Registered Number:  7897108
Registered in England and Wales

 

Music Department

Key Stage 3


Lessons at KS3 are designed to cover the four main areas of Music which are Performing, Composing, Listening and Appraising. We cover a wide variety of different styles of music, including African music, Reggae and the Blues. Tasks are as practical as possible and combine the four main areas of music to try and provide an assortment of learning experiences. Pupils are actively encouraged to perform, and we promote the use of pupils own instruments during lessons where appropriate. Instrumental lessons are available on various different instruments at a greatly reduced cost, delivered by visiting tutors.

 

Key Stage 4
Pupils at KS4 currently study GCSE Music as an option. They study Film and Programme Music, Dance Music, Shared Music and a unit where the focus is directly on the instrument they are learning to play. Pupils submit two compositions and two performances and evaluations as coursework throughout Year 10 and Year 11, and they also complete a listening examination and a timed composition. Lessons include practical activities as often as possible and pupils are expected to complete independent learning activities.

 

Performing Arts

Performing Arts can be taken as an option choice at Key stage 4, following the EDEXCEL BTEC Extended First Certificate specification.

The subject was introduced in September 2009 to cater for the wider learning needs of our pupils, and proved to be very popular. Pupils study the generic skills involved in Performing Arts and also have the opportunity to specialise in Drama and dance units.

What is it?

  • Work-related qualification which is equivalent to 2 GCSE’s grades A* - C.

  • Will be taught in the same amount of curriculum time as a single GCSE award so will only use one option choice.

  • Could be used to enter employment in the performing arts, or to go on to further and higher vocational qualifications such s the BTEC National.

How does it work?

  • Pupils will gain a broader understanding of the Performing Arts industry by completing units which focus on Music, Drama and Dance.

  • Pupils will complete ONE core unit which will focus on one of these 3 key disciplines, and other specialist units will be chosen to cater for the needs of the learners.  Pupils will be expected to study more than one discipline as part of the course, eg. Music and Drama, Dance and Music etc.

  • Examples of the specialist units include:Contemporary Dance, Musical Theatre, Devising Plays, Working as a Musical Ensemble, Exploring Musical Composition.

How will I be assessed?

  • All units are internally assessed, so no external exam.

  • Each unit you complete is assessed separately and graded as PASS, MERIT or DISTINCTION.  Can also be unclassified if you don’t meet the criteria for PASS.

  • At the end of the course, points are allocated for the grade you achieve for each unit and added together to calculate your final award, which uses the same grades of PASS, MERIT or DISTINCTION.