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Assessment Process

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When, where, and how?

Assessments are held during [month] each year. Specific assessment dates and venues depend very much on candidate entries, with a preference to hold assessments in the main centres [list here]. Ideally, assessments take place in person but alternative online arrangements can be made based on individual circumstances. Please check [here] for the current assessment period and application closing date.

Wesseling awards are assessed in person by an experienced Braille music user and moderated by a panel of three competent Braille music readers. All assessments are videoed and the adjudicator/moderation decision is final. Video will only be viewed by members of the assessment team for moderation and training purposes, and will be stored securely to ensure privacy of candidates is maintained.

Candidates can enter Wesseling awards at any level, with a maximum of three attempts for any given level. You can access a self-assessment tool [here] to help you determine your readiness for an assessment.

Criteria and grading

Assessors’ decisions are guided by one overriding question: did the candidate demonstrate that they understood the musical concepts in the Braille score to the degree that they could competently use this information in a musical context?

Grading for individual assessment tasks

Each assessment task can be graded with one of three options:

  1. Not yet met the standard
  2. Met the standard, or
  3. Highly commended.

1. Not yet met the standard

This is applied if a candidate is unable to demonstrate appropriate understanding of the musical concepts presented in the assessment.

2. Met the standard

This is applied if a candidate demonstrates that they understand the musical concepts presented in the assessment. Their competence with the Braille score and associated skills indicate that they could apply their knowledge in a practical context.

3. Highly commended

This is applied if a candidate confidently and accurately demonstrates their knowledge indicating an ability to use this information effectively in a musical context.

Overall Grade for each Award Level

To gain a Wesseling Award candidates must meet the standard in all assessment tasks prescribed for their level. In addition, candidates can gain an Award with high commendation if they receive a highly commended grade for both assessment tasks levels one and five, a minimum of two assessment tasks in levels two and four, and three assessment tasks in level three.

Assessment Process

The following information is designed to guide you through the assessment process and is divided into three sections: before, during, and after the assessment.

Before the Assessment

  1. Use the self-assessment tool and/or speak with your teacher to determine if you are ready for a Wesseling Award Assessment.
  2. Fill out the online application form completing all details.
  3. An acknowledgement of your application will be sent via email, along with bank details for the assessment fee.
  4. The date, time, and location of your assessment will be emailed to you approximately four weeks prior to your assessment.
  5. If you have any questions about the assessment or the forms, contact …
  6. On the day of your assessment, please ensure you arrive 15 minutes ahead of your allocated time.

During the Assessment

  1. Your assessor will greet you personally and will conduct the assessment in a relaxed and friendly manner.
  2. You will be provided with hard-copy Braille for the assessment.
  3. For levels three and above you will need to bring a Braille device for notating your answers. A USB stick or Braille paper will be provided.
  4. The assessment will last for approximately 15-45 minutes for levels one to three and up to 60 minutes for levels four and five.

After the Assessment

  1. Your assessment result and report will be sent via email during the month following your assessment. This allows time for the moderation process to be concluded for all candidates. If you have requested your report in hard-copy Braille, it will be sent by post.
  2. A hard-copy Braille certificate will be posted soon afterwards.
  3. Feedback: Please share your Wesseling Award experience with us via the feedback link. In doing so, you will assist us to refine our processes for future assessments.

Assessors

Wesseling Awards have been established primarily by Braille music users for Braille music users. In line with this, it is the intention that all candidates will be assessed by a Braille music user. Sighted Braille music readers who are actively involved within the blindness community and have a thorough understanding of Braille music may be involved in the moderation process and may assess in rare circumstances.

For information about our assessors and moderators, please follow the links below.