This is your master plan. It’s about knowing exactly what work you need to produce and when it is due. Staying on top of this is the first step to reducing stress.

Best Practice

• Use a Planner: Whether digital (Google Calendar, phone reminders) or physical (a wall planner, diary), write every deadline down as soon as you get your module handbook.

• Work Backwards: Break down big assignments. If a 2000-word report is due in 4 weeks, set mini-deadlines for yourself: research done by Week 1, first draft by Week 2, etc.

• Prioritise: Which assignment is due first? Which is worth the most marks? Let this guide your focus.

  
  

Submission Reminders

⚠️ Be deadline-aware: If the deadline is 17:00, the submission portal will lock very soon after. It may display 17:10, but this is only a 10-minute buffer for technical issues. Do not rely on this extra time.

🎯 Set personal early deadlines: Aim to finish your work 2–3 days before the official deadline. This gives you time to proofread and avoid last-minute stress.

📤 Check the portal: Always double-check the VLE (Canvas) at least a week before submission in case there are updates from your tutor.

Read the next section for an example of planner and free downloadable template!

Ever felt overwhelmed trying to remember what's due and when? You're not alone. The first step to staying on top of your workload is to get a clear, visual overview of your entire semester or year.

By taking the time to find out what your courses are and map out their assessments—what type they are, how they need to be submitted, their deadlines, and how much they're worth—you give yourself the ultimate tool to avoid surprises and plan your time effectively. This isn't just about remembering dates; it's about understanding the shape of your academic year so you can work smarter, not harder.

In the above example, a student has navigated Canvas and filled out their own submission planner with their modules and deadlines. You could make your own version on Canvas!

🔑 Why Understanding This Table is Your Superpower

Look at the example table. Each column gives you a crucial piece of information:

• Module Title: Know exactly which course each assignment is for.

  
  

• Assessment Type: Understand the format (e.g., exam, report, performance). This tells you what skills you'll need to demonstrate. [Want to learn more about different types? Check out Padlet 4D: Understanding Assignment Types].

  
  

• Submission Format: Clarifies how to submit (e.g., in person, online upload, live event), preventing last-minute panic.

  
  

• Deadline: The non-negotiable finish line. Seeing them all together helps you spot busy weeks and plan ahead.

  
  

• Weighting: Shows how much each assignment contributes to your final grade. This helps you prioritise your focus and effort wisely!

  
  

• Notes: Provides handy, course-specific details straight from the brief.

Your Next Steps: Get Organised!

1. 👉 Get Your Free Template in the next post.
   Download our free Word template and create your own personalised assignment planner. Feel free to decorate and customise it to match your own style!

   
   

2. 👉 Build Your Plan!
   Now that you know what you need to do, it's time to plan when you'll do it.
   Head over to our section called: 'How to Manage Your Time and Stay Organised' for expert strategies on breaking down tasks, creating a realistic schedule, and beating procrastination!

   
   

By understanding your assignments and then planning for them, you’re setting yourself up for a successful and much less stressful semester. You've got this!

👉 DOWNLOAD YOUR TEMPLATE HERE!

Click the link above to download your FREE and editable Word template to create your own personalised assignment planner.

Feel free to decorate and customise it to match your own style!

👉 Build Your Plan!
Now that you know what you need to do, it's time to plan when you'll do it.

➡️ NEXT: Go to Section 2: Understanding Learning Outcomes
Learn how to identify exactly what your markers are looking for and how to hit those marking criteria.

➡️ THEN: Visit Section 3: Understanding Your Assignment Brief
Master the art of dissecting your assignment instructions so you never miss a requirement.

You've got this!

By understanding your assignments and then planning for them, you’re setting yourself up for a successful and much less stressful semester.

Hey folks! 👋

Feeling a bit confused about what your tutors are really looking for in your assignments? You're not alone! The secret key is understanding Learning Outcomes (LOs). Let's break it down together! 🔑

❓ What Are Learning Outcomes (LOs)?

Think of Learning Outcomes as your assignment's goal. They are the specific skills, knowledge, and abilities that you need to demonstrate to pass and do well in a module.

Your tutors mark your work directly against these LOs. So, knowing them is like having the answer sheet before the test! ✅

📘 Let’s Look at an Example: Your Essay Module

The table attached in this padlet is the assessment brief for Essential Study Skills & Academic Writing (HMBM3003) simplified. We'll focus on the LOs and what they mean for you.

CS1 EVALUATE 🧠: Show you can structure your work and think critically. It means to use the essay format correctly. Don't just describe your artist/business—evaluate their challenges, opportunities, and ethical choices.

KS1 PROFESSIONALISM ✔️: Follow the rules and show ethical understanding. This means using Harvard referencing, as your tutor will explain in class. Harvard is the standard academic style required at LCCM. You should also make sure your work is presented neatly — for example, in 12-point font and double-spaced. Your tutor will clearly set out all of these requirements for you.

