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Music
Music encompasses Performance, Composition and Listening skills. It is the aim of the Music department to develop all three of these skills in a variety of ways, providing a balanced, exciting curriculum that embraces music from all over the world and also music spanning the last 200 years right up to the present day!
KS3 Music
Students in Key Stage 3 will learn largely practically, although the schemes of work all include composition, performing and listening elements. A music concept will regularly be learnt and explored through a practical task. During the three years, from Year 7 to Year 9, students will cover a wide variety of different aspects of music understanding. In lessons students will be encouraged to build on their own musical creativity, in addition to developing their independent learning skills. Areas covered in Music across Key Stage 3 are:
Year 7
Introduction to music/African Music
Form and Structure
Theory in to Practice
Music Technology
Composition Techniques
Year 8
The Blues
The Overture
Indian Music
Hooks and Riffs
Theme and Variations
Music of the Caribbean
Year 9
How to be a Film Composer Module 1
Film Music Module 2
The Concerto
Band Workshop
History of Pop/Theory
Song Writing
KS4 Music
Students will learn through a balance of practical tasks and study. For example, often a concept is learnt and explored through a practical task. During the course students will cover four areas of study:
- Western Classical Music 1600-1899
- Music in the 20th Century
- Popular Music in Context
- World Music
The course is broken up into 3 elements: Composition, Performance and Listening and Appraising. The assessment of the course is mostly coursework based and is a continual process. The course encourages students to develop their understanding and appreciation of a range of different kinds of music. Studying Music will give students the opportunities to:
- Develop your compositional and arranging skills
- Learn how to use the music technology software GarageBand
- Develop your instrumental skills
- Study music from different times, places and cultures
Below is a breakdown of how the course is assessed and what is required for each component of the course:
30% Composition
Composition of 2 contrasting pieces with a total playing time not exceeding 5 minutes. Written evaluation of composition process and connections with area of study. Internally assessed, externally moderated
30% Performance
Singing or playing a solo, accompanied or unaccompanied, with technical control, expression and interpretation. Performing a significant individual part which is not doubled, in an ensemble. Internally assessed, externally moderated
40% Listening and Appraising
Listening paper (June of year 11) - 1½ hours. Analysing and evaluating music using a musical terminology
For more information about the GCSE Music course look at this link on the edexcel site.
