A letter from Patrick Gazard in the October issue of Music Teacher highlights the extra burden on students taking AS resits this academic year: they can no longer adapt their compositions from the previous year but must follow the new AS briefs for the current year; under the Edexcel system, they must also learn ten new set works for Unit 3.Mr Gazard questions the fairness of this extra burden, on teachers as well as students, especially given that in other subjects, it appears that students can reuse topics and briefs from the previous year. He also calls for all the exam boards to clarify their position, to avoid severe mishaps when this year's exam season comes round.
What do you think? Please post a comment sharing your own experiences or views...
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The new A-level (Edexcel is the one I have experience of)is a great improvement in many ways. It is easier to understand, clearly set out and marking of performance work is much more realistic for teachers.
ReplyDeleteMy real concerns are in the set works. For these to change every year is an unrealistic burden on teachers and makes retakes impossible. Trying to produce resources for both AS and A2 that our tailored for the students in our classrooms is a tall order,even if it does keep us on our toes. Thank goodness for the Rhinegold guides and the guidance they offer!