MUSIC

KS3

At St. Kevin’s we believe that Music is essential to the well-rounded education of all children. Not only is it intellectually satisfying but as an art form it engenders concentration, teamwork, individual confidence and self-discipline.

The aim of the music department is to provide all students with a wide range of practical music making experiences in both curricular and extra-curricular activities. All pupils are encouraged regardless of their ability and there are many opportunities available for involvement both in and out of the classroom. We provide a positive, inclusive environment where all pupils can develop their imagination, self-esteem and teamwork skills.

Why Music?

Through collaborative practical work, the study of music helps to develop lifelong skills such as the ability to:

• Work as part of a team to meet a high pressure deadline

• Have confidence to push your own thoughts forward but be sensitive to others opinions

• Listen and respond to new information whilst under pressure

• Work hard to meet the deadline even though you're tired or sick

• Think on your feet

• Learn new things quickly which you then have to present confidently

• Come up with an original idea and take it all the way to completion

• Persuade people to think or feel a certain way through your presentation or performance

• Delegate roles to other people in your team, taking into account their strengths and weaknesses

• Stand in front of people you don't know and present your work to them confidently

• Focus entirely on the task in hand regardless of distraction

KS3

In years 8, 9 and 10, pupils have a double lesson of music every week. The curriculum has been created to ensure that students perform, listen to, review and evaluate music across a range of historical periods, genres, styles and traditions.

They will learn to sing and to use their voices, to create and compose music on their own and with others, use technology appropriately and have the opportunity to progress to the next level of musical excellence.

They will understand and explore how music is created, produced and communicated using the musical elements of pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture, structure and appropriate musical notations.

Topics covered include: Rhythm and Pulse, Melody and Notation, Minimalism, The Blues, The Musical, Film Music, African Music and Ukulele.

Instrumental Lessons:

Instrumental tuition is provided by a range of EA and private Tutors. Tuition on the following instruments is currently provided at St. Kevin’s College:

• Classical Violin

• Flute

• Clarinet

• Drum Kit

• Irish Traditional

Extra-Curricular Activities and Clubs:

We offer a variety of instrumental and vocal clubs including:

• Choir

• String Ensemble

• Irish Traditional Group

• GCSE Support Group

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KS4

GCSE Music offers opportunities to build on the skills and capabilities developed through the

delivery of the Northern Ireland Curriculum at Key Stage 3.

It includes two externally assessed components and one internally assessed component.

It includes the three fundamental musical activities:

• Performing and Appraising

• Composing

• Listening and Appraising

It promotes knowledge, understanding and appreciation of past and contemporary musical styles, traditions and contexts.

It accommodates the needs and interests of a wide variety of students.

This course enables pupils to progress to further study, for example Advanced Subsidiary (AS) and Advanced level (A level)

Subject Content:

Component 1: Performing and Appraising (35%)

External examination assessed by a visiting examiner.

Students present one solo and one ensemble performance.

The combined duration of the performances should be no longer than 6 minutes.

Students discuss and evaluate performances with the visiting examiner.

Discussion lasts approximately 3 minutes.

Component 2: Composing (30%)

Controlled assessment.

Students create two compositions. One is in response to a pre-release stimulus and one

is free choice.

Teachers mark the tasks, and CCEA moderate the results.

Component 3: Listening and Appraising (35%)

External written examination lasting 1 hour 30 minutes

Students answer questions based on familiar and unfamiliar music relating to the Areas of Study.

