Music
The Music Department has its own building with music teaching room, 4 practice rooms and 2 practice areas. All rooms are equipped with piano, drums, amplifiers and guitars. The Music Technology suite located in a neighbouring building has 17 computers running Pro-Tools and Sibelius and is also a fully equipped music teaching room. The Music Department is very much involved in the life of the school, providing music for assemblies, liturgical services, concerts, school shows, primary taster days, presentation evenings and sports day. The department also provides music for the wider community ranging from Carols at Christmas in a local care home to recitals in St. Michael’s Church.
Curriculum Map
The link below allows you to see when topics may be covered; this is a guide for information only and has the potential to change as the year progresses.
Key Stage 3
Students in Key Stage 3 receive one hour of music per week.
Year 7
Students in Year 7 follow schemes of work which are based around the following units: Keyboard Skills, Elements of Music, Learning how to read music notation, Winter, Animals, Folk Music and Theme and Variation. Each unit incorporates performing tasks, composition tasks and listening and appraising exercises
Year 8
Students in Year 8 follow schemes of work which are based around the following units: The Blues, The Sea, Mystery and Imagination, Reggae Music and World Percussion. Each unit incorporates performing tasks, composition tasks and listening and appraising exercises.
Year 9
Students in Year 9 follow schemes of work which are based around the following units: Musical Futures, Film Music and Song-Writing. Each unit incorporates performing tasks, composition tasks and listening and appraising exercises.
Key Stage 4
Students in Key Stage 4 receive 5 hours of music per fortnight.
GCSE MUSIC
Qualification Accreditation Number: 601/8131
Summary of Assessment
Component 1: Performing
• Total duration of performances: 4-6 minutes.
• Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated.
• 30% of qualification.
A minimum of two pieces, one of which must be an ensemble performance of at least one minute duration. The other piece(s) may be either solo and/or ensemble. One of the pieces performed must link to an area of study of the learner’s choice.
Component 2: Composing
• Total duration of compositions: 3-6 minutes.
• Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated.
• 30% of qualification.
Two compositions, one of which must be in response to a brief set by WJEC. Learners will choose one brief from a choice of four, each one linked to a different area of study. The briefs will be released during the first week of September in the academic year in which the assessment is to be taken. The second composition is a free composition for which learners set their own brief.
Component 3: Appraising
Written examination: 1 hour 15 minutes.
40% of qualification.
This component is assessed via a listening examination. Eight questions in total, two on each of the four areas of study.
• Area of study 1: Musical Forms and Devices
• Area of study 2: Music for Ensemble
• Area of study 3: Film Music
• Area of study 4: Popular Music
Two of the eight questions are based on extracts set by WJEC.
Key Stage 5
Students in Key Stage 5 receive 9 hours of music per fortnight.
A LEVEL MUSIC
Qualification Accreditation Number: 601/8147/3
Summary of Assessment
Component 1: Performing
Total duration of performances: 6-8 minutes
30% of qualification
Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by a visiting examiner.
A performance consisting of a minimum of two pieces either as a soloist or as part of an ensemble or a combination of both.
One piece must reflect the musical characteristics of one area of study.
Component 2: Composing
Total duration of compositions: 4½-7 minutes
30% of qualification
Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by WJEC
Two compositions one of which must reflect the musical techniques and conventions associated with the Western Classical Tradition and be in response to a brief set by WJEC.
Learners will have a choice of four briefs released during the first week of September in the academic year in which the assessment is to be taken.
The second composition is a free composition.
Component 3: Appraising
Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
40% of qualification
Two areas of study: Area of study A: The Western Classical Tradition (The Development of the Symphony 1750-1830) including a choice of one set work from: Either: Symphony No. 104 in D major, 'London', movements 1 and 2: Haydn Or: Symphony No. 4 in A major, 'Italian', movements 1 and 2: Mendelssohn A choice of one area of study from: Area of study B: Rock and Pop Area of study C: Musical Theatre Area of study D: Jazz
1. Set work analysis with a score
2. Extended responses on wider context
3. Unprepared extracts of music with and without a score
4. Comparison questions
This component includes a listening examination.
N.B - For A Level Music the minimum GCSE grade required is a 5 with instrumental competence of minimum Grade 5/6 ABRSM or equivalent on a chosen instrument.
Instrumental Lessons at St Mary’s
We have a team of dedicated peripatetic teachers employed through Hertfordshire Music Service. To start instrumental lessons at St Mary’s, you need to click on the link below - https://www.hertsmusicservice.org.uk/music-lessons-in-hertfordshire/music-lessons.aspx Please contact www.hertsdirect.org on 0300 123 4048 for information about financial assistance with lessons if receiving income support. We also run a full programme of music extra-curricular groups, which are open to all, see below.
Hertfordshire Music Service
Start your musical journey with instrumental music lessons with our school's music provider, Hertfordshire Music Service. Sign up today for music lessons in schools and music centres across Hertfordshire. HMS tutors will be teaching face to face or online and every effort has been taken to ensure both tutors and pupils are kept safe in line with guidance.
Instrumental lessons are available on Voice, Piano, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Drums, Percussion, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Oboe, Bassoon, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, French Horn, Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass. If we don’t have a teacher for your particular instrument, we will endeavour to obtain one. Instrumental tuition is offered to GCSE and A Level students in school at a subsidised rate. Lesson times are arranged on a rotational basis in order to minimise disruption to other learning. It is the responsibility of the pupil to make a note of the date and time of their instrument lesson and to arrive in good time with their music and instrument.
Any queries regarding instrumental lessons please email: Miss Matthews, Head of Music via info@stmarys.net
