Music
Subject Information
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Music is a unique form of communication that can change the way students feel, think and act. It can develop students’ competence as learners and increase their self-esteem and emotional development.
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At ST.Patrick’s we aim to widen the experience of music as an aesthetic, social, practical and enjoyable discipline for all the students. We aim to make music as inclusive as possible providing activities for all kinds of musicians – Classical, pop, traditional, DJs or music technologists.
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The music department offers a wide range of UNITS across Key Stage 3, giving students the opportunity to develop playing skills, performing skills and an appreciation of music. In Key Stage 4 pupils get the chance to study Sound Production in Occupation Studies and GCSE music with the exam boards EDEXCEL and CCEA. We have a great tradition in music of a number of our musicians going on and making a career out of it.
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We use Music Technology throughout the music lessons. This includes music software – Garageband and Sibelius. We have recently received funding for a new recording studio which will help with our over all development of Music.
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Curriculum Information
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Key Stage 3
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At KS3, Students will be able to;
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Improvise, compose and perform music in a range of styles
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Explore and combine the elements of music-pitch, rhythm, dynamics, timbre, texture, to create structure and style when improvising and composing.
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Perform individually and in groups, and discuss and decide on points of interpretation in the music
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Use existing and emerging music technology resources when composing and performing
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Listen to and appraise their own music and that of others
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Listen to a wide range of music from different styles and genres and respond critically to what they hear
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Explore how the skills they learn through music-making are relevant to their present and future lives;
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Develop awareness of the range of employment opportunities in the music and music-related industries
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Key Stage 4 (GCSE)
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Component 1: Performance
Non-examined assessment: internally marked and externally moderated 30% of the qualification 60 marks
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Content overview
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Solo performing
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Ensemble performing
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Approaches to performing
Assessment overview
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Students perform for at least four minutes’ combined duration
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Solo performance: this must be of at least one minute in duration, and may comprise one or more pieces
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Ensemble performance: this must be of at least one minute in duration, and may comprise one or more pieces
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Each performance will be out of 30 marks.
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Internally marked and externally moderated.
Component 2: Composition
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Non-examined assessment: internally marked and externally moderated 30% of the qualification 60 marks
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Content overview
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Developing musical ideas
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Compositional techniques and strategies
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Ensuring technical control and coherence
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Methods of notating composition scores
Assessment overview
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Students compose two compositions, of at least three minutes’ combined duration
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One composition to a brief set by Pearson, of at least one minute in duration.
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One free composition set by the student, of at least one minute in duration.
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Each composition will be out of 30 marks.
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Internally marked and externally moderated.
Component 3: LISTENING AND APPRAISING
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Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes 40% of the qualification 80 marks
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Content overview
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Musical elements, musical contexts and musical language. Areas of study:
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Instrumental Music 1700–1820
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Vocal Music
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Music for Stage and Screen
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Fusions
Assessment overview
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The paper is made up of two sections and is out of a total of 80 marks.
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Section A – Areas of study, dictation, and unfamiliar pieces (68 marks)
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Six questions related to six of the eight set works.
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One short melody/rhythm completion exercise.
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One question on an unfamiliar piece (skeleton score provided) with questions on its musical elements, musical contexts and musical language.
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Section B – Extended response comparison between a set work and one unfamiliar piece (12 marks)
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One question that asks students to compare and/or evaluate the musical elements, musical contexts and musical language of one set work with one unfamiliar piece of music.
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A CD with the music extracts will be played to all students at the same time and will repeat the extracts a set number of times.
Extra-Curricular
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There are a number of Music related extra-curricular activities available at St.Patrick’s.
Over the past 3 years, we have been working hard to build the school choir and we now have a total of 52 members. We have recently established a traditional group within school and these pupils are given the chance to play at local events in school and in the community throughout the year.
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We have introduced traditional music tuition to all YR.8 pupils, starting each year with tutor Sean Donnelly.
Music technology / DJ workshops are available after school throughout the year and are delivered by Josh McCann. We aim to build on all of our activities and give all our pupils, who are interested in music, the best chance available.
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Careers
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Music Tutor
Music Producer
Music Teacher
Musician
Sound Producer
Music Publicist
Manager
Events Coordinator
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Useful Links
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