Curriculum
In the Music Department, we believe that Music has the power to transform lives and therefore want a department that fosters a life-long appreciation for Music.
For some, that will mean equipping students with the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in music. For others it will mean equipping students with the skills and knowledge to pursue music as a hobby, but for all it means equipping students with the understanding that music will enrich their existence throughout their life.
Musically, we wish to equip all students with the skills and knowledge to be able to create music that has an emotional impact upon their audience.
curriculum overview
In years 7-9 students complete all of the units but rotated to ensure students have access to appropriate facilities.
Students complete the following projects:
Year 7:
- Welcome to Music
- Shotgun
- Charlie & the Chocolate Factory
Year 8:
- Three Little Birds Reggae
- Keyboard Skills
Year 9:
- Monsters Inc Film Music
- Music through time
KS4 COURSE
WHAT IS THE COURSE ABOUT?
The Eduqas GCSE Music course, teaches theoretical knowledge, whilst developing skills in both performance and composition. Students study four areas and will sit a final exam in the May of year 11.
The four areas of study are:
- AOS1: Musical Forms and Devices
- AOS2: Music for Ensemble
- AOS3: Film Music
- AOS4: Pop Music
The course is assessed both internally and externally.
Component 1 – Performance (30% of the final grade)
This consists of a solo performance and an ensemble performance. Internally marked and verified by the exam board.
Component 2 – Composition (30% of the final grade)
This consists of a free choice composition and a composition, written from a choice of four, issued by the exam board in year 11. These are internally marked and then verified by the exam board.
Component 3 – Appraising (40% of the final grade)
This consists of the exam, which is sat at the end of year 11. It focuses on the four Areas of Study and students will answer questions on eight excerpts of music, two of which we study as part of the course. The other six are all unseen pieces of music. This is externally marked by the exam board.
WHAT CAN MUSIC LEAD TO?
Studying Music can lead to a career in the UK’s vibrant music industry, where there is a variety of job roles, either on stage or behind the scenes.
Crucially, by studying Music students learn key skills that are vital for any career – especially creativity and communication, which are stated time and time again as key traits that employers in every industry are looking for.
There is a wide variety of careers in the UK’s Music Industry, not all to do with performing. These include:
- Music Performer
- Session Musician
- Music Producer
- Studio Engineer
- Sound Technician
- Music Teacher
- Songwriter
- Composer (e.g. Film or Computer Games)
- Music Therapist
- Music Journalist
- Broadcaster
- Promotions/Marketing
- A&R Representative
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
This course is assessed through an exam sat in Year 11, as well as a free choice composition, a solo performance and an ensemble performance.
WHAT SKILLS ARE REQUIRED?
Students picking Music need to have a passion for the subject and a desire to learn more about it.
Students must have basic skills on at least one instrument (including vocals) as well as the willingness to practice daily to improve their skills.
Students must be willing to perform to an audience, and due to the music technology elements of the course, must have good ICT skills. All students must have good standards of literacy.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Shireland Collegiate Academy has a strong relationship with the Sandwell Music & Arts Service and is able to provide instrumental tuition free of charge. Instruments on offer include voice, keyboard, guitar, drums, violin, woodwind and brass.
We have a vibrant extra-curricular music scene including Choirs and Drop-In Music Clubs and present an Annual Music Showcase to show off the talents of our students in the department.
Mrs L Laing
Mrs Laing studied Music at the University of Liverpool. After spending some time in the industry, she gained QTS through the Graduate Teacher Programme and has been teaching ever since. She specialises in singing and piano but can also play the clarinet. Outside of school, Mrs Laing is co-owner and director of TheatreKidz Rowley, a theatre group for children and young adults aged 5-18. She has a multitude of music and performance qualifications and is an Associate of the London College of Music, specialising in Musical Theatre.