Introduction to the Triquetrae Qualification Programme

The Triquetrae (TQ)-Qualification Programme utilises seven distinct learning environments called 'TQ-Zones': The Find Zone, Create Zone, Grow Zone, Develop Zone, Achieve Zone, Explore Zone, and Build Zone. Each zone focuses on specific musical skills and knowledge areas, providing opportunities to earn TQ-Credits.

These are The Find Zone where a student learns to decode the language of music. The Create Zone where a student discovers their own musical voice. In the Grow Zone musical growth is nurtured and new skills are discovered. The Develop Zone refines musical skills and develops expressive skills and personal success is demonstrated in the Achieve Zone. The Explore Zone investigates themes, genres and diversity in music and the Build Zone constructs a musical foundation.

The TQ system follows a progressive structure: TQ-Badge Sets lead to TQ-Credits, which are required for TQ-Awards, and so on. This system is designed to recognise and reward student progress and achievement across various zones and skill areas. It utilises a tiered structure of Certificates, starting with TQ-Credits and progressing through TQ-Award, TQ-Medals, TQ-Zone Certificates, and ultimately, TQ-Level Diplomas.

The incorporation of badges, credits, and portfolio submissions to encourage continuous development and mastery of skills. Students can earn extra special distinctions and merits within each Certificate level, reflecting their level of dedication and achievement. The system is structured to provide clear pathways for advancement, with defined requirements for each Certificate and recognition of both completion and mastery of skills.

Twelve TQ-Credits are available in each Zone. In addition, TQ-Credits and TQ-Badges are available for work completed outside of the zones including TQ-Challenges, performance exams, workbooks, external performances and achievements and portfolios.

Portfolio

A portfolio review highlights their growth over time including videos, excerpts from progress summaries, practice journals, creative projects, personal and challenge successes, compositions, self-assessment reports, research projects, feedback from peers and teacher reports. A portfolio consists of three sections.

A performance portfolio is focusing on the to do.
A practice portfolio is focusing on trying.
A personal portfolio is focusing on creating.

Workshops

During school holidays and selected weekends portfolio workshops are where students can prepare portfolio pages included in a physical scrapbook style portfolio. These are stored in reception where a student can seek out peer review from parents and other students. This also

gives students an opportunity to encourage, motivate and learn from each other.

TQ Assessment

TQ assessment is not about examination, it focuses on observation, documentation, and reflection.

Traditional assessment methods do not capture what is learnt and how a student is Growing and developing. They focus on what can be remembered and what can be perfected after an inordinate amount of practice.

TQ assessment instead is conducted by observation, portfolio review, self-assessment, and peer feedback, we aim to create a dialogue between the student and teacher.

TQ-Badges & Credits

The concept behind TQ-Badges is inspired by the skill badges used in organizations like guides and scouts. Individual badges are earned for specific challenges and achievements. Accumulating a certain number of badges, or completing a full set for a TQ-Challenge, can contribute towards earning TQ-Credits towards achieving a Merit or Distinction at the TQ-Award level. For example, “The Circle Challenge” has fourteen badges equalling 1 credit.

The first stage of the TQ-Qualification Programme is a TQ-Credit. There are seven zones, each with 12 Skill Foci per TQ-Zone. A focus in a zone is a specific skill that is being completed. For example, focus 5 in Find focuses on learning to read and play the notes for the level. There are four levels numbered 1, 2, 3, and 4 in the Elementary sector. For each focus, you can achieve a TQ-Credit, resulting in 12 credits per zone, 7 zones in the level, and 4 levels in the Elementary sector.

The TQ system consists of a series of levels, and Students progress by accumulating specific achievements at each level. Earning a set of TQ-Badges results in TQ-Credits, which can be accumulated to earn TQ-Awards. With the correct number of TQ-Awards, Students can earn a TQ-Medal. This system continues, allowing Students to earn TQ-Certificates and ultimately, the TQ-Diploma. The diploma signifies Sector Achievement and completes the program. Programs are available at the Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced levels, and lead into professional training.

