Building on a tradition of musical excellence, Music is dynamic department which encourages students to explore their creative potential through the study of performance, composition, listening and a wide range of musical eras and styles.
Our broad curriculum and extensive enrichment programme aims to challenge students of all abilities in order to nurture students’ talents through a robust musical education and engaging musical experiences.
Staff
| Mrs Hannah Wallis-Windle Director of Music music@minsterschool.org.uk |
| Ms Marie-Helene Bilodeau Assistant Curriculum Team Leader for Music |
Curriculum
You can download a copy of the Geography Learning Journey for the Minster school below.
KS3
In Year 7, 8 and 9 students attend 2 lessons of Music per fortnight. These lessons take a practical approach to the study of Music, exploring vocal, instrumental, performance, listening and composition skills through topics including Band Skills, Film Music, Form & Structure, Blues and Songwriting
KS4
At GCSE level, students attend 4-5 lessons per fortnight and study the Edexcel specification for GCSE Music. In KS4 we offer both GCSE Music and NCFE Music Technology.
GCSE Music
Board/Specification
Edexcel
Assessed Components
| Students prepare a solo and an ensemble performance on their instrument(s) including voice. Students perform for a combined total time of four minutes | Performing 30% |
| Students compose two pieces of music. One is a free composition, the other is to an exam board brief. Both compositions must total a minimum of three minutes. | Composing 30% |
| Students sit a listening exam based on the study of eight set works from a broad range of musical styles. Included in the exam is an extended written response. | Appraising 40 |
NCFE Level 2 Technical Award in Music Technology
Board/Specification
NCFE
Content
Students learn how to use Logic Pro X and recording equipment in order to create, record edit, manipulate and produce sound. Studied units cover ‘Using a Digital Audio Workstation’, ‘Creating Music’, ‘Studio Recording’, Sound Creation’
Assessed Components
| Students provide a portfolio of their work compiled from the units above | Portfolio 50% |
| Students complete an external written exam which includes a listening task assessing underpinning knowledge and skills drawn from the units above | Written Exam 15% |
| Students apply the practical skills of music production learnt in the units above through an external music production exam | Practical Exam 35% |