In addition, you’ll be encouraged to discuss real-world issues, such as ethics in the music industry, to help you connect your academic work with professional practice.

KS2 PLAN ⏰: Manage your time and meet deadlines. Plan your research and writing time wisely. Start early so you don’t rush. Submit your work on time!

📊 How Will You Be Marked?

Understanding the Grading Rubric

Your mark isn't just a random number! Tutors use a grading rubric (a fancy scoring guide) based on the LOs.

Here’s a tiny peek at what they look for:

For CS1 EVALUATE:

• >70% (First Class!) 🥇: You show excellent critical thinking, analysing your case study from multiple angles.

• 40-49% (Pass) ✅: You show competent analysis, but it might be more descriptive than critical.

• <30% (Fail) ❌: There is little to no evidence of critical evaluation.

  
  

The rubric does this for every single Learning Outcome. So, to get a high mark, you need to hit all the LOs well!

💡 Your Simple Action Plan for Success

1. FIND THE LOs: Before you start any assignment, find the Learning Outcomes in your brief. (They're always in there!).

   
   

2. USE THEM AS A CHECKLIST: When you plan and write your essay, tick them off one by one.

   • “Have I evaluated (CS1) or just described?”

   • “Is my referencing correct and professional (KS1)?”

   • “Did I plan (KS2) well enough to submit my best work?”

     
     

3. SELF-ASSESS: Before you hit submit, read your work and grade yourself against the LOs. This is the best way to improve!

   
   

🤔 Why This is a Big Deal (Especially at University!)

• Fairness: Everyone is marked against the same clear goals. It’s not about your tutor’s personal opinion!

• Clarity: You know exactly what to focus on, so you don’t waste time.

• Skills for Your Career: These LOs (like critical thinking, professionalism, and time management) are exactly what employers want! 🎓💼

  
  

✅ Remember:

Learning Outcomes = Your Assignment Goals.

Assessment Criteria = How You Score Points.

Master these, and you'll be writing winning essays in no time! 🚀

You've got this! If you're unsure, always ask your tutor to explain the LOs for your module.

Alright, future scholars! 👋 You now know why Learning Outcomes are important. Now, let's see how they are hidden in your assignment instructions.

We'll stick with the same example: your 1500-word Essay for the Essential Study Skills module. Let's translate the brief from "Academic" to "Student"! 🤓➡️🎓

📋 The Brief: Broken Down & Decoded

Here’s what your assignment brief asks for, and what it actually means for you.

1. The Main Task

• The Brief Says: "A written essay, which presents a case study on a music business or music artist."

  
  

• What It Means: This isn't just a story. You need to pick a real-world example (e.g., a record label, a streaming service, or an artist like Adele or an indie band) and investigate them like a detective. You're writing a mini-report.

  
  

2. The Non-Negotiables (Formatting)

• The Brief Says: "1500 words... Word processed... standard 12pt font... double spacing... justified text alignment... Harvard referencing."

  
  

• What It Means: Follow these rules exactly! 🚦

  This is your KS1 PROFESSIONALISM mark. Ignoring these is like showing up to a job interview in pyjamas. It shows a lack of care, and you'll lose marks before the tutor even reads your first sentence.

  
  

3. The Structure (Your Essay's Roadmap) 🗺️

The brief gives you a clear structure. Use it! This is your secret weapon for CS1 EVALUATE (structure) and KS2 PLAN (organising your time to write each part).

Please see the table attached in this post.

The provided structure isn't just a suggestion—it's your essential framework for success. Follow it meticulously to demonstrate your skills and ensure you meet the marking criteria.

Key Takeaways:

• Stick to the Word Counts: This is crucial for managing your argument effectively and demonstrating your ability to follow briefs (KS2 PLAN).

  
  

• Introduction (300 words): Your opening must be concise. Clearly state your case study subject, your rationale for choosing it, and what you aim to explore. This sets a professional tone and shows focus.

  
  

• Main Body (900 words): This is where you earn the marks for CS1 EVALUATE. Move beyond simple description.

  • Use the Background to establish facts.

  • Use the Ethics and Evaluation sections to showcase your critical thinking. Analyse why things happened and what the implications are. Ask critical questions and propose reasoned arguments.

    
    

• Conclusion (300 words): Do not introduce new ideas here. Instead, synthesise your key findings to show a deep understanding of the topic. Provide clear, justified recommendations based on your analysis.

  
  

• Reference List: This is non-negotiable. Proper Harvard referencing is a fundamental pillar of KS1 PROFESSIONALISM. It validates your research and avoids academic misconduct.

  
  

In essence: This structure is designed to guide you in producing a coherent, analytical, and professionally-presented essay that hits all the learning outcomes. Use it to plan your time and structure your argument.

