Music
Subject Leader: Mrs J Bryant
Intent: To give the students a lifelong love of Music and the arts, which will see them pursue careers or hobbies in a creative field.
By the end of KS3, students will have experience on a variety of instruments and technologies, which will prepare them for KS4 whilst allowing them to find something they love doing.
By the end of KS4, students will have the opportunity to explore technology and their chosen instruments in various musical genres & contexts, whilst being able to utilise analytical skills to enable them to pursue music in KS5 and beyond.
Key Stage 3 Content
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Music is taught twice a fortnight in KS3.
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Each unit is either 6 or 7 weeks
Topics studied
All pupils explore different styles of music using instruments and computer technology. They will understand the features of the styles explored and be able to:
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Listen to, identify and perform key features of different musical styles
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Aurally identify different styles of music
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Use the features of the musical styles to perform and compose songs
Assessment
Each unit is assessed in a solo or group performance along with an individual listening test.
Homework
This consists of various throughout the course of the year which build student's ability to work independently. The tasks consist of Research, Revision, Reading and Rote Learning. All homework is set on Edulink.
How Parents and Carers Can Support
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Encourage your child to ask teachers for help if there are any difficulties
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Encourage your child to listen to a variety of styles of music at home
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Encourage your child to show you what they have been learning in class
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Encourage your child to attend any after-school extra-curricular activities
Additional Support Available/Useful Links
Reading List
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Forming a Band (Paperback)
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Recording and Promoting Your Music (Paperback)
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The Impact of Technology in Music (Hardback)
Year 11
Exam Board: Pearson BTEC – Tech Award Level 1 / 2 in Music Practice
Qualification number: 603/7055/5
Content
This specification enables learners to develop knowledge and understanding of music through 3 interrelated components:
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Component 1: Exploring Music Products and Styles
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Component 2: Music Skills Development
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Component 3: Responding to a Commercial Music brief
The specification has three components based on the skills of performing, producing, composing and appraising. An integrated approach to these skills is encouraged through each component and serves to highlight the importance of the relationship between composer, performer and audience. Knowledge and understanding of each component is assessed explicitly in Component 3.
Component 1: Exploring Music Products and Styles (teacher assessed 60 marks)
In this component, learners explore several genres of music and create video demonstrations of specific features, showing their understanding of the styles on their own instrument.
Component 2: Music Skills Development (teacher assessed 60 marks)
In this component, the students will learn about the necessary skills needed to work effectively in the music industry. They will learn how to practice their instruments properly, identify their strengths & weaknesses and set goals to improve. They will be assessed on their ability to play their instrument, use music technology computer programmes, and track their progress through a series of video recordings.
Component 3: Responding to a Commercial Music Brief (externally assessed 60 marks)
In this component, the students will use the knowledge they have gained in the previous 2 components to respond to a commercial music brief set by the exam board. This could be performing a song in its original genre of music, and then replaying it in a different genre. It could also be mixing a song on computer music software in a different genre from the original. It is designed to test the students’ understanding of the genres covered and techniques used in these genres.
Years 9 and 10
Exam Board: Eduqas GCSE in Music Qualification number: 600/8684/4
Content
This specification enables learners to develop knowledge and understanding of music through 3 interrelated components: Component 1: Performing Component 2: Composing Component 3: Appraising
The specification has three components based on the core music skills of performing, composing and appraising music. An integrated approach to these skills encourages learners to explore music from a variety of genres, eras, and cultures while understanding the relationship between creation, performance, and context. Knowledge and understanding from across the course are evaluated in the final listening examination.
Component 1: Performing (teacher assessed 72 marks – 30% of total GCSE)
In this component, learners prepare and submit two performances on their chosen instrument or voice. One piece must be performed as part of an ensemble, and another piece must link to one of the four specified areas of study.
Component 2: Composing (teacher assessed 72 marks – 30% of total GCSE)
In this component, students develop their compositional skills by producing two complete musical compositions. One piece is written in response to a set brief released by the exam board, while the second piece is a free composition created to the student's own brief.
Component 3: Appraising (externally assessed 96 marks – 40% of total GCSE)
In this component, students take a written listening examination testing their understanding of musical elements, contexts, and language. They answer questions based on recorded music extracts covering four areas of study: Musical Forms & Devices, Music for Ensemble, Film Music, and Popular Music.
Homework
It is extremely important in this course to keep on top of all homework. This course is very practical and will require several video examples - all to be recorded in lessons and uploaded as homework. Other forms of homework will involve instrumental and music production practice to allow the students to keep developing in their music practice.
Additional Support Available/Useful Links