S2 Music:
Reporting Window 2

The topics we have covered in this reporting window are:

Performing

• Performing Assessment (Graded Pieces) – Term Two

As with previous terms, learners continue to have the opportunity to perform music individually demonstrating accuracy within each performance on their two chosen instruments. Learners continue to develop understanding of notation specific to their instruments and through performance directions, include dynamic markings, learners continue to explore mood and character within a piece of music.

From Term Three onwards the content of lessons delivered in Music begins to focus on CfE Level 4 outcomes. At this early stage it is appropriate for learners to be continuing to work within Level 3 whilst allowing others to experience the challenge of Level 4. Level 4 learners may be working at Fourth C or above. Learners working below this level continue to be offered classroom support with CfE Level 3 content to ensure progression in learning. 

 Working Level and Working Grade descriptions for S3 Music:

Fourth+: Making outstanding progress within CfE Level 4, performing exceptionally well against all the outcomes covered. Can demonstrate the key skills specific to their chosen instrument(s) and/or voice including performing with accuracy and assurance to a standard often above the required Grade 2 standard. Learners can independently create an original composition which demonstrates a clear understanding of melodic/harmonic concepts in a coherent and musical way. Learners will be consistently demonstrating that they understand and can recall content linked to concepts and musical elements covered and are able to apply that knowledge to performing, composition, listening and literacy work (averaging 70% or more). Regardless of the grading of A to D, pupils working at Fourth+ are working at an advanced level and beyond those that are graded as Fourth Level below.
Music is strongly recommended as an S3 subject.

Fourth A: Making excellent progress within CfE Level 4, performing well against all the outcomes covered and is coping very well particularly 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 and assurance to a standard equivalent to Grade 1 (or above). Learners can create an original composition which demonstrates a clear understanding of melodic/harmonic concepts in a coherent and musical way. Learners will be consistently demonstrating that they understand and can recall content linked to concepts and musical elements covered and are able to apply that knowledge to performing, composition, listening and literacy work (averaging 70% or more).
Music is strongly recommended as an S3 subject.

Fourth B: Making good progress at CfE Level 4, performing well against all of the outcomes covered particularly 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 1/2. Learners can create an original composition which demonstrates understanding of elements such as melody and harmony. At times advice has been given to aid progression of the piece. Learners will be demonstrating that they understand and can recall much of the content linked to concepts and musical elements covered and are able to apply that knowledge to performing, composition, listening and literacy work (averaging 60-69%).
Music is strongly recommended as an S3 subject.

Fourth C: Making reasonable progress at CfE Level 4, performing well against some of the outcomes while finding others more challenging. Is sometimes able to demonstrate the key skills specific to their chosen instrument(s) and/or voice including performing with some degree of accuracy to a standard equivalent to Grade 1/2. Learner would continue to benefit from further consolidation of this grade before increasing the challenge to subsequent grades. Learners have been able to create original music 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 concepts and musical elements covered and may be able to apply some of this knowledge to performing, composition, listening and literacy work (averaging 50-59%).
Music, with the right attitude and application, would be possible in S3.

Fourth D: Making some progress at CfE Level 4 against outcomes covered whilst finding the majority challenging. Is limited to the amount of progression in performing at Grade 1/2 standard. At this level learners have found it challenging to create original music within 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 concepts and musical elements covered but may be challenged to apply this knowledge to performing, composition, listening and literacy work (averaging less than 49%).
Music as an S3 subject would be challenging.

Third A to D: As with the above descriptors for grades A to D at Fourth Level, these gradings from A to D reflect excellent through to some progress, the only difference being that the pupil is predominantly working at CfE Level 3 as opposed to CfE Level 4.
Music as an S3 subject would be challenging.

Second A to D: While continuing to experience CfE Level 3/4 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.
Music as an S3 subject would be challenging.