Why study Music?
Music education can be an amazing tool for helping children develop. Engaging them creatively. Challenging them intellectually. Building strong relationships with other students and teachers.
Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. A high-quality music education should engage and inspire pupils to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians, and so increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement. As pupils progress, they should develop a critical engagement with music, allowing them to compose, and to listen with discrimination to the best in the musical canon.
Individual and small-group peripatetic Music provision is also offered at The Whitehaven Academy for those wishing to learn to play a specific instrument. Tuition is currently available for Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums, Keyboard, Piano, Violin, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone and Voice.
Key Stage 3
Music at KS3 aims to develop a love for Music as a whole through performance, composition, listening and appraising. The introduction and development of musical skills and the deepening of musical understanding helps develop students’ self-confidence.
Topics are taught in a sequential manner, that helps promote and inspire creativity, whilst consolidating musical skills previously learnt.
Year 7: Developing core skills through a practical exploration of Music.
Starting with the Building Bricks of Music and exploring the elements of music. Developing instrumental skills by learning effective keyboard and ukulele performance techniques.
Year 8: Deepening understanding and awareness of Music skills and techniques. Raising cultural awareness and capitol through the exploration of different styles of music including Reggae, Musical Theatre, Blues and Jazz.
Year 9: Develop a clear understanding of musical processes when composing, along with confidence when performing and listening and appraising. Preparation for RSL Level 2 Certificate in Performance for Music Practitioners or Eduqas GCSE Music.
KS4
GCSE
Key Information about the course
GCSE Music enables you to develop and enhance your knowledge and understanding of music through four interrelated areas of study.
Key areas and skills
Area of Study 1: Musical Forms and Devices
Area of Study 2: Music for Ensemble
Area of Study 3: Film Music
Area of Study 4: Popular Music
The course has three components based on the skills of performing, composing and appraising.
These three skills are developed through the study of each area and serve to highlight the importance of the relationship between composer, performer and audience.
Knowledge and understanding of each area of study is assessed explicitly in Component 3. However, learners are also required to perform and compose music using conventions, styles or idioms linked to at least one area of study. Learners may choose the same or different areas of study for Components 1 and 2. Learners will also have the opportunity to follow their own musical interests in composition and performance.
Preferred entry requirements
This course builds upon skills and knowledge learnt throughout KS3, however the ability to either play an instrument, or to learn how to play an instrument/sing is desirable. A willingness to learn how to use notation software such as Sibelius or Musescore is essential. It is recommended that you take one-to-one instrumental lessons, however, this is not essential as long as you immerse yourself in music both in and out of school. Regular independent practice on the student’s chosen instrument is essential.
Main methods of assessment
Component 1: Performing. Internally assessed, externally moderated. 30% of qualification.
Component 2: Composition. Internally assessed, externally moderated. 30% of qualification.
Component 3: Appraising. Written examination (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes). 40% of qualification.
Possible career pathway
This course can lead on to a study of music and/or music technology at A Level or Level 3 National BTEC or Level 3 Rock School. It is accepted in all colleges and universities as a recognised qualification. There are many career opportunities through the study of music. Some examples are: songwriter, composer (film music composer/orchestral composer), session musician, radio DJ, music teacher (school teacher or instrumental teacher), sound engineer, music promoter.
