Music
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Statement about Music:
“We believe that all students should have equal opportunities to participate in music making. Our curriculum is based on practical work to provide students with a creative approach to music making involving performing, composing, listening and appraising. Our extra-curricular programme includes a wide range of activities ensuring there are opportunities for everyone.
Curriculum overview:
Key Stage 3:
Arranged as half termly or termly projects:
Year 7
Bridging unit (Aiding smooth transition from Key Stage 2 to 3)
Structure
Musical Stories
Hooks and Riffs
Samba
Arriba!
Year 8
Rondos, rounds and canons
Gamelan
Folk Songs
Music for TV adverts
Year 9
From Blues to Rock ‘n’ Roll
Music for Film
Experimental Music
Pop Songs
Key Stage 4
Students follow the AQA GCSE Music course.
Listening (20%)
The course teaches students about musical elements and the culture and
background associated with a wide range of music. Students will sit a one
hour listening paper which tests your knowledge of the five areas of study:
• Rhythm
• Harmony and tonality
• Texture and melody
• Timbre and dynamics
• Structure and form
The above are explored through the following strands:
• The Western Classical Tradition
• Popular Music
• World Music
Composing Coursework (20%)
Composing music is an important part of the course. Students will have lots of opportunities to compose on their own using instruments and ICT. The most successful piece will be recorded and written down as a musical score or written about in detail.
Performing Coursework (40%)
Throughout the course students will perform many different kinds of music. They may specialise in whatever style they prefer. It would be really helpful for students to take lessons with one of our visiting instrumental or vocal tutors. One solo and one group piece will be recorded for the exam.
Composing and Appraising Music (20%)
This is a composition which must be recorded and written down either as
a score or a detailed description. It will be linked to two or more areas
of study and one strand. Students will also sit a short exam in which they
write about their composition.
Key Stage 5
Two courses are being offered at Key Stage 5 – Level 3 BTEC National Award Music (Performing) and A Level Music (Edexcel):
LEVEL 3 BTEC NATIONAL AWARD
MUSIC (PERFORMING)
What is the Level 3 BTEC National Award in Music (Performing)?
The BTEC National Award in Music (Performing) provides students with a programme of learning in Music focussed specifically on performance. It will provide an understanding of vital skills to start a professional career or move on to further study, and in insight into employment opportunities available.
MUSIC AS
This course allows students to study music in an integrated way: composing, performing and listening and linked. Students study music as a practical, intellectual and creative subject.
Events and Extra Curricular Activities
As well as appearing at numerous local music events and concerts alongside professional orchestras and choirs, the Music Department put on Christmas Concerts and a Summer Concert each year along with more informal cabaret style evenings. There is also usually a Musical Theatre production performed at the end of the Autumn Term involving students from throughout the college and working closely in collaboration with the Drama department.
Students have the opportunity to busk around the college during lunchtime as well as perform their own work at Singer/Songwriters evenings which is then recorded using the department’s fully equipped recording studio. A Rock School also runs as part of the Saturday Morning Arts programme.
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