Music

Years 7, 8 and 9

Throughout Key Stage 3 students learn a variety of different skills in Music. The three key areas of learning are performing, composing, listening. Our curriculum enables these three key skills to be delivered through practical based learning. Performance skills are developed by learning how to play keyboards, ukulele, guitar and Djembe through a variety of different topics such as Reggae, Blues and Drumming. Compositional skills are learnt by studying various techniques such as chord sequences and musical structure and then applying them on an instrument of their choice, or on to computer based software such as Garageband or Logic. Listening is an integral part of developing as a musician, and this is embedded into lessons through various listening tasks. Students learn various aspects of music theory through applying them in a practical manner in each project.

Years 10 and 11

Students who opt to take Music as an option at Key Stage 4 will study Eduqas GCSE Music. The three components are Component 1: Performing, Component 2: Composing and Component 3: Appraising. Both Components 1 and 2 are worth 30% of the final grade and are assessed through practical coursework. For Component 1 students are required to record two performances, one of which must be an ensemble performance. For Component 2 students must produce two compositions, on eof which is in response to a brief set by the exam board. Component 3, which is worth 40% of the final grade, is assessed by a written examination at the end of Year 11. The areas of study which are included in the Appraising component are: Musical Forms and Devices, Music for Ensemble, Film Music and Popular Music.

The current Year 11 Music group are studying for the BTEC Tech Award in Music Practice. There are three components which are Component 1: Exploring Music Products and Styles, Component 2: Music Skills Development and Component 3: Responding to a Music Brief.

Years 12 and 13

Students who take Music at Key Stage 5 will have the option to study BTEC Level 3 National Award in Music Performance or BTEC Level 3 National in Music Technology. The Music Performance qualification contains four units where students will hone and develop their skills as a performer. This will involve working with other students as part of an ensemble as well as developing their solo performance skills, improvisation skills or taking other optional units. They will also complete units on practical music theory and harmony as well as professional practice in the music industry. The Music Technology qualification will involve developing skills using a digital audio workstation (DAW), music technology enterprise opportunities and a variety of other optional units.