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Music in the National Curriculum in Scotland
A quick summary
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From the age of five to 14 music forms part of
the Scottish curriculum called Expressive Arts, which also includes
PE, Drama and Art and Design. The National Guidelines for Expressive
Arts state that: 'music is an important part of social culture,
and that, music can enrich the lives of individual pupils and promote
their personal, intellectual and social growth'. Music education
at this level aims to give children the opportunity to take part
in music making and to listen and respond to music; realise their
full musical potential, whatever their abilities; help them enjoy
music, preparing them for future musical experiences by developing
musical skills, knowledge and understanding.
Each subject area has six levels from Level A in Primary 1 through to Level E in secondary school. There is also a Level F for those who achieve Level E before the end of the second year of secondary school. Children will progress through these levels at their own pace, assessed by the teacher. You may want to ask your child's teacher which level they are working to at the moment. All pupils, from 5-14 have a statutory entitlement to music education in class. Individual instrumental lessons are not part of the National Curriculum and are therefore not statutory.
There are three 'attainment outcomes' for the Expressive Arts - using materials, techniques, skills and media; expressing feelings, ideas, thoughts and solutions; evaluating and appreciating.
This is a summary of what the Curriculum and Assessment in Scotland National Guidelines says:
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Level A
Pupils may investigate and explore sounds that they can make with their voices, body, environment and simple classroom instruments (like drums, tambourines and triangles) and basic computer software. They may be identifying sounds with the teacher, and listening to a variety of music styles. They may also sing nursery rhymes, actions songs, singing games, and simple songs from Scotland and other countries together as a class and be encouraged to dance and march and respond to music.
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Level B
Pupils may become more familiar with sounds and the way they are made and produced, and be able to identify instruments that have a distinctive quality e.g. Bagpipes or Trumpet. They may start to play classroom instruments in simple instrumental arrangements with some control over the speed and loudness of their playing. They may sing a wider range of songs together, including Scottish and Gaelic songs, songs from other countries and cultures and seasonal songs. They may start to learn how to describe sounds, e.g. quiet, loud. They should listen to a wider range of music excerpts and should be encouraged to say what they like or dislike.
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Level C
Pupils may now sing together a wide range of songs, with more confidence and more expression. They should be more coordinated when it comes to playing instruments, and should be using a form of written notation to represent music visually. They should use sound to create a mood or an atmosphere. They may be playing and learning by ear and memory and learning how to express opinions about music and offer and accept suggestions for improvement. They should be encouraged to discuss and share their opinions about music.
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Level D
Pupils may sing together songs of differing styles, in unison and with use of straightforward harmony, demonstrating increased awareness of dynamics, phrasing and expression. They should play instruments with more confidence, and invent music with simple harmonies and melodies and use a simple form of notation to write the music down, and their songs will show awareness of structures. By now they should be able to distinguish between brass, percussion, string etc and different styles and be able to give and accept constructive criticism about their performing or inventing.
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Level E
Pupils may explore music software on computers and instruments to combine sounds to make simple harmonies, melodies or rhythm in their inventions. They will sing together as a class, and in harmony with an increased sense of vocal technique. They should be more technically proficient at playing a wider range of instruments, such as recorder, keyboard, guitar etc. They may invent more complex music, with more of an understanding of musical devices. They should now be able to discuss features and characteristics of different styles of music, like jazz, classical and pop.
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Level F
If your child has achieved Level E before the end of the second year of secondary school their teacher may advance them up to Level F. This level builds on what they were doing in Level F.
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Standard Grades: Age 14 - 16
Scotland does not have a national curriculum for children ages 14 to 16 (S3 and S4) but schools are expected to follow guidelines for suggested study principles. Music is not a compulsory subject at this level, but it should be available to your child, although this depends on their school's resources. The Scottish Qualifications Authority awards students certificates and sets the course which is divided into the following elements:
- Solo performing
- Group performing
- Inventing
- Listening
The aim is to enable students to make music, to develop a life-long interest in music and to progress to further study or a career if they wish to. It should also develop the pupil's knowledge and understanding of the social, historical and environmental context of music. It helps if your child has instrumental/vocal tuition, although this is not essential.
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| Every child is unique and develops at his or her own pace. The information in BBC Parents' Music Room is for information and guidance only and should not be treated as a substitute for medical, legal or other professional advice. |
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