A key element of the TQ-Qualification Programme is the concept of credit transfer, which allows students to leverage their accumulated achievements to progress through the tiered system. Similar to exchanging smaller denominations of currency for a larger note or a university crediting previously earned modules towards a degree, the TQ system enables the 'transfer' of earned TQ-Awards within a specific TQ-Zone to attain higher-level qualifications like TQ-Medals. This process recognises prior learning and provides a clear pathway for students to advance by building upon their foundational successes

TQ Awards

The Triquetrae (TQ) Zone Awards recognize student achievement upon completion of specific learning zones. Zone completion requires achieving a set number of completed foci within that zone. Documentation for each completed focus is required within the student's personal portfolio. This documentation must comprise evidence that validates the achievement of the focus's requirements, complemented by a teacher's statement verifying the student's successful attainment of the stipulated standard.

A TQ Zone Award is awarded upon completion of seven foci, signifying a Pass. Higher levels of achievement are recognised as follows:

Pass with Merit: Nine completed foci.
Distinction: Eleven completed foci.
Pass with Honours: All twelve foci completed.

This award program offers a clear and concise method for verifying competency in a specific knowledge area, proving particularly valuable for individuals looking to meet immediate requirements or enhance their musical curriculum-vitae with targeted skills.

Seven Zone awards are available, and each award carries a point value.

To earn a TQ Award for the Level One Find Zone, students must give a portfolio displaying their achievements within that zone. This portfolio forms three distinct sections:

Performance Portfolio: This section highlights accomplishments in performance-based activities, documented through live performances or video recordings.

Practice Portfolio: This section has journal and practice logs, teacher comments, and documentation of challenges met and overcome during practice.

Personal Portfolio: This section proves creative development and ability by including a resource created by the student, an essay, a composition, or a blog post.

TQ Certificates

TQ Certificates recognize student achievement at each level. Earning a TQ Level Certificate requires accumulating a specific number of TQ Zone Awards:

Four TQ Zone Awards - TQ Certificate
Five TQ Zone Awards - TQ Certificate with Merit
Six TQ Zone Awards -TQ Certificate with Distinction
All seven TQ Zone Awards - TQ Certificate with Honours

These certificates offer a focused approach to skill development, ideal for those looking to rapidly gain knowledge in a specific area and enhance their musical CV. Students exchange their accumulated TQ Award points to receive a TQ Certificate. It is important to note that points can only be used once in this exchange.

TQ Diploma

TQ Diplomas are awarded upon completion of all four levels. For students seeking a comprehensive understanding of the material, a diploma is often the most suitable choice, particularly for those considering the Intermediate program. (Needham, 2024)

Three diploma classifications are available:

Higher Honors: Awarded for all four levels completed with honours.
Honors: Awarded for all four levels completed with distinction.
Merit: Awarded for three levels completed with merit and one with honours.
Pass: Awarded for two levels completed with merit and two with honours.

TQ Teacher Training and Continuous Professional Development

TQ Teacher Training certificates are available for each level of the Elementary program. Instructors wishing to teach the Elementary program must hold all four level certificates. Teacher training certification is awarded on an approved/not approved basis. Separate TQ Certificates are available for each level, and all four levels are needed to earn a TQ Diploma.

Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is highly recommended and encompasses activities such as research, product development, professional writing, and other skill-enhancing pursuits. CPD proposals are to be given in writing following a standard format. A list of the expanding range of Teacher Training and CPD modules, along with the standard proposal format, is available upon request.

Quiz

What is the primary purpose of the Triquetrae (TQ)-Qualification Programme?
Name and briefly describe three of the seven distinct TQ-Zones.
Explain how TQ-Badges relate to TQ-Credits in the programme's progression system.
What are the three main sections of a student's portfolio in the TQ system?
How does TQ assessment differ from traditional assessment methods?
What is the requirement for earning a TQ Zone Award at the "Pass" level?
How does a student achieve a TQ Certificate with Distinction?
What is the significance of the TQ Diploma, and for whom is it particularly suitable?
What are the requirements for instructors wishing to teach the Elementary TQ programme?
Give two examples of activities that fall under Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for TQ teachers.

