Grade 7 Excellent performance

Demonstrates: excellent knowledge and understanding of works and tasks; sound appreciation of the effects of technique and style; very strong evidence of independent and/or original perspectives on the works studied, where appropriate; consistently focused, carefully developed and persuasive presentation of ideas or argument; use of language that is varied, clear, concise, precise and convincingly adapted to tasks.

Grade 6 Very good performance

Demonstrates: very good knowledge and understanding of works and tasks; adequate appreciation of the effects of technique and style; strong evidence of a personal engagement with the works studied, where appropriate; clearly focused, well-developed and purposeful presentation of ideas or argument; use of language that is varied, clear, concise and effectively adapted to tasks.

Grade 5 Good performance

Demonstrates: sound knowledge and understanding of works and tasks; some appreciation of the effects of technique and style; good evidence of a relevant personal response to the works studied, where appropriate; clearly focused and effective presentation of ideas or argument; use of language that is clear, concise and appropriately adapted to tasks.

Grade 4 Satisfactory performance

Demonstrates: adequate knowledge and understanding of works and tasks; adequate awareness of the elements of technique and style; adequate evidence of a relevant personal response to the works studied, where  appropriate; generally focused and satisfactory development/presentation of ideas or argument; use of language that is generally clear, accurate, fluent and appropriate to tasks.

Grade 3 Mediocre performance

Demonstrates: some knowledge but superficial understanding of works and tasks; some awareness of the elements of technique and style; some evidence of a relevant personal response to the works studied, where appropriate; some evidence of a focus but ideas are neither appropriately developed nor presented; use of language that is limited in clarity, accuracy, fluency and appropriateness to tasks.

Grade 2 Poor performance

Demonstrates: basic knowledge and/or understanding of works and tasks; basic awareness of the elements of technique and style; basic structure to the presentation of ideas; use of language that is lacking in clarity, accuracy and coherence.

Grade 1 Very poor performance

Demonstrates: rudimentary knowledge and/or understanding of works and tasks; presentation without clarity or relevance; use of language that is barely intelligible.