Teaching Diploma

Level 6 Unit Specification

Unit Specifications outline the learning outcomes (what has to be learned) and assessment requirements (the standard learners are expected to meet to show that they have achieved the learning outcome).

The following tables are the accredited Rockschool unit specifications for the Level 6 Diploma in Music Teaching, showing the learning outcomes and assessment criteria.

Unit 1

Unit title: Music Lesson Planning and Delivery
Level: 6
Credit value:  105
Learning Outcomes Assessment Criteria
Demonstrate the ability to teach music lessons Deliver two contrasted music lessons at different levels (1-3) lasting not less than 20 minutes. One must be a group/ensemble lesson for no less than two learners. The lessons must show all of the following:
  • Detailed and structured aims and objectives
  • Thorough planning
  • Appropriateness of content and level to learner/s
  • Evidence of effective varied teaching strategies
  • Effectiveness of communication throughout the lessons
  • Effectiveness of lesson management
  • Clear understanding and application by the learner
Evaluate the lessons and provide information on the following:
  • at least two areas of strength shown by the learner/s within each lesson
  • at least two areas for development for the learner/s in each lesson
  • at least two varied suggestions to help the learner/s achieve ii in each lesson
  • own areas of strength within each lesson
  • at least two areas for development with detailed and varied ideas/suggestions to achieve these in each lesson
Demonstrate own skills in performance Perform or compose one piece of music up to Grade 8/Level 3 standard. The performance or composition must be of a different grade/level from the lessons delivered in the assessment criteria above. The performance or composition should include:
  • Clear introduction of aims and objectives
  • Appropriate level and content
  • The ability to recognise, articulate and resolve problems relating to the performance or composition, showing varied approaches appropriate to the learner
  • Effectiveness of demonstrations and explanations
Understand how to create lesson plans for a music course Create a detailed set of 20 lesson plans for the two contrasted lessons submitted in the first assessment criteria above for a progressive music course. Each lesson must be not less than 20 minutes long and incorporate a variety of teaching, learning and assessment strategies. Lesson plans should include:
  • Detailed explanation of learner history and teaching to date
  • Clear, structured and detailed aims and objectives for each lesson
  • Clear and accurate allocation of time per activity
  • Detailed information on varied learning activities
Create an overview of a subsequent set of 10 lesson plans for the same two contrasted lessons in the first assessment criteria above. Each lesson must be not less than 20 minutes long and show the following:
  • Proposed aims and objectives for each lesson
  • Proposed learner achievement
  • Proposed varied learning activities
Understand how to create practice logs and supporting materials Create sets of 20 detailed practice logs for the learners in the first assessment criteria above for a progressive music course covering two terms of 20 lessons. One log should cover the 20 minute lessons in the first assessment criteria above and incorporate the following:
  • Clear assessment of achievement
  • Clear and appropriate explanation of tasks
  • Sufficient depth and detail appropriate to the learner/s
  • Clear and balanced structure
  • Clear objectives for the next lesson
  • Suggest ion of audio and/or visual supplementary materials to enhance learners development
  • Use of appropriate language

Unit 2

Unit title: Assessing and Observing Teaching Practice
Level: 6
Credit value:  75
Learning Outcomes Assessment Criteria
Demonstrate the ability to recognise and critique observed teaching practice Observe at least three examples of general teaching approaches and techniques and make balanced judgments based on the following:
  • Communication
  • Effective language
  • Effectiveness of material
  • Engagement with the learner
  • Clear structure of aims
  • Approaches
  • Feedback
Demonstrate the ability to assess learner performance Observe and assess the level of at least 4 learners performance/composition based on given grading criteria. To cover the following:
  • Technical competence
  • Musical communication
  • Confidence of delivery
  • Stylistic understanding
Make a balanced report of the performances/compositions showing understanding of the above in the use of language.
Understand and articulate teaching methodologies within given teaching scenarios Discuss and demonsrate a range of ways/ methodologies of teaching effectively to a given scenario and highlight at least two varied ways to help learner achievement. Based on the following.
  • Communication (verbal and non verbal)
  • Range of approaches
  • Use of Language
  • Engagement
  • Materials
  • Feedback
  • Structure
Explain the impact of continuing development and reassessment of role and teaching approach on own development as a teacher
Demonstrate knowledge of other relevant issues connected with the role of music teacher Explain the importance of the following areas in relation to own teaching role and where to access the information:
  • Health and Safety
  • Child Protection
  • Small business practice
Explain their approach to teaching learners with special educational needs. To cover the following:
  • Overview of special educational needs and relationship with music teaching
  • Detailed knowledge of two chosen special educational needs including learning difficulties and physical disabilities
  • Strategies to engage these learners
  • How this affects learning, creation, practice and performance of music.
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