ABRSM Official Poll, Exam appointments - what matters most? Options

[CMORRIS]

Question:

Thinking specifically about the Associated Board's practical examination appointments, which of the following is most important to you?

Your Chance to Make a Difference

The Associated Board aims to deliver the best possible service to all its customers and your views, suggestions and feedback are vital in helping us to do this.

As part of ongoing research into customer attitudes towards the Board's services, we are keen to know your opinion on the subject of Associated Board practical examination appointments.

Please help us to continue to improve our service to you by letting us know which of the above issues you consider to be most important when applying to sit an Associated Board practical examination.

If the issue that you consider to be most important is not one of those listed above, please select "Other". Then click on the "Add Reply" button and share your thoughts with us.

We look forward to reading your responses. Many thanks for taking the time to give us your views.

Christine Morris
Forums Administrator

[Cath22]

It would be really nice if we could read a little bit about the examiners before meeting them on the days of the exam. My students often ask me if I know of them; who they are, what they do etc. Certain exam boards have a section of their website for info on examiners so that you can read about who they are - makes it a little more personal I think.

[Lis]

Yes, I agree very much with Cath22. It is good if we know a bit about the examiner before we meet them.

[AnotherPianist]

I voted for good venue facilities because I believe it's essential (especially for pianists as they use the piano provided) for people who have put in a lot of work to have a good instrument to play on (and for other instruments to have a good accompaniment).

However if this is about what needs improving rather than what is most important: I would say more notice and flexibility in exam times; I've always had a good instrument to play on in the exam-that's never been a problem, but it seems many people struggle to get a convenient exam time and to get enough notice to arrange other commitments; again I'm fortunate in being able to be flexible (I'm a student...) but many people who are working/whose parents are working have more problems.

[Louise]

We have a great venue and a wonderful piano. Getting the dates is a problem though. I'd love to be able to exclude a particular week instead giving a preference for a week. If they think they may be away for a couple of days in the exam period, I end up having to delay the exam by another term just in case it clashes.

Most annoying.

[newcurio]

:P agree absolutely with Cath22
I believe it does make a lot of difference to my students confidence and settling down to play their best on that date.
Biodata of late in the exams here in Malaysia seems to be in scarcity :angry:

[maggiemay]

QUOTE

If they think they may be away for a couple of days in the exam period, I end up having to delay the exam by another term just in case it clashes.

I couldn't agree more - this can be a big frustration.

I have sometimes taken a chance over a couple of days away, and been lucky.
However, there is sometimes a school trip of a few days, which cuts into TWO of the examining weeks. That's too much of a gamble !!

I realise the board has a huge task arranging all the exams but having to make sure that a student is in principle available for any day in a period of several weeks has always been the biggest headache for me.

Maggie

[Louise]

QUOTE

However, there is sometimes a school trip of a few days, which cuts into TWO of the examining weeks

Yes, I thought about that. I come across students who are away for a long weekend, so we have Friday and Monday to consider :-(

I know it must be a difficult job, sorting it all out, but it's such a shame to delay it when they are only unavailable for 1 or 2 days in the exam period.

If there was a 'mustn't have' week it would really have to be 'mustn't have!' unlike the preferred week which you can't guarantee.

I had a great one once.....I asked for my preferred week to be the one from last week of the session. I know the last week is in great demand, and I usually like to see them one more time after the exam and before the school hols, so the week before suits me fine.

One period, I had a letter saying that they couldn't give me that week, so they've given me week 1 instead. Bit of a shock.....luckily they were ready.

[tannie]

QUOTE (AnotherPianist @ Mar 17 2004, 04:15 PM)

I voted for good venue facilities because I believe it's essential (especially for pianists as they use the piano provided)

VERY AGREE - This is also very important too! Although I can only choose one, and then I chose "plenty early notice". :) :)

Cheers
Tannie

[andante_in_c]

I have been pondering my response for a few days, as it's really difficult to settle for just one. I eventually plumped for plenty of notice, because as an inexperienced pianist I usually have to arrange an accompanist for my students, and no accompanist will commit to playing until they know the date/time. I'm still nervous until the letter with the dates arrives after my very first time of entering students for exams and being given the first week :( It's never happened since; I always ask for, and get, the next to last week, but I still remember trying to arrange accompanists at short notice for the first time.

[sbhoa]

I think that being able to specify dates (or days of the week) which are not ok would be really useful.
Also if particular times are not ok.... because of travel arrangements/parents being able to get away from work or start late.

[Mrs M]

Hello! I'm a teacher in Bristol and although I've only ever entered 3 (piano) students for ABRSM grades (I've only been teaching a year) I have never had any problems getting the dates I want. I always state on the application form when is NOT suitable to attend, and this seems to do the trick! :)

[Garkleine]

Regarding accompanists,

Could centres have an allocated accompanist to be available for a particular week say? - and then students who needed an accompanist could contact that person to arrange their rehearsal(and pay the fee).
At the moment pupils have to bring an accompanist with them and it seems that a lot of piano teachers(mainly piano teachers I think?) spend exam weeks dashing to and fro to fit in rehearsals and exams in different places.
Candidates would know that an accompanist was going to be available for their exam week and an accompanist would have a week of work accompanying and be able to fit their teaching commitments around this.

One of my pupils needed to change her exam time due to a school residential trip clash and was offered another date and another venue.
This meant that I had to find a different accompanist who was available to be in Manchester that day just for one pupil. I did find someone but not without making a lot of 'phonecalls and a getting bit of a headache.
There was the distinct possibility that she would not be able to take the exam this time and would have to wait until the next session when she was sooooo ready to take it.
Janet <_<

[Emma C]

I did my first exam on Monday. It was in a small kitchen in a local chapel! Is that usual? There was a good acoustic, but it didn't really have the 'performance' feel about it.

I previously voted for a convenient time, but a good venue is certainly important...

[sbhoa]

Also regarding venue...
I have heard people saying that sometimes the people outside the room can hear what they are playing.
This would totally terrify me at least!!!