Teacher Training Essay Questions

Discuss the pedagogical benefits of the Triquetrae (TQ)-Qualification Programme's seven distinct learning zones. How do these zones contribute to a holistic musical education, and what specific skills might be developed in each?
Analyse the role of the portfolio in the TQ-Qualification Programme. How does the multi-sectional portfolio system support continuous development and mastery of skills, and what advantages does this offer over traditional assessment methods?
Compare and contrast the TQ assessment philosophy with traditional examination-based assessments. What are the key differences, and what implications do these differences have for student learning, motivation, and the recognition of musical ability?
Trace the progression path for a student through the TQ system, from earning TQ-Badges to achieving a TQ Diploma. Explain how the concept of "credit transfer" facilitates advancement and encourages long-term engagement with musical learning.
Evaluate the importance of the TQ Teacher Training and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programmes. How do these initiatives ensure the quality of instruction and support the ongoing professional growth of TQ educators?

Glossary of Key Terms

Achieve Zone: One of the seven TQ-Zones, where personal success is demonstrated.
Advanced Programme: The highest level of the TQ progressive structure, following the Intermediate Programme.
Build Zone: One of the seven TQ-Zones, focused on constructing a musical foundation.
Continuous Professional Development (CPD): Recommended activities for TQ teachers, such as research, product development, and professional writing, aimed at enhancing skills.
Create Zone: One of the seven TQ-Zones, where a student discovers their own musical voice.
Credit Transfer: The concept allowing students to leverage accumulated TQ achievements to progress through the tiered system, similar to exchanging currency or crediting modules.
Develop Zone: One of the seven TQ-Zones, focused on refining musical skills and developing expressive skills.
Elementary Programme: The initial sector of the TQ-Qualification Programme, comprising four levels.
Explore Zone: One of the seven TQ-Zones, which investigates themes, genres, and diversity in music.
Find Zone: One of the seven TQ-Zones, where a student learns to decode the language of music.
Focus: A specific skill being completed within a TQ-Zone. There are 12 Skill Foci per TQ-Zone.
Grow Zone: One of the seven TQ-Zones, where musical growth is nurtured and new skills are discovered.
Intermediate Programme: The programme level following the Elementary sector, leading into professional training.
Performance Portfolio: One of the three sections of a student's portfolio, highlighting accomplishments in performance-based activities.
Personal Portfolio: One of the three sections of a student's portfolio, proving creative development and ability through original work like compositions or essays.
Portfolio Review: A process highlighting a student's growth over time through collected evidence, including videos, journals, creative projects, and self-assessment reports.
Practice Portfolio: One of the three sections of a student's portfolio, focusing on documentation of practice, journal logs, and challenges met.
Skill-Based Assessments: A method of TQ assessment that focuses on observation, documentation, and reflection rather than traditional examinations.
TQ-Assessment: The method of evaluating student learning in the TQ programme, based on observation, portfolio review, self-assessment, and peer feedback.
TQ-Awards: Qualifications earned by accumulating a specific number of TQ-Credits, preceding TQ-Medals. Also refers to Zone Awards.
TQ-Badges: Individual awards earned for specific challenges and achievements, which contribute towards TQ-Credits.
TQ-Certificates: Qualifications recognising student achievement at each level, earned by accumulating a specific number of TQ Zone Awards.
TQ-Challenges: Specific tasks or sets of badges that can contribute towards earning TQ-Credits.
TQ-Credits: The first stage of the TQ-Qualification Programme, earned for completing foci within zones or work outside zones (e.g., challenges, performances).
TQ-Diploma: The highest qualification, awarded upon completion of all four levels, signifying Sector Achievement.
TQ-Level Diplomas: The ultimate recognition in the TQ system, signifying completion of a full level programme.
TQ-Medals: Qualifications earned after accumulating the correct number of TQ-Awards, preceding TQ-Certificates.
TQ-Qualification Programme (TQ): A structured learning programme using seven distinct zones and a tiered system of recognition to teach and assess musical skills.
TQ-Teacher Training: Certification required for instructors to teach the Elementary TQ programme, awarded per level and requiring all four levels for a TQ Diploma in teaching.
TQ-Zone Awards: Recognition of student achievement upon completion of specific learning zones, requiring a set number of completed foci.
TQ-Zones: The seven distinct learning environments utilised by the TQ-Qualification Programme: Find, Create, Grow, Develop, Achieve, Explore, and Build.