Areas of Study:

Western Classical Music 1600 - 1910

Handel: For unto Us a Child is Born from The Messiah

Mozart: Horn Concerto No. 4, 3rd Movement

Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique, 4th Movement

Film Music 

Coates: March from The Dam Busters

Williams: Superman Theme from Superman

Horner: Young Peter from The Amazing Spider-Man

Musical Traditions of Ireland

Beoga: Prelude Polkas: Prelude Polka, Paddy’s Polka No. 2 and Millstream Reel

Stonewall: Fife Medley: Boys of Belfast and The Girl I Left Behind

Popular Music 1980 – Present Day

Eurythmics: Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) 

Ash: Burn Baby Burn

Florence and the Machine: Cosmic Love

Skills Required:

• Students who choose music should have an interest in playing an instrument or singing

• You do not have to have achieved a Grade in an instrument to study GCSE Music however, it would be beneficial for you to be able to play one instrument and have reached Grade 3 standard by the end of Year 12

• All instruments and styles of Music are acceptable – Classical, Irish Traditional, Pop, Rock etc

Remember: Music Lessons are available in school on a range of instruments!

Career Possibilities:

A qualification in Music will develop the necessary skills and attributes required for a range of careers.  Even if you do not pursue a career in music, the transferable skills that you will gain from studying music will provide you with the necessary skills to enter many other areas of work.

Teacher                                    Composer                                            Musician                     

TV/Radio Work                      Marketing and Publicity                     Private Tutor

Music Therapist                      Arts Administrator                              Sound Technician

Event Manager                        Instrument Repair                               Media

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KS5

This specification allows students to further enhance their subject knowledge, understanding and skills developed from Key Stages 1 to 3 and required by GCSE Music.

It incorporates the three fundamental musical activities:

• Listening and appraising

• Composing

• Performing

It promotes knowledge, understanding and appreciation of past and present musical styles, traditions and contexts.

It provides an appropriate body of knowledge, promotes understanding and develops skills as a sound basis for progression to higher education.

It accommodates the needs and interests of a wide variety of students.

Subject Content:

AS 1: Performing (32.5% of AS Level, 13% of A Level)

Externally assessed by visiting examiner

• Solo performance

• Viva voce

AS 2: Composing (32.5% of AS Level, 13% of A Level)

Internally assessed, externally moderated

• A: Composition Task

or

• B: Composition with Technology Task

• Written commentary

AS 3: Responding to Music (35% of AS Level, 14% of A Level)

Two external written examinations

• Test of aural perception (1 hour)

• Written examination (2 hours) 

A2 1: Performing (19.5% of A Level) 

Externally assessed by visiting examiner

• Solo performance

• Viva voce

A2 2: Composing (19.5% of A Level)

Internally assessed, externally moderated

• A: Composition Task

                      Or

• B: Composition with Technology Task

• Written commentary

A2 3: Responding to Music (21% of A Level)

Two external written examinations.

• Test of aural perception (1 hour 15 Mins)

• Written examination (2 hours)

Areas of Study:

AS Level

Music for Orchestra 1700-1900

Sacred Vocal Music (Anthems)

Secular Vocal Music (Musicals)

A2 Level

Music for Orchestra in the 20th Century

Sacred Vocal Music (Mass/Requiem Mass)

Secular Vocal Music 1600 – Present Day

Recommended Subjects/Grades at GCSE:

Students do not need to have reached a particular level of attainment before beginning to study this specification. However, the specification builds on some of the knowledge, understanding and skills developed in GCSE Music. We recommend that students possess some skill in vocal or instrumental performance. They should also have some understanding of basic harmonic progression and staff notation.

Career Possibilities:

A qualification in Music will develop the necessary skills and attributes required for a range of careers.  Even if you do not pursue a career in music, the transferable skills that you will gain from studying music will provide you with the necessary skills to enter many other areas of work.

Teacher                                    Composer                                            Musician                     

TV/Radio Work                      Marketing and Publicity                     Private Tutor

Music Therapist                      Arts Administrator                              Sound Technician

Event Manager                        Instrument Repair                               Media

University Criteria:

Queen’s University Belfast:

Bachelor of Music Degree (BMus)                             BBB (Including A Level Music)

Music Performance Degree (BA)                               ABB (Plus successful audition)

University of Ulster:

Bachelor of Music Degree (BMus)                             BBC (Including A Level Music)