We will all work with different exam boards and therefore be surrounded by different set works. Every exam board has its own approaches, set works and resources. It is therefore a good idea to consider what you can learn, use, and borrow from another exam board.
Focus on Sound has clear areas for all the main exam boards, and this library is constantly growing. So my Focus on Sound Friday tip for this week is to look at the other boards for ideas.
Wider Listening
Wider Listening is a crucial part of any music course. The more students listen, the more they will learn. It is, however, helpful for them to have something to follow when they are listening. Within Focus on Sound, they are likely to have worked through the pages for the exam board they are with. However using another exam board area will give them access to other pieces of music.
If you are studying the Bach set work for Edexcel GCSE Music then why not get them working through the Eduqas lessons on Purcell. If you are with AQA and study Little Shop of Horrors, why not also use the Edexcel lessons on Defying Gravity.
Make use of Focus on Sound
In essence this is my reminder to make use of everything that is on offer in Focus on Sound, no matter what level you are working with. There are so many resources and try to avoid getting stuck in one exam board area and forget that there is vast array of content elsewhere to use. Enjoy exploring what is on offer – and you could even create your own lessons using other exam board content!
Watch the video on wider listening:
About James Manwaring
James is the Director of Music for the Windsor Learning Partnership Multi-academy Trust. He has held the post of Head of Music at The Windsor Boy's School for over 15 years. James is currently the President-Elect of the Music Teachers Association.
