Teachers/Organisers:

• choose the syllabus and prepare pupils appropriately

• follow the guidelines contained in the document 'Guidelines for Organisers’
• make contact with the examiner beforehand, and discuss any special circumstances
• ensure that they or another member of staff e.g. Teaching Assistant, attend the assessment on the day *
• complete the feedback form and return it to Head Office

* ESB strongly recommends that parents are not present during the assessment, particularly for Junior grades. The presence of parents often adversely affects their own children’s marks due to the added stress that this can sometimes cause, and other parents may understandably object if their children are observed by others during an exam situation. Please contact ESB before the assessment to discuss if these recommendations cannot be met.

Pupils:

• study the chosen syllabus
• prepare themselves for the assessment making choices as necessary
• select their content, with the understanding that timings allocated include the setting up of materials
• attend the assessment on the day as a participating group member

ESB Head Office:

• deals with paperwork
• provides information for teacher and examiner who make contact with each other before the assessment

ESB Examiner:

• arrives at the agreed time
• offers a supportive role, and creates a relaxed atmosphere, as pupils present their pieces
• completes and returns written reports and results to the teacher/organiser via the ESB office within a few days of the assessment (UK)

Marking:

• PASS level in the assessment criteria establishes the minimum standard for success. Merit includes the Pass criteria and Distinction includes all that precedes it
• Section 1, the Talk, is double weighted, carrying 40% of the marks. The three other sections each bear 20% of the marks (Grade 8 ACLA and Group Speaking differ)
• The lowest pass mark is 50%, and other grades are awarded incrementally at 10% steps.
• Percentage marks are not shown on reports or certificates. However, numerical marks underpin and correlate to a range of marking bands. Grading bands are:
  Unsuccessful: below 50%;
  Pass: 50 - 59%;
  Good Pass: 60 - 69%;
  Merit: 70 - 79%;
  Merit Plus: 80 - 89%;
  Distinction: 90 - 100%.
• For an individual section, but not the aggregated total, an examiner may also award a Nearly which is between 40 -49%
• If two or more sections are marked Unsuccessful, the overall result is Unsuccessful.
• A certificate is not awarded unless a candidate achieves a pass mark. However, in exceptional circumstances, where the examiner feels it is warranted, an ESB-only Recognition of Endeavour may be made.