Music
| Subject: | Music |
| Contact: | Mrs C Scanlon (teacher)/Mr C Clubb (CTL) |
Overview
All students study Music throughout Key Stage 3 for 2 hours per fortnight. At Key Stages 4 and 5, Music is an optional subject which leads to a GCSE or A level qualification. Throughout each Key Stage students are immersed in practical music making through performance and composition as well as learning to listen to, appraise and write about music. Students can choose to learn an instrument in private lessons provided by Music for Life in school, but all students will learn keyboard and singing skills in music lessons.
KS3
Overview
Students are taught in mixed ability classes in Years 7, 8 & 9. The curriculum is based on developing three skill areas which are examined at GCSE and A level; performing, composing, and listening and appraising. Practical music making is core to the Key Stage 3 curriculum and students are taught to develop skills on the keyboard as a vehicle by which to present and engage with their learning. Students will perform as soloists and in groups and write their own music, from song writing to film music. The development of key vocabulary is essential and students will write about music they hear and/or perform. The skills developed during Key Stage 3 are designed to ensure that students are set up to be successful at GCSE and beyond regardless of their previous musical experience.
Curriculum content
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Term 1 |
Term 2 |
Term 3 |
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Year 7 |
Developing Performing Skills Singing Solo Keyboard Work |
Developing Composing Skills Song Writing – Anti Bullying |
Developing Ensemble Performing Skills |
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Listening and Appraising |
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Year 8 |
Developing Performing Skills Singing Solo Keyboard Work |
Developing Composing Skills Song Writing – The Blues |
Developing Ensemble Performing Skills |
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Listening and Appraising |
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Year 9 |
Developing Performing Skills Ensemble Performance |
Developing Composing Skills Working with GCSE composing briefs |
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Listening and Appraising |
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Age related milestones
KS4
Overview
Students who opt to take Music at Key Stage 4 will be taught in mixed ability option groups. Students are taught in 5 hours per fortnight and would be expected to spend time outside of lessons developing their performing and composing skills. Students can either sing or play an instrument for the performing element of the course and this is a choice that they make based on their own skills and areas of interest. Students should be able to access the course through skills developed at Key Stage 3 and needn’t have had private music lessons.
We follow the Eduqas GCSE Music specification.
Exam board and course
Eduqas GCSE Music (9-1)
Curriculum content
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Term 1 |
Term 2 |
Term 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Year 10 |
Course introduction Mini assessments tasks in performing and composing Ensemble Performance |
AOS 1 – Western Classical Music (set work Mozart) AOS3 – Film Music Free Composition Developing performing skills |
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Year 11 |
Composition - Board Set Brief Performance coursework (ensemble and solo) AOS 2 – Music for Ensemble AOS 4 – Popular Music (set work Rainbow) |
Performance and composing coursework complete and sent to exam board Revision and exam preparation |
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Assessment components
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Component 1: Performing |
Component 2: Composing |
Component 3: Listening & Appraising |
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What's assessed A minimum of two pieces, one of which must be an ensemble performance of at least one minute duration. The other piece(s) may be either solo and/or ensemble. One of the pieces performed must link to an area of study of the learner’s choice. Total duration of performances: 4-6 minutes |
What’s assessed Two compositions, one of which must be in response to a brief set by WJEC. Learners will choose one brief from a choice of four, each one linked to a different area of study. The briefs will be released during the first week of September in the academic year in which the assessment is to be taken. |
What's assessed This component is assessed via a listening examination. Eight questions in total, two on each of the four areas of study. Area of study 1: Musical Forms and Devices Area of study 2: Music for Ensemble Area of study 3: Film Music Area of study 4: Popular Music Two of the eight questions are based on extracts set by Eduqas (Mozart: Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and Rainbow: Since You’ve Been Gone) |
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Assessment: Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated 30% of qualification |
Assessment: Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated 30% of qualification |
Assessment: Written examination: 1 hour 15 minutes 40% of qualification Questions The appraising examination will consist of eight questions, two on each area of study. During the exam candidates will be expected to: •Identify musical elements, musical contexts and musical language, and apply this knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar music •Make evaluative and critical judgements about musical elements, musical contexts and musical language, using appropriate musical terminology •Complete the rhythm or pitch of a short section of music (pitch dictation will be within the major scale) |
Enrichment opportunities:
Contributions throughout the year to school productions including: Concerts, V Factor, School Production, National Theatre Connections Projects
Useful websites to support learning
Enrichment opportunities
Show Choir – Thursdays 3:15-4:00 (all years)
Annual musical production (September - February)
V Factor – March
Performances
Student led bands – rehearsal spaces available to book at lunchtime/after school
