Music
Vision:
It is the philosophy and intention of the Music Department, to embrace the concept of education through music, and that legitimate and realistic access to the knowledge, skills and understanding of music be made accessible to all children, regardless of background or ability.
The Music Curriculum at Marlwood
KS3 Years 7-9
Our KS3 studies in Music aim to:
- develop performance skills through teamwork
- empower learners with higher order skills through composing, performing and appreciation
- build cultural capital
- grow social and interpersonal skills
- create a platform for free expression through creativity.
Useful Weblinks/additional reading
Spanish music theory and reading website with tutorials, listening tests etc.
Music teaching and learning resources, curricular materials and so on.
BBC bite size - specific learning and revision resources for GCSE music examinations.
Musical suppliers with an exhaustive budget range of pretty much any instrument or accessory you can imagine.
How to support your child
- Discuss what they are doing in Music.
- Encourage them to explore suggested websites.
- Encourage them to join any performing arts clubs on offer at school and take part in concerts and productions.
- Take children to watch any local amateur or professional live performances, concerts or gigs.
- Encourage them to learn an instrument or have singing lessons.
- Listen to a wide range of musical styles and genres at home .
KS4 Curriculum Year10-11
We offer three courses at KS4:
Music - Rockschool Level 2
Certificate in Performance/Technology and Composition
Exam Board: Rockschool
Exam weighting: 100% coursework
Assessment:
The course has no formal written exams and is assessed on 100% coursework. Assessments take the form of videoed performances, recorded compositions or DAW projects, depending on the units taken. Each student will take one core unit which is externally assessed and undertaken in controlled conditions during Year 11 during a four week window.
Content:
- This flexible course is ideal for you if you want to develop specific skills either as a performer, composer or music technologist.
- The course is suited to musicians who enjoy more popular styles, such as drummers, guitarists (acoustic, bass and electric), keyboard players or singers.
- The course also suits non-performing musicians who are interested in either music production/recording or sound reinforcement.
- All students will take two major units (8 credits each and one externally assessed) and a third minor unit (4 credits). Students benefit from using the schools own instruments if needed (including various acoustic and electric guitars, drum kits, keyboards and ukuleles) and also the latest recording equipment, based around Apple Mac systems running Logic Pro software.
Skills:
If you enjoy performing, composing and listening across a wide variety of musical styles, then this would be a good choice for you. It will be very helpful if you have regular instrumental lessons with an experienced teacher for the duration of the course, of which we have the full range here in school. If you are keen on Music production, this is the place to learn so many new skills. Music Production offers you the chance to learn key industry level skills. Lessons will be very practical in nature, building upon skills learnt and working towards the coursework deadlines set by the school and Rockschool.
Enrichment:
All our students have the opportunity to access our amazing Music clubs, concert and production opportunities. We also plan and deliver gigs at various venues, including reaching out to the local community. We attend joint trips with Drama to musicals also.
What are the benefits of studying this course now and for the future?
This is a great choice if you are interested in performing, composing or music technology. It is also beneficial if you choose a career in any other area of the music industry and teaches vital skills in collaboration and independent learning. It benefits us by teaching us presentation skills and confidence in the performance of all kinds. It can also lead to a level 3 certificate in Music and other courses.
Possible Careers: Musician, Media Sound Technician (TV, Film, Theatre), Conductor, Composer, Music Producer
Music GCSE
Exam Board: OCR
Exam weighting: 60% coursework 40% Exam
Assessment:
There are two pieces of coursework:
- An integrated performance and composition component with student choice of instrument – this is completed during the course
- A practical portfolio that includes the board-set composition task and an ensemble performance – this is completed during the course
There is also one exam:
- An examined listening and appraisal component sat at the end of year 11. This is based on the Areas of Study and not set works to provide a musical and accessible examination.
Content:
With an emphasis on musicality and practical music making, this course will enable all pupils to explore Performing, Composing and Appraising. This course particularly suits pupils who have already invested time developing their DAW/instrumental skills and have taken part in extracurricular activities such as private music lessons, or performing in ensembles. Students are encouraged to be creative and to broaden their musical horizons and understanding with five areas of study as they explore musical context, language, performance and composition.
Areas of Study:
- Your instrument
- Conventions of Pop
- Rhythms of the world
- Film Music
- Concerto through time
The specification is designed to appeal to, and cater for, a wide range of interests, instruments, personalities and directions.
Skills:
If you enjoy performing, composing and listening across a wide variety of musical styles, then this would be a good choice for you. It will be very helpful if you have regular instrumental lessons with an experienced teacher for the duration of the course, of which we have the full range here in school. If you are keen on Music production then you can use a DAW as your main instrument for performance tasks. Lessons will be very practical in nature, building upon skills learnt and working towards coursework deadlines.
Enrichment:
All our students have the opportunity to access our amazing Music clubs, concert and production opportunities. We also plan and deliver gigs at various venues, including reaching out to the local community. We attend joint trips with Drama to musicals also.
What are the benefits of studying this course now and for the future?
This is a great choice if you are interested in performing, composing and appraising music. Studying music also develops your ability to work as a team, problem solve, think creatively and is of benefit to your overall well-being. It is also beneficial if you choose a career in any other area of the music industry. GCSE music can lead to A level music, A level music technology, level 3 certificate in Music and other courses.
New for Year 10 Music 2022-24
Pearson BTEC Tech Award is a Level 2/1 Vocational qualification in Music Practice
This course is brand new for 2022 and is designed for students who want to further the skills and knowledge they learned over key stage 3. The course enables students to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding in a variety of realistic vocational contexts and challenges.
Working as performers, composers or producers pupils will learn how to generate and develop ideas, use musical notations, technology and musical instruments to fulfil assignments and respond to briefs. The course offers the opportunity to collaborate with other learners but also to work independently and develop the skills that these real-world scenarios demand of a musician.
Possible Careers: Musician, Media Sound Technician (TV, Film, Theatre), Conductor, Composer, Music Producer
Useful Links and resourcing
OCR GCSE Music textbooks:
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Support for Students and Parents
GCSE Music - OCR - BBC Bitesize
Educake - Homework & quizzes to improve knowledge recall.
Open source music notation software (free download) and a wealth of sheet music for free pdf of xml download. This will be especially useful for GCSE music students to use for composition.