Music Department
The curriculum
Music is taught throughout the school. At KS3, all students study music. A KS4 both
music and performing arts (music) are offered at GCSE level. Music and performing
arts are also currently offered as A-Level options at KS5 (Edexcel) although from
September 2015, performing arts A-Level will be replaced by a Diploma in
Performing Arts (music) (OCR).
Music at Key stage 3
Students in Yrs 7 and 8 receive three music lessons per fortnight and students in Yr
9, one lesson per week. The curriculum is based on skill development and allows
students to develop as performers, composers and informed listeners.
How can I help my child with their music work?
Many students find that taking individual instrumental lessons is very helpful to
musical progress. Students may also find that attending an extra-curricular group is
helpful to their progress so if you could encourage your child to do so, that would be
very helpful.
The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) has resources on the music department
pages.
The music team are also more than willing for students to stay after school, in order
for them to complete homework or if they require any assistance with a particular
piece of work. The Internet is also an excellent resource to research information and
students will find Youtube a useful resource.
If you do require any more information regarding your child‘s course, content or any
aspect of the music programme, then please contact your child‘s RE teacher.
What do students study at KS3?
KS3 students follow a themed curriculum focused on developing progress in the
following five areas….
1. Performance: both as an individual and within ensembles
2. Composition
3. Listening to music and identifying musical features
4. Appraising your own work and that of others
5. Understanding of musical genres (including study of historical and
contemporary examples)
The table below displays the units of work pupils will study during key
stage 3
Autumn
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Musical
elements:
Film
Music
Skill
acquisitio
n:
Performa
nce
Music for
the voice
Spring
Musicals
The Blues
Skill
acquisitio
n:
Compositi
on
Summer
World
music
Four
chord
tricks
Skill
acquisitio
n:
Working
within an
ensemble
Music at KS4
GCSE Music (AQA)
The course offers an opportunity to study a wide range of musical styles, to
compose, to perform and to appraise your work. Students will study different styles
of music and answer questions about them in an exam. Students will learn to
perform as an individual and within an ensemble, submitting two performances.
Students will also compose two of their own pieces and develop IT skills in scoring
them.
Home Learning Tasks:
Tasks may consist of research into different historical music eras and music genres.
Students will also be asked to practice, revise and produce notes on different
musical elements. Sometimes students may be asked to listen to musical examples
using Youtube.
Units of work:
Unit 1: Listening to and appraising music 20%
Students will complete a final exam in Yr 11 which consists of listening to musical
excerpts and answering short questions. This exam is externally assessed
Unit 2: Composing and appraising music 20%
Students compose a piece of music, scoring it with Sibelius software. They then
write an appraisal of the piece evaluating it and explaining the works of other
composers who have influenced them. This coursework is externally assessed.
Unit 3: Performing music 40%
Students perform two pieces, one as part of an ensemble on one or more instrument
(including voice). The performances should aim to be of a minimum standard of
grade 3. This coursework is internally assessed and externally moderated.
Unit 4: Composing music 20%
Students compose a further piece which links to the generic areas of study. This
coursework is internally assessed and externally moderated.
How can I help my child with this work?
In order to create successful performances, it is advisable for students to be
provided with individual instrumental lessons although this can be discussed with the
music department. Students should have the opportunity to practice their
performances at home and to try out composition ideas. The internet is an excellent
resource for students so they can research musical genres and source sound
examples and access to Youtube is very helpful (although this can be accessed
within the music department with permission from a member of staff).
GCSE Performing Arts (AQA)
Single award
It should be noted that the course is taught as a music only course (without a drama
or dance element). This course offers students opportunities to improve their skills
as a performer both as individual and within an ensemble. They appraise their own
work and the work of others and consider the way in which performances are
shaped and developed.
Home Learning Tasks:
Tasks may consist of research into musical items. Students will also be asked to
practice and appraise their own work. Sometimes students may be asked to listen to
musical examples using Youtube.
Units of work:
Unit 1: Skills Development – 60%
In this portfolio unit, candidates provide evidence of their learning and development
of appropriate skills used in presentations and performances.The work undertaken in
this unit will provide candidates with the fundamental skills, knowledge and
understanding which they will use in unit 2. The candidate’s portfolio should reflect
the work they have done, their personal skills and their understanding of planning
and presenting a performance. Candidates will need to choose and use suitable
methods to present their evidence in support of the skills they have learned.
Candidates must provide evidence of skills development, planning and research,
practical activities contextual understanding of work-related aspects and evaluation
of own and others’ work. Candidates need to produce a portfolio. This should be a
practical working record which includes an indication of their initial skills level and
the activities carried out. to improve the skills. It should also contain materials
showing research into the performing arts industry and evidence of three
observations during the course. This unit is internally assessed and externally
moderated.
Unit 2: Showcase Performance – 40%
This unit is based on the work carried out in unit 1. The work in this unit will allow
candidates to demonstrate, in a Showcase performance, what they have learned
about working as a member of a team and also how to present their personal skills
to the highest possible standard. This unit is assessed through an externally set task
in the form of a performance brief. The candidates will work as a production
company. This unit is externally assessed by a visiting moderator.
How can I help my child with this work?
