Cover Lessons for GCSE AQA Music

Music specialist not required!

Be fully prepared for staff absence with these 10 pick-up-and-go cover lessons for the 2016 GCSE AQA specification. You’ll always have a stand-alone lesson relevant to the course – even when there’s no time to prepare!

A wide range of topics for use in the classroom by a non-specialist

E Russell, Music Teacher & Peer Reviewer
Keep students engaged and on task…
  • Stimulating! Varied, accessible info sheets and tasks ensure engagement for the whole lesson, with extension tasks to challenge fast finishers
  • Perfectly structured! Students build on key spec content by consolidating knowledge of key terms, refining listening skills and applying their knowledge to a longer, creative task
… with minimal teacher input!
  • Teacher sheet for each lesson with clear task instructions, and full answers for quick marking
  • Self-contained student worksheets with minimal photocopying required
  • Lesson overview grid organised by areas of study to allow you to choose a lesson that fits with your scheme of work
Lessons include:
Baroque oratorio; The Classical era; Romantic vocal music; Musical theatre ensemble; Rock music in the 1960s and 70s; Pop music from the 1990s to present; Blues 1920–1950; Modern samba; The orchestral music of Bartók; The orchestral music of Copland

What do teachers say about this resource? (9205, 9206, 9207, 9208)

Absolutely fantastic. We actually implemented it as part of our curriculum... I originally bought this resource to be used by non-specialist teachers but I now use them as part of our music curriculum... They are very well written and easy to use. There are many different activities to do and students don't get bored with the same task. It stimulates creative thinking and keeps students engaged... The range of topics is excellent... Instructions are also very clear and it doesn't need any prior knowledge of the topic covered... I would say that this resource is absolutely essential to have. It is also perfect to be used by a non-music specialist and it will cover many weeks of absences in case needed.

S Prezios, Customer & Teacher

The amount of information and work that has gone into this resource is tremendous. I thought the layout was very good, the range of topics covered, and there was a clear understanding of the requirements of the different exam boards.

I liked the fact that every cover lesson was set out in exactly the same way. This makes it easier for the pupils and also for the cover teacher (assuming it is the same teacher for each lesson). The work can also be used for the resident music teacher as well, or for homework tasks. I liked the differentiation in the creative tasks.

It tries to develop independence in pupils' learning and also develops literacy and comprehension, which is essential for other subjects.

The reading and understanding exercises are simply worded so that pupils of all abilities can access the work

R Jenkins, Head of Music & Peer Reviewer

Some good tasks, clearly laid out for a cover teacher to follow... Sheets for pupils contains lots of good clear information... Good that there are always extension tasks to push higher level pupils... The listening tasks are useful... Very clear and organised with a clear structure... It allows pupils to learn a new topic area or revise an area aleady covered... Takes the pressure off the teacher who is having to set the cover work.

S Barber, Lead Music Teacher & Peer Reviewer

All areas of study for the listening exam are covered. Cover could be left easily for a non-specialist to lead. Some independent tasks for students. Good listening examples. Suitable level of difficulty. Appropriate and engaging tasks.

Good for setting as cover when a non-specialist will be leading the lesson, with tasks that will still be of benefit to the students. Also good tasks to set as homework and/or independent work to do outside of lessons.

N Squires, Subject manager - Music & Peer Reviewer

The resource is useful and includes a wide range of topics for use in the classroom by a non-specialist... The activities are well set out and at the correct level for GCSE.

E Russell, Music Teacher & Peer Reviewer