See our Music Curriculum below at Bentley Wood for KS3, KS4 and KS5
Course Aims:
Key stage 3 Music aims to build creativity in every student to enable them to become a composer and performer. During year 7 and 8 student will be introduced to subject specific language and critical analysis and evaluation of Music. We aim to help each student develop a passion for Music and build the skills necessary for academic success at GCSE and beyond.
Course Content:
Trips and visits:
The opportunity to see a London musical and visit Harrow Young Musicians.
Instrumental lessons available in: Violin; viola; cello; double bass; flute; clarinet; acoustic guitar; electric guitar; bass guitar; voice and drum kit.
Key Stage 4 & 5 / Career Progression:
All students have the opportunity to take part in various school productions and musicals throughout Key Stage 3, 4 and 5. Students build essentially skills and knowledge of music in year 7 and 8, those students that wish to continue to study Music academically can do so at GCSE. We also offer Music courses at A Level through the collegiate.
Recommended Reading:
GCSE Music
Examining Board: AQA
For the first term year nine students develop their composition, listening and performing skills in order to start the course in the Spring term
Aim of Course
Content: GCSE work is based on the four elements of listening, appraising, performing and composing. These are based around the five Areas of Study which are studied through various styles of music. The five Areas of Study are:
The styles studied are
Method of Assessment*:
Understanding music: 40%
The listening component is assessed by a written examination which lasts for one hour. The examination focuses on the five areas of study and involves answering questions about recorded excerpts of music. Students learn to use technical vocabulary to describe the structural and expressive aspects of music. Students study a piece from the Western Classical Tradition from 1650-1910 and a piece from Popular music set by the exam board. There is a 30-minute paper with questions about these set works which students have to answer under exam conditions.
Composing: 30%
Each student chooses at least two areas of study and compose through one of the three strands. This is written in class time. This is submitted as a musical score using our music programme Sibelius. Each student music compose two pieces, one free composition and one from a set brief by the exam board.
Performing: 30%
Each student must record a solo and an ensemble performance. These performances may be on any instrument or voice and can be recorded in the final year of the course. Students will be expected to participate in at least one musical ensemble during a lunch time or after school. The total of the music performed must be at least four minutes
Method of Assessment Written examination: 40% Coursework: 60%
Enrichment
Revision Guides
CGP GCSE Music Complete Revision & Practice with Audio CD
Is Music the subject for you?
Yes if you love performing music then this course is just for you! Yes, if you wish to study music or any other subject at a higher level or are looking to take up careers for which a music background is relevant. For example, performance and communication skills, teamwork, and personal vocal/instrumental technique development support some of the skills learners need to progress to higher education, employment, self-employment or training. Courses it could lead to, a degree in Performing Arts, in Music Industry Management and in Music Business and Arts Management. The skills developed within this subject are highly transferable and will tell future Universities and employers that you are a creative thinker and a versatile worker.
Course content
The programme covers broad basis of study for the music sector with a focus on performance, personal instrumental technique development, music theory and professional practice. Learners taking this qualification will study three mandatory units: Music Performance Brief, Music Composition Brief, Professional Practice in the Music Industry. Learners choose one optional unit to support their choices in progression to music courses in higher education, and to link with relevant occupational areas. Optional units cover content areas such as: Arranging Music, Composing Music, Music Promotion and Solo Performance.
Methods of study
How will it be examined?
Two external and two internally assessed units (all the units are practically based) in the final year of study.
Career opportunities