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?

CLAS now has in place a ladder of progress and achievement 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. In addition, entry can be made at any level - whatever is appropriate for the individual. Some CLAS members will be quite satisfied with the occasional Saturday or weekend Masterclass, supplementing this perhaps with courses at the annual Festival of Calligraphy; others may look for recognition of the progress they have made and the standard they have achieved.

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 shape of the letter o and related forms (arches starting in the right places), use of colour in layout and design and to 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.