GCSE Edexcel Set Work Analysis: Wicked: 'Defying Gravity'

Student-friendly analysis resources to ensure your class are completely confident with their GCSE set works, and ready to excel in the exam. Build listening skills and encourage evaluation and reflection with a mix of guided analysis and independent tasks.

Each pack sets the scene with essential context before working through the set work bar by bar. Students are fully supported with detailed notes, annotated score extracts and key term definitions – then encouraged to reinforce and apply their knowledge with regular consolidation questions and activities.

The detail is more than enough to access the highest grades

A McGee, Teacher & Expert Reviewer

Following the analysis, a wealth of exam preparation:

  • Concise revision summary structured by musical element to aid recall of key points
  • Musical dictation exercises using extracts from the piece, for vital transcription training
  • Section A and Section B exam-style questions with mark schemes – perfect practice for the listening paper

Totally flexible – integrate into your class teaching or use for independent learning.


GCSE Edexcel Set Work Analysis AoS3 S Schwartz: ‘Defying Gravity’ (from the album of the cast recording of Wicked)

Written against a historical backdrop of socialism, capitalism and globalisation, Wicked is a musical which promotes tolerance and empowerment. Explore the musical’s defining song with detailed analysis, consolidation questions, plus vital exam practice.

What do teachers say about this resource? (8136)

A very detailed resource which would give pupils all the knowledge they need for the exam... It gives pupils and in-depth analysis of the piece and the history of the musical, musical theatre and the plot... It matches the specification very well, and provides all the information required for the exam... Very useful resource especially for a teacher who is new to the set work, saves a lot of research time.

S Barber, Head of Music & Peer Reviewer

The writing is engaging without being patronising and contains a high level of technical language - not dumbing down at all... The analysis is thorough... The detail is more than enough to access the highest grades... The musical knowledge and understanding is secure and the author has clearly followed the score carefully.

A McGee, Teacher & Expert Reviewer