In order to create successful performances, it is advisable for students to be
provided with individual instrumental lessons although this can be discussed with the
music department. Students should have the opportunity to practice at home. The
internet is an excellent resource for students so they can research musical genres
and source sound examples and access to Youtube is very helpful (although this can
be accessed within the music department with permission from a member of staff).
Music at KS5
A-Level Music (Edexcel)
The course offers an opportunity to study a wide range of musical styles, to
compose, to perform and to appraise your work. Students will study different styles
of music by looking at set works and will answer questions about them in an exam.
Students will learn to perform as an individual. Students compose and complete
harmonic exercises.
Independent Study Tasks:
Tasks may consist of research into different historical music eras and music genres.
Students will also be asked to practice, revise and produce notes on set works.
Sometimes students may be asked to listen to musical examples using Youtube.
Units of work:
Units 1-3: AS Level
Unit 1: Performing music 15%
Students will record a performance recital of at least 5 minutes of at least grade 5
standard. The work is internally assessed and externally moderated.
Unit 2: Composing music 15%
Students compose a piece of music, scoring it with Sibelius software. The piece
should fulfil a brief set by the board and should be at least 3 minutes. They then
write a sleeve notes as an appraisal of the piece evaluating it and explaining the
works of other composers who have influenced them. This coursework is externally
assessed.
Unit 3: Developing musical understanding 20%
Students study set works and answer questions on them (both written and based on
aural extracts). They complete a further two questions on harmony.
Units 4-6: A2 Level
Unit 4: Extended performance 15%
Students will record a performance recital of at least 12 minutes of at least grade 6
standard. The work is internally assessed and externally moderated.
Unit 5: Composition and Technical study 15%
Students either complete further compositions or technical harmonic studies. This
coursework is externally assessed.
Unit 6: Further musical understanding 20%
Students study set works and answer questions on them. They complete aural
questions on unprepared extracts.
A-Level Performing Arts (Edexcel)
It should be noted that the course is taught as a music only course (without a drama
or dance element). This course offers students opportunities to improve their skills
as a performer both as individual and within an ensemble. They appraise their own
work and the work of others and consider the way in which performances are
shaped and developed.
Study tasks:
Tasks may consist of research into musical items. Students will also be asked to
practice and appraise their own work. Sometimes you may be asked to listen to
musical examples using Youtube.
Units of work:
Units 1-3: AS Level
Unit 1: Developing Skills for Performance
In this unit students will be aiming to discover and explore the skills in music.
Students’ choice of specialism will affect the skills that you will need to learn. They
will need to describe and understand the accepted professional and technical skills
needed by people who work in your field. For example:
how the skills you need relate to particular activities
relevant theory
relevant health and safety issues and practices
the use and understanding of technical vocabulary.
It is essential that students learn how skills are used in the performing arts sector
and how they need to be adapted and applied to particular styles, genre and forms.
Of particular value is to gain experience of how professionals make use of, and
develop their skills. This unit is internally assessed and externally moderated.
Unit 2: Planning for a creative event
This unit will allow students to communicate a creative idea and to understand how
to plan to make the event happen. They should apply planning to an actual event in
order to understand the importance of the planning process and how it relates to the
success of the event. Students will apply your planning to an actual event. After the
event they will need to learn how to assess the planning process. This unit is
internally assessed and externally moderated.
Unit 3: Performing to a commission
This unit offers students the opportunity to contribute to the creation of a
performance in response to a commission that will be set by Edexcel. The knowledge
and experience gained from taking part in this performance will come from the
development and application of skills in music. Students will apply knowledge by
working as a performer, designer or member of a production team. This unit is
externally assessed by a visiting moderator.
Units 4-6: A2 Level
Unit 4: Employment Opportunities in the Performing Arts
This unit will help students to understand the demands that are made on those who
wish to work in the performing arts industry. They need to understand the variety of
employment opportunities that are available and how they fit into the various
performing arts organisations that make up the industry. This unit is internally
assessed and externally moderated.
Unit 5: Advance Production Practice
Students will gain a thorough understanding of the techniques and skills that apply
to music and they will be able to place them in an applied context. They will need to
be involved in a performance event. It is important that students discover how to
develop the skills that are appropriate for their ability. This unit is internally assessed
and externally moderated.
Unit 6: Production delivery
In this unit students can choose to specialise in a specific production role or can
work across a number of roles as you would if you were working for a small
company. They may choose to specialise in a number of areas. Students will also
need to evaluate. This unit is internally assessed and externally moderated.
Music within the extended curriculum
Extra-curricular groups
All students are invited to participate in music within the extended curriculum.
Various ensembles are available during lunchtimes and after school and students are
encouraged to perform in events including the annual Carol Service at the Victoria
Hall, school concerts, gigs both in and outside of school, showcases, assemblies and
masses. Current extra-curricular ensembles include Senior Orchestra, Junior
Orchestra, Chamber Choir and various bands and small ensembles. To enquire about
extra-curricular groups, please speak to a member of the music department staff.
Peripatetic teaching
The department currently works with 7 visiting peripatetic staff. Currently the
following tuition is available within St Joseph’s College:
Woodwind instruments; Brass instruments; String instruments; Piano; Voice; Drum
Kit; Guitar