BIFF Marking Scheme

The British & International Federation of Festivals new marking scheme comes into effect from 1st April 2024. This significant change will be rolled out across all BIFF Festivals from 1st April 2024 and discussions are underway for future AED qualifying festivals to align with the new marking system.

Overview of the New Marking System 

A new marking system was initially discussed as far back as 2016. The process has taken a significant amount of years, including recovering from COVID-19, experimenting with pilot schemes from festivals and adjudicator's perspectives, and refining results after feedback to finally arrive at the current system. 

The new marking scheme aims to ensure a positive experience for all of our young dancers by delivering praise for achievements, positive and constructive teaching points, and encouragement. 

It has been increasingly apparent that dancers and parents can get 'hung up' on marks and that dancers can feel disheartened when marks drop and vary between festivals and adjudicators. They struggle to understand how their marks relate to their performance and often believe their performances have been of similar standard or even improved, yet this has not been reflected in their marks.

The main factor to consider is that the use of marks, though seen as important by many, is secondary to the adjudicator's comments.

This new scheme prioritises feedback, using positive and affirming language to recognise achievement and encourage progression. 

The new marking system consists of seven descriptor bands, ranging from Developing to Exceptional. Dancers will be adjudicated on artistic, technical, and creative criteria, and one of the descriptor bands will be allocated for their performance. The adjudicator will award their top performers Gold, Silver or Bronze awards.