4. The Hidden Clues (How to Show Off Your Skills)

• The Brief Says: "Discuss ethical values."

• What It Means: This is a direct link to KS1 PROFESSIONALISM. Show you understand right vs. wrong in the music industry. 🤔

• The Brief Says: "Evaluate alternative scenarios."

• What It Means: This is a direct link to CS1 EVALUATE. Show your critical thinking skills! Ask: "What if they tried this?" or "What would happen if that trend changed?"

  
  

🧠 Your Brief-Understanding Checklist

Before you start writing, ask yourself:
✅ Have I identified the core task? (e.g., a case study, not just a description)
✅ Do I understand all the formatting rules? (Word count, font, referencing)
✅ Am I using the recommended structure as my plan?
✅ Can I see where the Learning Outcomes are hiding in the instructions?

✨ Pro Tip: Beat Procrastination!

The brief says: "Embark on appropriate research and writeup within given timescale." (That's KS2 PLAN!).

So do plan ahead!

How to do it:

• Week 1: Choose your artist/business and do initial research.

• Week 2: Write your introduction and case study background.

• Week 3: Write your evaluation and ethics sections.

• Week 4: Write your conclusion, add references, and PROOFREAD!

Breaking it down makes it feel much more manageable and guarantees you won't be pulling an all-nighter! ⏰

✅ Remember:

The brief isn't there to trick you. It's your instruction manual for success. 🗺️

Follow it step-by-step, and you'll naturally hit all the Learning Outcomes your markers are looking for.

Now go forth and conquer that essay! You know exactly what to do. 💪

Feeling overwhelmed by different assignment types? Don't worry! This guide breaks down the most common assessments you'll encounter at LCCM, giving you practical tips and realistic timeframes to plan effectively.

🎯 1. The Major Assignment Types

📝 Written Assignments (Coursework)

• What: Essays, reports, projects you write outside of class

• Examples:

  • 1500-word case study (Essential Study Skills)

  • Business plan (Business Project)

  • Press article (Digital Trends)

  • Reflective essay (Work Based Learning)

  • Continuous Assessment (Written summaries and synthesis 6 x 300 words on a range of music industry news articles set by the module tutor)

• Skills tested: Writing, research, critical thinking, analysis, plan

  
  

🧪 Practical Exams (PractExam)

• What: Showing your skills in real-time

• Examples:

  • Music performance (solo or with peers, vocal/ primary instrument)

    Note: Piano is compulsory!

  • Logic production track (3-minute long)

  • Software demonstration

• Skills tested: Technical ability, creativity under pressure

  
  

🗣️ Presentations & Oral Assessments

• What: Speaking about your work to others

• Examples:

  • 15-minute business pitch (Artist Management)

  • 10-minute artist development presentation

  • Performance appraisal discussion

• Skills tested: Communication, confidence, clarity

  
  

📂 Portfolios & Projects

• What: Collections of your best work

• Examples:

  • Professional portfolio (Artist Branding)

  • Production portfolio (multiple tracks)

  • Business project proposal, plan, deliverables, report

• Skills tested: Curating, presenting, reflecting

  
  

📋 Written Exams

• What: Timed tests under exam conditions

• Examples:

  • Music theory

  • Ear Training

  • Arranging

  • Sight-reading

• Skills tested: Knowledge recall, working under pressure

  
  

🔄 Combination Assessments

• What: Multiple parts submitted together

• Examples:

  • Production track + written reflection

  • Business plan + pitch presentation

  • Performance recording + process analysis

  • Website building + marketing plan

• Skills tested: Multiple skills across practical and theoretical

  
  

2. ⏰ Realistic Time Planning Guide

The timings below are suggestions based on typical student experiences – your own pace may be faster or slower! Use them as a starting point to create your own realistic schedule and avoid last-minute stress.

⏱️ How to use this guide: For each assignment, work backwards from the deadline. Block out these hours in your weekly schedule. Remember to include time for breaks, feedback, and unexpected delays!

⚠️ Most Important Rule:

ALWAYS CHECK YOUR BRIEF FIRST!

Your module tutor will provide a detailed brief specifying exactly what is required for your assessment (e.g., length, format, specific criteria). This brief is your ultimate guide. If anything is unclear, your first step is always to contact your course tutor for clarification.

