Rockschool Ltd Moves Exams to Video Format

Teachers moving their practice online, may be interested to learn that they can also continue to enter students into Rockschool exams – which can now be taken over video.

Published: 01 April 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM

A woman sitting with a laptop on a sofa at home — Music students studying the Rockschool syllabus can take an exam this side of the summer holidays. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

In reaction to the impact that Covid-19 is having on musicians, teachers, students and business – Rockschool Ltd (RSL) have developed their own new online practice.

RSL Awards are now able to offer video exams so that music students studying the Rockschool syllabus can take an exam this side of the summer holidays, regardless of current social distancing measures.

Video exams allows students to have the flexibility to take their exam from a place of their convenience.

How Rockschool online exams will work

Candidates have the option of two types of recorded exam:

Performance Certificate (Debut – Grade 8): Candidates must record and upload five performance pieces (up to three can be free choice pieces)
Graded Certificate (Debut – Grade 5): Candidates must record and upload three performance pieces (up to two free choice pieces) and ALL of the technical exercises from Groups A – D in the Rockschool Gradebook

Both of these can be taken at a time and place that suits the candidate. They will need to submit a continuous, unedited video recording of all the appropriate prepared elements in a similar way to a standard face-to-face exam. The same exam criteria will be applied but candidates will not be assessed on the Unseen Tests.

Examiners will then be able to view the candidate’s exam and provide an accurate assessment of their achievements, providing feedback and their final mark using standard RSL processes.

Visit RSL's Video Exam online resource for more information about the intricacies of each exam available, how to submit a video exam, video framing and audio capture guidance, and further supporting videos to help record an exam in the highest quality possible.

Making the move to online teaching

For our guidance on online teaching, from choosing the correct web video app, to setting up your teaching space and observing safeguarding practices while using the internet – see our advice pages for teachers working during the coronavirus outbreak.

You may also find our guest blog from drummer and EC Vice-Chair Rick Finlay useful, for a first hand account on what it’s like to move your practice online.

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