CHRISTOPHER WHITEHEAD
LANGUAGE COLLEGE AND SIXTH FORM
Welcome to the Music Department
Mr A Davies
Teacher of Music
- a.davies@cwlc.email
Mr J Jarvis
- j.jarvis@cwlc.email
As teachers we like to encourage as much practical activity in lessons as possible and in turn give the students a platform to perform. Our slogan in the music department is ‘Practice Makes the Performance’. There are three music concerts a year and we also have a carol concert during the festive period at Worcester Cathedral. We also take part in the annual Sing UK projects and have been lucky enough to be performing at the Albert Hall. All year groups can contribute towards these shows and are encouraged to take part as much as possible. Students are also encouraged to perform at school assemblies, open evenings and lunch-time events. Throughout the week we offer many different opportunities for the students to use our facilities during lunchtimes. The students can use this allocated time to rehearse or attend one of the following extracurricular activities:
Singing and strings – A mixture of string instruments (ukulele, bass, and guitar) with a clear focus to develop the love to sing.
Strings – A classical mixture of cello, violin and viola (classical pieces explored in ensemble scenarios.
Rock Orchestra – A project that encourages the love to rock. Very heavy, dark and melodic.
CWLC Orchestra – All instruments are welcome and all levels of musical ability will be catered for.
We explore many topics in music such as in year 7: music theory, structure and form, film music, African drumming and much more. Y8: Rock and Pop, Reggae, Musical Theatre and the Blues. Y9: Popular song structure, working as musical ensembles and the fusion of different genres of music. All lessons encourage students to improve their performing, composing and appraisal skills. We like all students to bring their own instruments to class (if they have instrumental lessons or you might have an instrument hiding in your attic) and attend one of our music clubs. All classroom practical work is adapted from official music boards (initial stage, preliminary stage, grade 1 to 8). All topics covered in key stage 3 prepare the students for the options available in key stage 4 (BTEC level 2 or GCSE music).
All students that take part in the extracurricular activities/lunchtime rehearsals will have the opportunity to feature in our annual music showcases and concerts. We will be looking at many different genres of music and students can work in large ensembles, smaller groups and as soloists.
KS4
All option students will follow the Music BTEC Level 2 First Award pathway.
COURSE CONTENT
(120 guided-learning-hours (GLH)) qualification. It includes two core units that form the fundamental knowledge and understanding of music principles, followed by a selection of five optional specialist units from which a further two are chosen. Successful completion of this course will give you a single GCSE equivalent in music.
ASSESSMENT
Mandatory Units:
Unit 1: The Music Industry – which provides an overview of the industry, particularly focusing on the shape of the modern industry and covering the emergence of the role of the self-employed producer, performer and promoter. This unit is assessed by completing an external exam.
Unit 2: Managing a Music Product – which covers essential aspects for progression. This unit looks at the development a music product. As well as providing a vehicle for demonstrating skills and learning, it also introduces the role of planning and promotion in the management of a music product. Learners can base their work on a live concert, event, a CD or online product, providing opportunities for both music performers and technologists.
Optional Units:
Learners will then be able to select their optional specialist units from:
Unit 3: Introducing Live Sound – which enables learners to set up, understand and operate the concert PA systems required for most of today’s music performances, thus developing a valuable vocational skill and potential employment opportunity.
Unit 4: Introducing Music Composition – which encourages learners to develop creativity in addressing specific needs and requirements when responding to client briefs – similar to the behaviour required in the professional world of music composition.
Unit 5: Introducing Music Performance – which enables learners to develop their skills as performers for progression to the next stage of their education or training, as well as developing their technique and reflective practice.
Unit 6: Introducing Music Recording – which encourages learners to become familiar with recording technology and techniques that will reinforce their musical practice as well as developing important skills for progression into the professional world.
Unit 7: Introducing Music Sequencing – which enables learners to use ICT for music making, giving them a valuable vocational skill as well as a grounding in a fundamental aspect of music making in the workplace.
For further details, please contact Mr A Davies