Differentiated music curriculum

A pre-service teacher at Darwin High School works with music students who are operating at levels 3, 4 and 5 and are also grouped according to their interests. Even with the support of an experienced teacher supervisor, she must plan and deliver a coherent lesson that meets her students' needs and interests. One of her significant achievements is to respond equally to groups, rather than responding to each and every query. This approach she believes has stimulated her students to rely more on peer assistance and learning.

Darwin High School is one of only two government schools in Darwin that cater purely for senior students at years 10–12. The school is relatively large in comparison with other Territory schools. The student population is comprised of many different cultural backgrounds, with a large number of overseas students. In a music class, where students are learning at different levels, the pre-service teacher must group students, deliver clear and precise instructions to each group, use a colour-coded system for written instructions, and monitor each group's progress.