Music

Academic Offer

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Teaching Time

• Key Stage 3 – 1 x 60 mins lessons per week or 2 x 30 mins lessons per week

• GCSE – 3 x 60 mins lessons per week

• A Level – 5 x 60 mins lessons per week

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KS3

At KS3 our aim is to encourage and support students as they actively engage in their study and appreciation of music. Their experience is wide ranging and there are a variety of creative opportunities to compose, perform and listen to music. Music is a practical course that includes singing, playing instruments such as keyboards, guitars, and African drums and provides opportunities to explore software such as Garageband. Our KS3 provision broadens students musical horizons, and aims to develop broader life skills and attributes, including critical and creative thinking, aesthetic sensitivity and emotional and cultural development. (Click for more)

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GCSE

At GCSE students follow the CCEA GCSE Music syllabus. This is an excellent course that allows students to work to their strengths and pursue their own musical interests, while broadening their horizons and exposing them to music from around the world and different historical periods.

Assessment breakdown is as follows:

Component 1: Performing & Appraising (35%)

Component 2: Composing & Appraising (30%)

Component 3: Listening & Appraising (35%) (Click for more)

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A Level

At A level students follow the CCEA A Level Music syllabus. It provides students the opportunity to acquire advanced musical skills, knowledge and understanding through listening and analysis, composing and performing. It encourages students to build on the knowledge and experience gained at GCSE and in their musical activities outside the curriculum. Students will extend their knowledge and understanding of musical language, styles and genres. They will gain a good foundation for studying Music in higher education or for pursuing other careers in the music industry, and will develop a range of personal qualities including self-confidence, communication and team-working skills, and analytical, technological and evaluation skills.

Assessment breakdown is as follows:

AS1 Performing: 32.5%

AS2 Composition: 32.5%

AS3 Responding to Music: 35%

A21 Performing: 32.5%

A22 Composition: 32.5%

A23 Responding to Music: 35% (AS Music) (A2 Music)

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Extra-Curricular Offer

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Our music department offers students the opportunity to work towards grade examinations in a range of instruments. Musicians, however, also contribute hugely to the life of the whole college through performances at many special events, such as our annual Prize Giving Evening and Carol Service. The music department also works alongside the Drama department each year in our School Production.

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