Expectations
& Support

Classroom expectations for Senior Phase Music pupils include full attendance to ensure the required hours are met for SQA coursework. If a pupil is absent, they are expected to catch up on any work they have missed by liaising with their class teacher on their return, or via Google Classroom. 

Senior Phase pupils should ensure that all assignments and homework tasks are completed on time and that deadlines are met. It is important that Senior Phase pupils regularly communicate with their class teacher and seek advice or help when needed.  

All learners are expected to regularly use the materials, assignments and records of work in Google Classroom to support their classroom learning. 

If a learner misses a timetabled class, or falls behind with classwork, it is their responsibility to check the Record of Work and do what they can to catch up in their own time, using the Google Classroom private messaging facility to contact their teacher for additional support or clarification if required.

Learners are encouraged to arrange with staff to book their assigned MacBook during study periods or lunchtimes, to enable them to work on their GarageBand projects out-with class time, as, for most, this work is not possible to do at home.

It is beneficial to consolidate learning by attending cultural events to see how aspects of coursework are applied in real life, for example: 

• analysing the stage setup of microphones

• working out the types of microphones used, and their polar patterns

• viewing the mixing desks at events at the Music Hall or HMT in Aberdeen

Assessment evidence is generated from different sources. As well as formal homework assignments that are set on Google Classroom, learners are expected to routinely develop and consolidate their knowledge, understanding and recognition of music and music technology concepts, especially if they have entered their course without having achieved a full course award at previous SQA levels.  The material under the Revision Resources tab can be used for this.

It is important that pupils stay up to date with all work to ensure they are prepared for their examinations.

Assignment - 70% of final grade
Two folio projects that are submitted to the SQA before the Easter holidays constitute the majority of the Course Award. The evidence that is required for each is an audio master of work completed using GarageBand and a supporting written log containing details of the planning, implementation and evaluation of the creative process.

Understanding 20th & 21st century music - 30% of final grade
Candidates are required to pass a formally assessed question paper during the SQA exam diet. This tests breadth of knowledge from across the course, depth of understanding, and listening skills, with questions involving a sample of technological terms, styles and genres, and music concepts. It is important that pupils stay up to date with all work to ensure they are prepared for their examinations.

The following resources will help familiarise learners with the layout, content and question types that will appear in the SQA question papers:

Parents and carers can use Google Guardian summaries to oversee, encourage and discuss progress and achievement. If you are a parent or carer who has not yet signed up for this, or whose invite has expired, please contact techsupportellonacademy@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

The following website has some clearly laid out information about other ways parents and carers can offer support at home:
Parentkind - Bringing together home and school