CLAS Ladder of Progress

Where did you first learn calligraphy? For many of us it was at Adult Education Centres in day or evening classes where, if we were lucky and had a good tutor, our enthusiasm was nurtured and perhaps even inspired. Good progress can be made with a good tutor, but how do you get beyond that, or find out about different approaches to the craft, or about skills and techniques your tutor may not have?

The Calligraphy and Lettering Arts Society now has in place the CLAS Ladder of Progress which helps everyone to improve - from beginners to Fellows. The advantage of the CLAS system is that it satisfies those who want the occasional workshop to boost and pursue their skills as well as those who are looking for accreditation. Entry on the Calligraphy and Lettering Arts Society Ladder of Progress can be made at any level - whatever is appropriate for you. Some CLAS members will be quite satisfied with a Saturday or weekend Masterclass, supplementing this perhaps with courses at the annual Calligraphy and Lettering Arts Society Festival of Calligraphy; others may look for recognition of the progress they have already made and the standard they have achieved.

	CLAS Fellows
			Festival of Calligraphy | Masterclasses Certificate of Competence | F2F
	National Diploma in Calligraphy Advanced
Festival of Calligraphy | Masterclasses Certificate of Competence | I2A
	National Diploma in Calligraphy Intermediate			Accredited Tutors
Festival of Calligraphy | Masterclasses Certificate of Competence | F2I
	National Diploma in Calligraphy Foundation
			Festival of Calligraphy | Masterclasses Certificate of Competence | W2F
	Certificate of Calligraphy
Festival of Calligraphy | Masterclasses Certificate of Competence | W2F
	Beginners Self-taught, Adult Education Centres, Art & Craft Centres, Private Classes, Local Calligraphy Groups etc.

Criterion referenced assessment is the basis for all the levels of achievement in CLAS. This means that specific criteria are chosen and marks allotted to the various categories, details of which participants know in advance. In calligraphy, matters such as construction of the letters, which includes pen angle and x-height, spacing, consistency of family characteristics - such as the shape of the letter o and related forms (such as arches starting in the right places) - use of colour in layout and design to help interpret the words and so on; are all crucial. Marks awarded from an allocated maximum show clearly where there are strengths and weaknesses. All CLAS assessments have feedback to candidates built in to the procedure. This process, though time consuming for the assessors, is essential if there is to be progress and improvement.