Music
What Is Special About This Subject?
Developing students with the confidence to be creative, curious and caring, who appreciate music from all its rich and diverse angles.
What Is The Learning Journey Through This Subject?
Key Stage 3 – Music
WHAT WILL I LEARN IN THIS SUBJECT?
Music is so much a part of the background of everyday life that it tends to be taken for granted. Yet, for many people it is a powerful focus for creative energy, and one that both stimulates and guides the imagination. Our heavily practical based Music curriculum aims to develop aesthetic sensitivity and creative ability in all students so they can develop musicianship skills in relation to their own musical interests. In addition, we aim to broaden the horizons of our students so they can appreciate the music of other places and cultures.
As a recognised Music Futures Champion School, we are at the forefront of developing music teaching in line with how people work in the industry. In addition, our state-of-the-art facilities mean we have a wealth of resources to support a wide range of musical styles and skills. The group nature of much of our Key Stage 3 work is also aimed at developing wider skills in our students of teamwork and presentational style.
WHAT KNOWLEDGE AND THEMES ARE COVERED?
The following areas are covered during the Key Stage:
- Workshops on the Basic Elements
- Using Structure
- Popular Song
- Hooks and Riffs
- Samba
- Theme and Variation
- The Blues
- Creating a Band
- Song Writing
- Live Arrangements
- Music for Film
HOW IS IT ASSESSED?
Students produce two assessed pieces of work per term. Each assessed piece is practical based and covers the strands of Performing, Composing, Listening and Appraising.
WHERE DOES THIS TAKE ME?
Music can lead on to Music and Performing Arts courses at both Key Stage 4 and 5. In addition, the skills students develop in presenting themselves to an audience can be invaluable across a range of subjects. We aim to encourage as many students as possible to be involved in the extra-curricular activities, which run throughout the school year. These include Concerts/gigs such as Open Mic Night, Coffee Mornings, Music Afternoon Tea and music clubs such as Live Lounge Club. This helps to build confidence for all years on and off stage.
Key Stage 4 – BTEC Music
WHAT WILL I LEARN ON THIS COURSE?
This is a very practical course with a heavy emphasis on performance or production skills from the beginning of the course…for those with less experience you can start with class performances, but the aim is to be a regular act at our public events, whether this be afternoon tea events, open mic nights etc.
The course consists of 3 components, all incorporating a mix of performance, production and creating original works. All components have a strict timeline with tasks being set to fulfil a brief given by Pearson. These components allow students to develop their musical and employability skills, whilst developing their knowledge.
The components are:
- Component 1: Exploring Music Products and Styles
- Component 2: Music Skills Development
- Component 3: Responding to a brief (practical exam)
If you’ve got the passion for music, then this is the course for you!
HOW IS THIS QUALIFICATION TAUGHT AND ASSESSED?
Components 1 and 2 are assessed through non-exam internal assessment. The non-exam internal assessment for these components has been designed to demonstrate application of the conceptual knowledge underpinning the sector through realistic tasks and activities. Pearson-set assignments are assessed by your teacher before being moderated by Pearson.
Component 3 is an external assessment and builds directly on Components 1 and 2, enabling learning to be brought together and related to a real-life scenario. It requires learners to apply musical skills and techniques in response to a brief to produce a music product.
The external assessment is based on a task set by Pearson that requires learners to demonstrate that they can identify and use effectively an appropriate selection of skills, techniques, concepts, theories and knowledge from across the whole qualification in an integrated way. This is completed under supervised conditions, which is then marked and graded by Pearson.
WHAT QUALIFICATION WILL I ACHIEVE?
A Pearson BTEC Level 1/2 Tech Award in Music Practice (equivalent to 1 GCSE).
WHERE WILL THIS QUALIFICATION TAKE ME?
The course will also lead on well to future Sixth Form study on an appropriate BTEC or A Level course in a range of Performing Arts or Creative and Media subjects.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE?
Contact Mrs Campbell on her email: campbelle@ntc.kent.sch.uk
