Senior School Curriculum Music and Music Technology
Music and Music Technology
Music is offered to GCSE whilst Music and Music Technology are taught to A-level.
Our Year 9 Music course is delivered in one lesson per week and is weighted towards practical work and thus, we include elements of experimentation and improvisation. We vary the course from year to year and at present is structured as follows:
Term 1
Exploring the element of RHYTHM through games, rhythm names and the use of the African Djembe drums. Composition work is developed, performances recorded and the role of music in African culture is touched upon. General listening is also included.
Term 2
Creative music workshops explore mood and character through the elements of music. Class improvisation; creation of pieces and the development of listening and appraising skills.
Term 3
Music and the Media, Music for Film, Virtual Gamelan. Exploring the relationship between music and advertising, Analysis of film music through the study of at least two genres.
GCSE MUSIC
The fundamental elements of the syllabus are:
1. Coursework Composing – 25% of total marks
One composition, which is based on Area of Study : Music for Special Events:
- The submission can be by either recording, wherever possible, with score, or recording with detailed annotation;
- Internally-assessed and moderated by the board.
- One solo and one ensemble performance
- One composition, based on a set assignment, arising from one of four of the Areas of Study (excluding Music for Special Events). The composition can be submitted as a score and/or annotation, but must also be accompanied by a recorded realisation and an evaluation.
- A listening and written paper of 1 hour 15 minutes
A-Level Music
In common with other subjects, the A-level syllabus is currently under review but for those students wishing to progress to degree level qualifications in music, this course offers ideal opportunities. For those who want to complete the AS course, the experience of interacting with music from a wide range of time and place, through the Areas of Study, will provide them with a broad and satisfying musical experience with valuable new insights. Others may wish to study both AS and A2 but without proceeding further.
The aims of the AS-level Music course are:
- encourage students to extend the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to communicate through music and take part in music making;
- encourage students to engage in, and extend their appreciation of, the diverse and dynamic heritage of music, promoting spiritual and cultural development;
- encourage students to develop particular strengths and interests, encouraging lifelong learning and providing access to music-related careers;
- provide a worthwhile, satisfying and complete course of study, which broadens experience, develops imagination, fosters creativity and promotes personal and social development;
The full A-level then seeks’¦
- to extend the knowledge, skills and understanding developed in the AS and provide a basis for further study.
Students develop aural perception skills and the ability to make expressive use of musical elements, structures and resources through:
- interpreting musical ideas (eg presenting performances, performing with others, realizing own compositions, directing ensembles)
- creating and developing musical ideas using innovative and/or established musical technique (eg improvising, arranging, composing)
- making critical judgements about the use of musical elements, structures and resources by analysing, evaluating, and reflecting on, their own and others’ work (eg refining own performances and compositions, reviewing written/published, live and recorded music, comparing different interpretations)
Students are required to:
- gain a depth of understanding of two contrasting Areas of Study across time and/or place at east one of which should be taken from the Western classical tradition
- gain a breadth of understanding by being able to place the selected Areas of Study within a broader musical perspective.