Course Information

Key Stage 3

In each year, students follow a variety of schemes that allow them to gain an insight into the wide world of musical styles.  Each unit allows the fundamental skills of Performing, Composing, and Listening and Appraising to take place in individual, group and class situations.  We also try to give opportunities for instrumentalists to utilise their own instruments during lessons.

During Year 7, students follow a variety of schemes of work that introduce them to music skills (performing, composing and listening and appraising) and resources through a range of styles and activities:

  • The Elements of Music and Graphic Score / Soundscapes

  • Rhythm

  • Keyboards and Instruments of the Orchestra

  • Scales

  • Structures (using ICT)

  • Songwriting

During Year 8, the introductions are developed allowing students to increase their understanding and musical abilities.

  • Hip-Hop and Rap (including ICT)

  • Indian Music

  • Chords

  • Blues

  • Calypso (including ICT)

  • TV Themes (including (ICT)

During Year 9, students consolidate their knowledge in more independent styles of learning and are able to showcase their skills.  We are currently revising the Year 9 schemes of work to allow parts of the BTEC Music course to be undertaken in preparation for Key Stage 4.

  • Band Skills

  • Film Music

  • Variations (linked to Computer Games)

  • Exploring Composition (Serialism, Minimalism)

  • Unit 6 of BTEC – under construction

Key Stage 4

Students follow the Edexcel syllabus which continues the thread of Performing, Composing and Listening and Understanding, but in greater depth than BTEC, and also contains Music History.  Students are expected to be able to play an instrument or sing to a suitable standard in order to be considered for the course. 

At present students are following the BTEC First Certificate in Music, though we have also offered GCSE Music if this is more appropriate for our students.

Units of work studied:

  • Unit 1 - Planning and Creating a Music Product
  • Unit 3 - Solo Musical Performance
  • Unit 4 - Exploring Musical Composition
  • Unit 6 - Working as a Musical Ensemble
  • Unit 9 - Producing a Musical Recording
  • Unit 10 - Understanding Music
  • Unit 14 - Exploring an Area of Music

In order to complete the BTEC course, students have to submit three units, one of which has to be Unit 1.  We select the other two units depending on the nature of the group.

Key Stage 5

Students follow the Edexcel Syllabus which continues the thread of Performing, Composing and Listening and Understanding, but in greater depth than BTEC, and also contains Music History.  Students are expected to be able to play an instrument or sing to a suitable standard in order to be considered for the course.

 

Assessment

Key Stage 3

Students use our Progression of Learning booklets to track their own progress, and self-evaluate each lesson.  They also have a self-tracker sheet showing them the expectations for achieving a particular level.  We also use a lot of peer assessment (both formal and informal) after any kind of performance, which also helps the staff to make their assessment on student understanding.  Students also complete written evaluations at the end of each unit – this also allows staff to see what has been enjoyed (allowing schemes to be updated or reworked where necessary.)

Key Stage 4

The BTEC course is well equipped to allow a variety of assessments.  Students regularly assess their own work and each other's work using a grading criteria which is the same as the actual assessor uses.  This allows them to know before they begin what is expected of them.  There are more formal assessments with the tutor, but it is also during this time that students can offer/explain additional evidence which they (or their peers) believe is worth more. Students are continually made aware of their progress through regular tutorials and feedback sessions.

 

Homework

Music lessons are primarily practical and it is difficult to set practical homework as not everyone has access to something instrumental.  Therefore when homework is set, it tends to be research based or something concerned with learning key words or facts about a particular topic area.

At Key Stage 4 the amount of homework set is weekly and students are expected to practise their instrument regularly without being reminded.  The nature of the course lends itself to project based work and as students know how their work is going to be assessed, they can do as much additional homework as they feel is necessary to gain the grade they want.

Key Stage 5 is different as it is here where students need to put in a lot of extra hours if they are to achieve high grades.  Homework is based around the set works being studied and theory tasks.  They are also expected to practice for several hours a week.