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 have 1 hour of music per week and complete all of the units but rotated to ensure students have access to appropriate facilities.
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Welcome to Music – Introduction | Shotgun – Ukulele Project | Samba!!! The music of Brazil | Charlie & the Chocolate Factory – DAW | Lean on Me – Piano Project | Welcome to Africa! African Drumming |
| 8 | War of the Worlds – Film music | Vocal Project | Samba!!! The music of Brazil | Keyboard Project | Three Little Birds – Reggae project | Welcome to Africa! African Drumming |
| 9 | Monsters Inc – Film Music | Ode to Joy – Piano project | Samba!!! The music of Brazil | Blues – Keyboard project | Never Gonna Give You Up – Song production | Welcome to Africa! African Drumming |
| 10 BTEC | Component 1 – Musical Styles | Component 1 – Performance and Composition | Component 1 – PSA | Component 1 – PSA | Component 2 – Create 2 musical products | Component 2 – Create 2 musical products |
| 10 GCSE – 2024-25 is the first year of delivery | Introduction to Music GCSE | Area of Study 3 – Film Music | Area of Study 1 – Musical Forms and Devices | Area of Study 4 – Popular Music | Area of Study 2 – Music for Ensemble | Mock prep and exam |
| 11 BTEC | Component 2 – Internal PSA | Component 2 – Internal PSA | Component 3 – External PSA | Component 3 – External PSA | ||
| 12 | Internal Unit – Improving Instrumental Skills | Internal Unit – Improving Instrumental Skills | Careers in Music | Gold Arts Award | Internal Unit – Planning a Live Music Event | Internal Unit – Planning a Live Music Event |
| 13 | Auditioning for Music | Skills Development | External Unit – Rehearsal skills and live Performance | External Unit – Rehearsal skills and live Performance |
KS4 COURSE
WHAT IS THE COURSE ABOUT?
The BTEC Tech Award in Music Practice builds perfectly upon the skills and knowledge you have learnt in Years 7 to 9, allowing you to develop your skills in performing, composing, reviewing & evaluating and music technology even further. The course is specifically designed to reflect the variety of skills and knowledge required to succeed in today’s music industry.
Whilst studying the course, you will complete three components, as listed below:
Component 1: Exploring Music Products and Styles
Component 2: Music Skills Development
Component 3: Responding to a Music Brief
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 100% coursework based so there are no written exams, but rather practical coursework with written elements. All assessments are carried out under controlled conditions.
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.
