RSCM Southwell and Nottinghamshire Area | Awards appeals procedure

Awards appeals procedure

Choir Trainers are asked to understand that, in the interests of preserving the value of the awards to candidates who win them, and to maintain reasonable equivalence to similar awards in other areas, it is necessary to set defined standards for succeeding in these awards. It is, unfortunately, occasionally the case that a candidate, however well prepared, does not come up to the required level. It should also be remembered that, whilst the examiners do their best to put choristers at ease, candidates may occasionally not perform as well as expected 'on the day'.

In entering for an award, the candidate and Choir Trainer are deemed to accept the musical judgement of the examiner.

In exceptional circumstances, appeals may be considered according to the following procedure, which is similar to the practice of the major examining boards.

1. Appeals must be made in writing to the RSCM Area Committee Secretary by the Choir Trainer who entered the candidate, setting out in detail the grounds on which the appeal is lodged.
2. Under no circumstances is the examiner to be contacted direct.
3. Appeals must be accompanied by a fee of £10 (the cheque to be made payable to "Southwell and Nottinghamshire Area RSCM - Committee"), to cover expenses. In the event that the appeal is successful, the fee will be refunded.
4. Appeals must be lodged within seven days of receiving the results. This is to ensure that the circumstances of the examination remain fresh in everyone's memory.
5. Appeals, which question the mark awarded without further justification, will not be accepted. Two broad grounds for appeal which may typically be considered are:
   1. the candidate being expected to do something which is outside the scope of the syllabus, or
   2. a clear inconsistency between the written comments and the marks awarded.
6. If an appeal is received, it will be considered by the RSCM Area Committee Secretary, the Area Chairman and the examiner. One of two outcomes will result:
   1. the mark originally awarded may be confirmed, or
   2. the candidate may be offered a re-examination with a different examiner at a mutually convenient time. The outcome of any such re-examination will be deemed final.
7. The Area Committee Secretary will notify the outcome of the appeal to the Choir Trainer in writing. The target time for resolving appeals is 21 days from the date of receipt.
8. In the event that the appeal outcome is (a) in 6 above, a final appeal may be made in writing to The Warden, RSCM, Cleveland Lodge, Westhumble, Dorking, RH5 6BW, setting out in detail the grounds on which the appeal is lodged, no later than seven days after receiving the outcome of the first appeal. After due consultation, and not later than one further month, a response will be issued by the Warden, whose decision is final. If the appeal is successful, a re-examination or alternatively a full refund of the entry fee will be offered.
9. Appeals will be considered only for candidates who have failed. No appeal will be considered regarding the level of mark awarded to a candidate who has passed.

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