Aims
Our aims are to provide a worthwhile, satisfying and complete course of study that broadens experience,develops imagination, fosters creativity and promotes personal and social development. In particular, it encourages pupils to:
- extend the skills, knowledge and understanding they need to communicate through music and to take part in music-making;
- engage and extend their appreciation of the diverse and dynamic heritage of music, thereby promoting their spiritual and cultural development.
- develop particular strengths and interests, thereby encouraging lifelong learning and providing access to music-related and other careers; and
- recognise the interdependence of musical skills, knowledge and understanding as well as the links between the activities of performing, composing and appraising.
Staff
- Joan Keaveney (Head of Department /Orchestra Director)
- Emma-Jayne Kelly (Primary/Secondary Links/Choir Director)
- Gary Moran-Woodwind tutor
- Nigel Crossan-Woodwind tutor
- Maureen Mc Grenaghan-String tutor
- Naoimh Simpson-String tutor
- Michael Mc Ginty-String tutor
- David Mc Garrigle-Brass tutor
KS3
At KS3, Students will be able to;
- Improvise, compose and perform music in a range of styles
- Explore and combine the elements of music-pitch, rhythm, dynamics, timbre, texture, to create structure and style when improvising and composing.
- Perform individually and in groups, and discuss and decide on points of interpretation in the music
- Use existing and emerging music technology resources when composing and performing
- Listen to and appraise their own music and that of others
- Listen to a wide range of music from different styles and genres and respond critically to what they hear
- Explore how the skills they learn through music-making are relevant to their present and future lives;
- Develop awareness of the range of employment opportunities in the music and music-related industries
GCSE
The GCSE Music course that we offer follows the CCEA specification and is suitable for everybody who enjoys music: listening to music, composing, playing an instrument or using music technology. It encourages students to develop their musical potential by focusing on the three fundamental activities of;
- performing,
- composing and
- listening
Students explore contrasting music from a range of contexts, for example classical, pop, film and traditional Irish music. This deepens their appreciation of the diverse heritage of music. It also promotes their personal, social, intellectual and cultural development. Through the performance element of the course, students develop the skills they need to communicate effectively as musicians. This increases their self-confidence and enhances their presentation, communication and evaluation skills. The opportunity to write their own music lets them be creative.
Progression pathways include further study, for example through the Btec Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Music (Performance) and a career in performance, composing, teaching, music production, sound engineering, or instrument making and repair. Related career areas include arts management and music journalism.
Post 16
As a department we currently offer the BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Music (Performing) which covers the key knowledge and practical skills required in the appropriate vocational sector. This Subsidiary Diploma offers great flexibility and a choice of emphasis through the optional units.
The BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma is equivalent to one GCE A Level and offers an engaging programme for those who are clear about the area of employment that they wish to enter.
The course consists of one
mandatory unit
plus at least one
specialist unit
plus optional units.
Assessment and grading
All units are internally assessed. There are no written examinations in this course.
All assessment for this BTEC qualification is criterion referenced, based on the achievement of specified learning outcomes. Each unit within the qualification has specified assessment and grading criteria which are used for grading purposes.
A summative unit grade can be awarded at pass, merit or distinction.
Examination Performance
Another successful year in the music department with our pupils achieving outstanding results in GCSE and in the Btec Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Music (Performing). Well done to all involved!
GCSE-100%-A-C
BTEC Subsidiary Diploma-100%-A-C