Music
The Music Department
Curriculum Intent
We live in a world of music: sound and rhythm surround us. Music is a powerful universal language and without it, life would feel empty. Music is central to many important occasions, for worship and supports our well-being and mental health. It is an integral part of our school curriculum. At St Edmund Campion, our music teachers aim to inspire a love of learning in music. We provide a curriculum which enables each pupil to reach their full potential, through performing, composing, sequencing, listening and appraising. We empower pupils to explore and develop skills which are transferrable into all aspects of their lives.
Key Stage 3
Our Music curriculum starts with the core belief that every pupil has the potential to make progress with their understanding and appreciation of the universal language of music. We build upon pupils’ key stage 2 knowledge and follow the National Curriculum ensuring pupils develop their musical understanding and build their skills and musical knowledge. We are proud that Music plays a significant role in the Catholic Life of our school, it inspires future generations of musicians and is nurtured in a creative atmosphere.
The music department offers many extra-curricular activities so pupils can always practise and develop skills. We host important musical events throughout the year, including the Christmas Carol Service and Summer Concert. There are regular choir and band rehearsals, along with many opportunities for soloists and ensembles to perform at these events. The school runs school production, which offers keen performers the opportunity to showcase their talents on the big stage.
Key Stage 4
KS4: BTEC Level 2 Tech Award in Music Practice
This course provides the opportunity to develop knowledge and technical skills in a practical learning environment. Pupils will develop key skills, ranging from rehearsing to experimenting with technology, equipment and instruments. They will also develop an understanding of the music industry.
Component 1: Exploring Musical Products and Styles - 30% - September – May Year 1
In this component, pupils will develop an understanding of different types of music products and the techniques used to create them. They will explore how musical elements, technology and other resources are used in the creation, production and performance of music. Pupils will also explore the key features of different styles of music and music theory and apply their knowledge and understanding to developing their own creative work.
Component 2: Music Skills Development – 30% - May – December Year 2
In this component, pupils will participate in workshops and classes where they will develop technical, practical, personal and professional skills and specialise in at least two of the following areas: music performance, creating original music, music production. Throughout their development, they will review their progress and consider how to make improvements. Pupils will also learn how musicians share their work and collaborate with others, and will develop skills as a musician in how to use blogs, YouTube™, Soundcloud™ and other platforms to share work and skills development with others.
Component 3: Responding to a Music Brief – 40% - January – May Year 2
This component will allow pupils to work to their strengths and interests and apply the skills that they have learned throughout the course in a practical way. They will focus on a particular area of the music sector that excites and appeals to them and respond to a music brief as a composer, performer or producer. Pupils will begin by exploring the brief and investigating possible responses and ideas to meet the demands of the brief. Using relevant resources, skills and techniques they will then develop and refine musical material before presenting a final response. Pupils will develop and present an original creation based on a piece from a given list and a style from a choice of four. They will then present this as a solo or group performance, an audio recording or a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) project. Pupils will also consider how their skills and interests make them suitable for the specific music sector opportunity.
Our department benefits from specialist facilities including:
- Two music rooms equipped with a range of instruments including keyboards, drum kits and guitars.
- A specialist iMac suite with 16 high quality Digital Audio Workstations.
- A recording studio and three practice rooms.
KS4: BTEC Level 1/2 Tech Award in Music Practice
Exam Board: Pearson https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-tech-awards/music-practice-2022.coursematerials.html#%2FfilterQuery=Pearson-UK:Category%2FTeaching-and-learning-materials