2016 Britain in Bloom Self-Assessment South West in Bloom Spring Seminar South West

What is Self Assessment? This is your chance to ‘Be a Judge for the Day’! You will learn: How to assess your own entry; and Be able to highlight your strengths and weaknesses by seeing your entry through the judges eye

Before we start look at your existing route and judge it against the judges guidelines. Some house rules to make this work for you: You will need: Your judging route Judges guidelines An honest and impartial view

(A) Horticultural Achievement Total mark out of 100 Five criteria - each worth 20 marks A1 Impact A2 Horticultural Practice A3 Residential and Community Gardening A4 Business Areas and Premises A5 Green Spaces

(B) Environmental Responsibility Total mark out of 50 Five criteria - each worth 10 marks B1 Conservation and biodiversity B2 Resource management B3 Local heritage B4 Local environmental quality B5 Pride of place

(C) Community Participation Total mark out of 50 Five criteria - each worth 10 marks C1 Development and Continuity C2 Communication and education C3 Community participation C4 Year round involvement C5 Funding and support

Marking – Example Horticultural Achievement A1 mark only A1 Impact is worth 20 marks. Please note that each section is judged across the entry 20 Top of outstanding (perfect) 19 Almost perfect (high) 18 Outstanding (mid) 17 Outstanding (in most aspects - low) 16 Very good (top) 15 Very good (mid to low) 14 Good (high) 13 Good (mid) 12 Good/better than average (low) 11 Top of average (very unusual in the national finals) 10 Mid-low average (would only be used if the entry has not adequately shown the judges elements of each criteria) Points Section result 17-20 Gold 15-16 Silver Gilt 12-14 Silver 10-11 Bronze 1-9 No award

Marking – Example Environmental Responsibility B1 mark only B1 Conservation and biodiversity is worth 10 marks. Please note that each section is judged across the entry 10 Top of outstanding (perfect) 9 Almost perfect (high) 8 Very good 7 Good (high) 6 Good (mid) 5 Average (would only be used if the entry has not adequately shown the judges elements of each criteria) Points Section result 9-10 Gold 8 Silver Gilt 6-7 Silver 5 Bronze 1-4 No Award

Self-assessment Activity Scoring Horticultural Excellent is worth 100 points (50% total score) Environmental Responsibility is worth 50 points (25% total score) Community Participation is worth 50 points (25% total score) At the end of this exercise you should have a score out of 200 To obtain your percentage, half your total score If you want to percentage sections B and C, double the score for that section

Summary Self assessment is a tool to improve your entry If you score high please don’t be complacent, and if you score low don’t worry Look at your scores and concentrate on your lowest scoring areas Can you alter your route to include another element of the criteria to improve your score, or exclude repeated criteria? Remember judging is a snapshot in time. To make the most of self assessment, it is advised to repeat this exercise several times before judging day. Reach a score consensus within your group, remember there are always at least two judges assessing your entry

Any questions We want to see all entries achieve their best results We want you to benefit and be recognised for all of your hard work Most of all we want you to enjoy being part of the bloom family GOOD LUCK Any queries please email communities@rhs.org.uk