Drama syllabus infringements

All exams are assessed on the basis of the performance given on the day of the exam, without regard to any external circumstances. If a candidate does not comply with exam regulations as detailed in the appropriate syllabus the performance will be assessed without prejudice by the examiner in order not to jeopardise the performance of other aspects of the exam.

The issue with the performance may be reported directly to Trinity’s London office by the examiner rather than on the candidate’s report form, so that Trinity may be able to exercise a certain amount of discretion as to the validity of the assessment process. Depending on the severity of the infringement, marks may be deducted, or, in extreme cases, the exam may be invalidated.

The outcome of referred exams will be communicated to the Trinity representative for disclosure to the candidate as soon as possible after the matter has been considered by Trinity. To ensure that all candidates are treated fairly, infringements of a similar type are always treated in the same way. Referral decisions are final and marks will not be reinstated.

Please note that if the report is sent to Trinity’s London office the referral process may take up to 6 weeks to complete, depending on the complexity of the issue. The timeframe is taken from the date of receipt of the original report form at Trinity’s London office.

Please see below some examples of syllabus infringements.

Grades, Certificate and Diplomas

  • One or more pieces from wrong period
  • One or more pieces or elements not according to syllabus
  • Copy not provided, or incorrect copy e.g. handwritten, not typed in the original format, or edits not shown 
  • Pieces that should have been memorised are instead read from the script
  • Two poems presented instead of one
  • Three elements performed in a performance programme rather than the required four, etc
  • Multiple characters within a scene portrayed by one candidate when this is not suggested by the style and content of the play
  • No accompaniment (in musical, where not written as a capella)
  • Solo line heavily doubled by accompaniment (not according to score)
  • More than two lines performed in a language other than English (except where the scene has been written in another language with an English speaking audience in mind e.g. Henry V, III iv)
  • Pieces not demonstrating a clear contrast
  • Text only, no music provided – Musical Theatre grades and diplomas
  • Diploma/Certificate programme more than 10% over or under time

Miscellaneous

  • Entered for lower or higher grade than examined
  • Candidate not listed on timetable
  • Special Educational Needs not notified
  • Suspected malpractice
  • Candidate presented medical certificate
  • Examination abandoned
  • Examiner error

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