S2 Music:
Reporting Window 1

The topics we have covered in this reporting window are:

Performing

• Classroom Arrangement – June

• Performing Assessment - Film Music (Instruments of the Orchestra) – Term One

Following on from practical work covered in S1 learners have been able to personalise their approach to performing through choosing two instruments or instrument and voice. Learners have had the opportunity to perform music individually and as part of a group demonstrating accuracy within each performance. This will culminate in a performing assessment later in term two. Learners have also been introduced to ways in which to read music for their chosen instrument(s) in order to contribute to a group or individual performance. Through performance directions, include dynamic markings, learners have been able to explore mood and character within a piece of music.

Composing

• Impressionism Composition - Term One

Learners have studied the sound and features of Impressionism music taking inspiration from the work and compositional techniques of Erik Satie to create their own original piece. Where possible, learners are encouraged to use appropriate music notation to capture ideas.

Understanding Music

• Film Music (Instruments of the Orchestra) – Term One

• Listening Assessment - Term One

Learners have had the opportunity to recognise a range of music styles, identifying instruments and instrumental techniques whilst understanding concepts associated with the musical elements. This will culminate in a listening assessment later in term two. Throughout these activities’ learners are encouraged to use appropriate music vocabulary and to use this vocabulary to regularly reflect upon their strengths and areas for improvement. 

Course Overview

The majority of work covered in Music is initially based around CfE Level 3 outcomes, however this progresses to Level 4 for many of our learners in the later part of the session. 

Working Level and Working Grade descriptions for S2 Music:

Third A: Making excellent progress at CfE Level 3, performing well against all the outcomes covered and is coping very well with the increased challenge of Level 4 when presented, particulary within the performing element of the course. Can demonstrate the key skills specific to their chosen two instruments or one instrument and voice including performing with accuracy to a standard equivalent to Grade 1 or above. Learners can create an original composition which demonstrates a clear understanding of melodic concepts in a coherent and musical way. Learners will be consistently demonstrating that they understand and can recall content linked to instruments and instrumental techniques.

Third B: Making good progress at CfE Level 3, performing well against all the outcomes covered and will shortly be ready for the increased challenge of Level 4 particulary within the performing element of the course. Can demonstrate the key skills specific to their chosen instrument(s) and/or voice including performing with accuracy to a standard equivalent to Grade 1. Learners can create an original composition which demonstrates an understanding of melodic concepts with advice being given to aid progression of the piece. Learners will be demonstrating that they understand and can recall much of the content linked to instruments and instrumental techniques.

Third C: Making reasonable progress at CfE Level 3, performing well against some of the outcomes whilst finding others more challenging, including aspects of Level 4. Is sometimes able to demonstrate the key skills specific to their chosen two instruments or one instrument and voice including performing with some degree of accuracy to a standard equivalent to Grade 1. Learner would continue to benefit from further consolidation of this grade before increasing the challenge to Grade 2 material. Learners can create an original composition but at times throughout the process have required support to generate further ideas including advice on concept development within the piece. Learners will be demonstrating that they understand and can recall some of the content linked to instruments and instrumental techniques.

Third D: Making some progress at CfE Level 3, performing well against few of the outcomes covered while finding the majority challenging including aspects of Level 4. Is limited to the amount of progression in performing at Grade 1 level. At this level learners have found it challenging to create an original composition. Learners have required support to generate ideas and have required further reinforcement of concepts to create a piece of music. Learners may be demonstrating that they understand and can recall some of the content linked to instruments and instrumental techniques.

Second A to D: While continuing to experience CfE Level 3 outcomes the majority of the work can be very challenging, and most tasks require further explanation and to be broken down into smaller, simplified versions in order to make progress and build confidence.

At this stage in the Music curriculum, pupils on a pathway towards achieving SCQF Level 5 in S4 will be working at Third B or above. 

Further information, including an overview for all subject areas can be found here.