Assessments

Junior RIAM Assessments in 2022 - 2023

It is important for RIAM young musicians to set goals and celebrate their achievements. Assessments are an important part of that journey. The Junior RIAM internal assessment structure has recently undergone a process of review and a number of changes will come into effect immediately for the current academic year.

These changes reflect a commitment to a progressive and student-centred approach, providing students and teachers with increased flexibility in determining the role that assessments play in their musical journey through Junior RIAM, whilst maintaining standards of excellence.

Junior RIAM students are assigned to a Stage from 1 – 10 and will progress each year through to Advanced Level.

• At Stages 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10, students are required to take a full end-of-year assessment.
• At Stages 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9, students can choose either to take a full assessment, or alternatively, take a technical examination which can be submitted by video recording.
• Students at Advanced Level have the option to be assessed on a recital performance.

All Junior RIAM Assessments will be marked by external specialist examiners.

Teachers are required to discuss assessment options with students and submit choices or requests for exemptions to the Junior RIAM Office before the 19th December 2022.

Exemptions from assessment can only be granted in the following circumstances:

• Leaving Cert
• Junior Cert
• Sickness or prolonged ill health
• Exceptional circumstances (requests must be submitted in writing)

Scholarships

Students at all Stages who wish to be considered for a scholarship must take a full assessment.

Please consult the following documents for further information on assessment options for each Stage and syllabus requirements.

Mandatory Stages for Internal Summative Assessment (Exam)

• Students at these Stages must take an end of year assessment unless they are approved for an exemption by the HOJ or relevant HOF.
• Assessments will take place in-person in the Academy or designated centre with a specialist examiner in attendance.
• Free-choice repertoire will be selected by students in collaboration with their teacher.

Optional Stages for Internal Summative Assessment (Exam)

• Students at these stages have the option to take a live, end-of-year assessment following the same format as the mandatory assessment Stages.
• Assessments will take place in-person in the Academy or designated centre with a specialist examiner in attendance.
• Free-choice repertoire will be selected by students in collaboration with their teacher.
• Students at these stages can alternatively opt not to participate in a full assessment (path B), but can progress to the next stage though submission of scales and technical work via recording, which will be assessed by the same specialist examiners.
• Students who opt not to sit the full assessment will be required to provide a short written piece through an online form outlining their musical goals for the year, what aspect(s) of technique or playing that are working on and why they have chosen not to take summative assessment at this Stage.
• Students who opt not to sit the full assessment will not be eligible for scholarships.
• Formative assessment will occur at all stages by participation in RIAM performing groups, Junior chamber music, competitions and external activities.
• Feedback week remains an important feature of the Junior RIAM calendar.
• Students at all stages are encouraged to set goals for the year in conjunction with their teachers and regularly log progress along with other observations throughout the year.

Advanced Level Students

• Advanced Level students have the option of presenting a 30 minute free-choice recital for assessment purposes.
• It is considered that students who reach this Advanced Level are self-motivating and can tailor their own personal programmes of study in conjunction with their teachers.