For Written Work:

📝 1500-word essay/reflection

• Research & planning: ~5-6 hours

• First draft: ~4-5 hours

• Editing, referencing & formatting: ~3-4 hours

• Total suggested time: ≈ 12-15 hours

  
  

📋 Business Plan/Report (e.g., 3000+ words)

• Market research & data analysis: ~8-10 hours

• Financial planning & structuring: ~6-8 hours

• Writing, editing & formatting: ~6-7 hours

• Total suggested time: ≈ 20-25 hours

  
  

For Presentations:

🗣️ 10-minute presentation

• Content research & scriptwriting: ~3-4 hours

• Slide design & creation: ~2-3 hours

• Practising aloud & timing: ~3-4 hours

• Total suggested time: ≈ 8-10 hours

  
  

🎤 15-minute presentation (with slides)

• Script (approx. 1500 words): ~4-5 hours

• Creating 12-15 slides: ~4-5 hours

• Rehearsal & refining delivery: ~4-5 hours

• Total suggested time: ≈ 12-15 hours

  
  

🎤 20-minute presentation (with slides)

• Script (approx. 2000 words): ~5-7 hours

• Creating 15-18 slides: ~5-6 hours

• Rehearsal & refining delivery: ~5-7 hours

• Total suggested time: ≈ 15-20 hours

  
  

For Practical & Creative Work:

• 🎤 Vocal/Instrumental Performance

  • Solo (10-15 mins): ~10-15 hours rehearsal/prep

  • Solo (15-20 mins): ~15-25 hours rehearsal/prep

  • Ensemble (e.g., band): ~20-30+ hours (group rehearsal + individual practice)

  • Recital (3rd Year, 30-45 mins): ~50-80+ hours (programme learning, refining, staging)

  • Master's Level Recital: ~100+ hours (in-depth research and preparation of a full programme)

    
    

  🎧 Music Production

  • Short Track (3-4 mins): ~15-20 hours (composition, production, mix/master)

  • Set of Tracks/EP (e.g., 3-4 tracks): ~60-80+ hours (consistent creative vision across multiple pieces)

  • Album Project (Final Year): ~150+ hours (extended project managing a full body of work)

  
  

For Combination Assessments (Practical + Written):

🔄 Production track + written reflection

• Practical work (as above): ~15-20 hours

• Written reflection (500-1000 words): ~5-6 hours

• Total suggested time: ≈ 20-25 hours

  
  

📊 Business plan + pitch presentation

• Written plan (as above): ~20-25 hours

• Presentation prep (as above): ~12-15 hours

• Total suggested time: ≈ 30-40 hours

  
  

Remember: These are guidelines, not rules. The key is to start early and be honest with yourself about how long tasks take you. Break big projects into small, manageable steps and tick them off one by one!

⚠️ Your brief is the final word. If the information there differs from this guide, follow your brief. If you are unsure about anything in your assessment instructions, your Course Tutor is there to help!

3. 🤝 We're Here to Help!

🎯 Book a 1-2-1 tutorial with your tutor!

We can help you:

• Understand exactly what's required

• Plan your time effectively

• Get feedback on your work

• Feel confident and prepared

Use this Padlet as your quick-guide checklist for every type of assignment. Tick each one off as you go!

📝 For Written Work (Essays, Reports, Plans)

• ✅ Start research early – Don’t leave it until the last minute!

• ✅ Use the brief structure – Follow the headings you’re given; it’s your mark-winning roadmap.

• ✅ Reference as you go – Save yourself a huge headache by adding citations while you write.

• ✅ Leave time for editing – A fresh look always finds mistakes. Never submit your first draft.

  
  

🎸 For Practical Exams (Performance, Production)

• ✅ Practice regularly – Little and often is better than one big cram session.

• ✅ Test your equipment – Check your instruments, software, cables, and saves before the deadline.

• ✅ Prepare backups – Save your work in multiple places (cloud, USB, computer).

• ✅ Manage your time – Break your practice into sections and set goals for each session.

  
  

🗣️ For Presentations (Live or Recorded)

• ✅ Practice aloud – Get comfortable hearing your own voice and flow.

• ✅ Time yourself – Make sure you’re within the limit and not rushing.

• ✅ Keep slides simple – Use keywords and images. Your slides are your support, not your script.

• ✅ Prepare for questions – Think about what your audience might ask and have answers ready.

  
  

📂 For Portfolios

• ✅ Collect work throughout term – Don’t try to find everything the night before.

• ✅ Choose your best pieces – Quality over quantity. Select work that shows your growth and skills.

• ✅ Write clear descriptions – For each piece, explain what it is and what it shows you can do.

• ✅ Present professionally – Use a clean, consistent layout. Make it easy and enjoyable to look through.

  
  

🔄 For Combination Assessments (e.g., Performance + Reflection)

• ✅ Plan time for both parts – Don’t spend all your time on the practical and rush the written.

• ✅ Show how they connect – In your reflection, explicitly link your written analysis to your practical work.

• ✅ Balance your effort – Check the marking criteria to see how much each part is worth.

• ✅ Check all requirements – Make sure you have submitted every single component asked for.

  
  

Remember: You've got this! Book a tutorial with your tutor if you want to talk through any of these tips for your specific assignment.

🔗 Or click here: SST Booking Page