the musical recognition they deserve.

Oh, and to our musicians - Good Luck!