Stage 1 Programme Content

Suitable for newly graduated students of creative subjects who have never taught before or are worried about starting a teaching career, those looking to start teaching (in between gigs / performances etc.) or established instrumental music and performing arts teachers looking for new ideas or to keep up with current trends in creative arts education.

The information at this stage initially introduces the ideas and concepts ultimately needed to undertake the ‘formal’ RSL teaching and supporting teaching qualifications at a later stage.

By attending or undertaking the programme at Stage 1, learners will:

• Be introduced to successful established methods of teaching (pedagogical approaches) – including identifying and using different learning ‘styles’ (Visual, Aural, Read/Write and Kinesthetic – VARK)
• Explore other methods (or approaches) that could be adopted by teachers in lessons such as The Gradual Release of Responsibility (GRR)
• Explore how an understanding of the 4 Stages of Conscious Competence can help teachers to plan and create interesting and engaging lessons for students
• Explore how to plan, create and use Learning Based Activities in lessons
• Learn when and how to use different types of feedback in a positive and effective way with students
• Learn about different types of assessment – Formative and Summative
• Examine the legal side of teaching and how the laws apply to us as teachers
• Examine Inclusive and Safe Teaching practises for Instrumental music teachers

Stage 2 Programme Content

Suitable for candidates who have undergone the RSL Teacher Training programme at Stage 1, newly qualified music or performing arts graduates who have never taught before or have limited experience in teaching, creatives looking to start or develop their teaching career (in between gigs/performances) or established teachers looking to investigate new ideas or to keep up with current trends in Creative Industries education.

The information at this stage aims to build on and develop the initial ideas and concepts introduced at Stage 1 and introduce additional ideas and concepts ultimately needed to undertake the ‘formal’ RSL teaching and supporting teaching qualifications at a later stage.

By attending or undertaking the programme at Stage 2, learners will:

• Develop their understanding of successful, established teaching methods (pedagogical approaches), introducing the development of ‘Learning games’ into lessons and how to embed theory into lessons in an interesting and engaging way.
• Develop Lesson Planning skills to be able to plan, create and deliver exciting and engaging lessons for students at all levels followed by introducing ways to evaluate your lessons with a forward focus.
• Develop the use of different types of feedback and assessment in a positive and effective way with students.
• Examine the legal side of teaching and how the law applies to us as teachers and what legal responsibilities we have.
• Examine Inclusive and Safe Teaching practises for teachers including meeting the challenges of students with specific educational needs, promoting cultural and social differences in lessons and examining the pros and cons of teaching in private homes.

Stage 3 Programme Content

Suitable for candidates who have previous Teacher Training programme stages, graduates or trainee teachers who are starting their teaching careers and/or who are in a mentoring / shadowing programme to gain experience in teaching; creatives looking to start or develop their teaching careers (in between gigs / performances) or established teachers looking to up-skill.

The information at this stage builds on and develops the initial ideas and concepts introduced at Stages 1 and 2.

By attending or undertaking the Stage 3 programme, learners will study and prepare information for the following units:

• Safe Teaching: Understand how policies and procedures are relevant to ensuring a safe teaching environment and understand their own role and responsibilities in maintaining a safe environment.
• Planning Learning: Investigate and explain a range of teaching techniques and develop and demonstrate the skills to be able to create a lesson plan.
• Facilitating Learning: Demonstrate teaching techniques when leading a short, planned activity under the guidance of a supervising teacher. Evaluate their own teaching practice, identifying strengths and areas for development.

Following training, attendees will receive focussed training on reading and interpreting assessment and grading criteria, options for evidence submissions and the use of referenced materials and appendices.

Stage 4 Programme Content

Suitable for candidates who have undergone the RSL Teacher Training programmes at Stages 1, 2 and 3 (or already have an RSL Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Learning). Postgraduate music / performing arts students or graduate trainee teachers who are developing their teaching careers and who are confident at writing and submitting evidence of an undergraduate (Level 4) level (including writing in an academic style, using research and referenced information and appendices).

The information at this level builds on and develops the information and concepts introduced at Stages 1, 2 and 3 with focus towards preparing the evidence submission for the Level 4 RSL Professional Diploma (Teaching).

By attending or undertaking the Stage 4 programme, learners will study and prepare information for the following units:

• Understanding Learning: Understand how different pedagogical approaches meet the needs of music and performing arts learners, demonstrate an understanding of learner development and the selection of appropriate and relevant repertoire and to understand how to reflect on your own teaching practice.
• Planning, Facilitating and Evaluating Learning: Plan lessons within a scheme of work (5 x 20 minute lessons), demonstrate a range of teaching techniques (via Video Submission), evaluate teaching practice.
• Inclusive Learning: Demonstrate inclusive practice when teaching and then reflect on your inclusive practices.

Following training, attendees will receive focussed training on reading and interpreting assessment and grading criteria, options for evidence submissions and the use of referenced materials and appendices.