Curriculum Vision

Our music curriculum aims to provide all students with a high-quality music education which engages and inspires them to develop a life-long love of music, increases their self-confidence, creativity, and imagination, and provides opportunities for self-expression and a sense of personal achievement. Modelled on the National Curriculum, we offer opportunities for students to develop their talents in all aspects of music including performing, composing, listening and appraising.

 

Our Vision:

➢ That students will develop an ability to listen to and appreciate a wide variety of music, including different styles, periods, and cultures.

➢ That students will use opportunities to explore and express ideas and feelings about music, in a variety of ways.

➢ To actively encourage involvement in creating and developing musical ideas using voice and instruments.

➢ To nurture a sense of group identity and togetherness through composing, rehearsing and performing music in collaboration with others to an audience.

➢ To help students develop self-discipline and creativity, aesthetic sensitivity and fulfilment through music.

➢ To develop students’ awareness and understanding of music from a variety of styles, periods and cultures.

➢ To enable all students to access to and develop an enjoyment of music which will sustain throughout their lives.

Curriculum Journey

Click image to link to subject curriculum journey.

Options Information

Qualification Name:  Music Tech Award in Music Practice

Exam Board: Pearson Edexcel

Type:  Btec (GCSE Level)

Level:   Level 1 / 2

GLH:  120

 

Overview

What is it about?

The Award gives learners the opportunity to develop sector-specific knowledge and skills in a practical learning environment.  The main focus is on four areas of equal importance, which cover the:

  • Development of key skills that prover learners’ aptitude in music such as responding to a musical brief using musical skills and techniques
  • Processes that underpin effective ways of working in the music industry, such as the development of musical ideas, and using skills and techniques for rehearsal and performance to respond to a music industry brief
  • Attitudes that are considered most important in the music industry, including personal management and communication
  • Knowledge that underpins effective use of skills, process and attitudes in the sector such as musical skills and styles

Course Content Outline

You will be required to complete and achieve the following components:

Component Number Component Title GLH Level How assessed
1 Exploring Music Products and Styles 36 1/2 Internal
2 Music Skills Development 36 1/2 Internal
3 Responding to a Commercial Music Brief 48 1/2 External

 

Typical Lesson / Homework Activities

You will need to develop musical skills in order to help you produce your composition and performance coursework. Music is considered one of the most employable subjects because of the range of skills covered, including self-management, communication and presentation, which are vital to any future course of study.

Music is both a highly academic and highly creative subject. It is recommended that you take formal instrumental lessons with a qualified teacher on your instrument or voice. You should be passionate about learning an instrument or singing, and open to writing your own music and performing in front of others.

 

Success Criteria

The course has two internally assessed components and one that is externally assessed.

The BTEC Level 2 Award has the same value as a GCSE. The grading is Distinction*, Distinction, Merit, Pass.  This is equivalent is GCSE grade 8/9 for Distinction*, GCSE grade 7 for Distinction, GCSE grade 5/6 for Merit, GCSE grade 4 for Pass.

Staff

Mrs R Hopson, Head of Department for Music

Mr D Robinson, Teacher of Music

 

Succession Paths Post 16

 

A Level Music or BTEC Level 3 in Music Production

The BTEC Tech Award is an introduction to vocational learning. The qualification gives learners the opportunity to build skills that show an aptitude for further learning, both in the sector and more widely. The approach to BTEC Tech Award is based on well-established BTEC assessment approaches that are proven to be successful in building skills and motivating learners to engage fully with challenging study. There is no limit to progression options as the skills acquired are applicable to a range of post-16 study options.

There is a vast spectrum of careers within the music industry but a snapshot includes; performer, composer/songwriter, record producer, manager, music therapist, music journalist/blogger, live sound technician, promoter, concert manager, studio manager, radio presenter, music teacher, instrumental technician etc.

 

 

 

Exam Specification