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.

To succeed in the final exam, it is vital that students practice their chosen instruments as much as possible to develop their musical performing skills. If this is not possible at home, learners are encouraged to make use of practice rooms during study periods, lunchtimes and after school. To ensure that a room will be available, pupils should arrange this with their class teacher in the first instance or, if this is not possible, with another member of the Music department.

It is beneficial to consolidate learning by attending musical events of different styles to hear and see how instruments and voices are used.

Assessment evidence is generated from different sources. Regular homework assignments will be posted on Google Classroom to reinforce and solidify what has been taught in class.  It is crucial for students to be exposed to various styles of Music in order to comprehend the covered concepts completely.  As well as formal homework assignments, learners are expected to routinely develop and consolidate their knowledge, understanding and recognition of music styles and 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.

Performing Exam - 50% of final grade
Pupils will sit a performance exam on both of their chosen instruments before the SQA diet (usually in late February/March for Nat 5/H or April/May for AH).  An external SQA examiner will visit the school and listen to each pupil's performance programme in its entirety. 

Understanding Music - 35% of final grade
Pupils will undertake a written exam 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 music concepts. 

Assignment - 15% of final grade
Reintroduced in the academic year 2023-2024 is composition.  Pupils will be required to create an original piece of music using their chosen instrument(s). The necessary preparation work for this will be done in class, but students are encouraged to devote study/homework time to this project to help aid in its progress. This assignment is submitted to the SQA and will be collected before the Easter holidays at the absolute latest. In addition to this,  Advanced Higher Candidates must choose a piece of music by a composer and analyse the key features with reference to compositional methods and music concepts.

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

Encourage your child to discuss and perform their performance programme. Regular practice is absolutely key to their success.

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