Thanks so much for replying, and I'm sorry to rush you, but could you provide a shorter version of the answer you'll type up? I have my offer due in the next few days, so I need to make a quick decision. Sorry again for rushing you, hope you understand.
Ok, so classes are split into four themes: Medical science (DKHI), law and ethics (DLEPP), public health (DHC) and clinical/communication skills (DP).
Much like any other medical schools, we have a combination of lectures, PBL, anatomy/pathology practicals and communication workshops (basically simulated scenarios with simulated patients). Griffith’s anatomy facilities are outstanding and we have a 3 hour anatomy prac almost every week of the year.
To pass the year, you need to pass all 4 themes. In first and second year, the assessment pieces are: anatomy prac exam in April, mid year theory exams (one short answer paper and one multi choice paper: combined DKHI, DHC and DLEPP in each paper) and final year exams (two short answer, two multi choice and one anatomy/pathology prac exam - again; the theory exams combine the three themes).
You just need to pass each theme overall, so hypothetically you could fail the end of year exam for a theme or two but have enough marks from the mid year exams to make up for it, and vice versa.
If you have failed one or more of those themes after all exams are complete, you’ll be offered a supplementary exam which supersedes all other exam results (i.e. you only need to pass the supp to pass the year).
You’ll only have to repeat the year if you fail the supp, or fail DP.
For DP, there are “competency based assessments” throughout the year which are pass/fail: for clinical skills, system examination skills and communication skills. If you fail an assessment, you get three repeated attempts for each assessment until you pass.
From 2nd year you also start doing OSCEs at the end of the year, which I believe you must pass to move on to the next year.
The school definitely wants everyone to pass and offers plenty of extra assistance to students who are struggling.
Out of the current 2nd year cohort of just under 200 students, there are 3 in our year that are repeating, so very few students actually end up failing and the school emphasises that it’s usually very exceptional circumstances that would lead to this point.
Hopefully that gives you some info you need. Happy to answer more specific questions if you have them.