KS3
Music at Key Stage 3
Welcome to Key Stage 3 Music at Cefn Hengoed! Throughout Key Stage 3 you will have the chance to embrace and develop your creative side through exciting Music lessons. During your time studying Music, you will study a wide range of styles of music on the keyboards, vocally and by using any other instrument that you are able to play. In Year 7, you will start by learning about the Elements of Music and how they are used as the building blocks of any piece of music. We also study seasonal music, such as Christmas pieces and Welsh music in readiness for St David’s Day, and African music and Samba music, which require you to perform on large percussion instruments.
In Years 8 & 9, the topics studied are much more keyboard based. Modern music is played and exciting pieces carefully chosen for each topic performance and this is regularly updated to keep in touch with what pupils enjoy.
There is also an opportunity to learn an instrument of your choice at Cefn Hengoed Community School, completely free of charge. Whether it is continuing with your instrument from primary school or taking up a new instrument, there are choices available to you.
We have several extra-curricular activities that you can take part in. Choir is always an extremely popular one and we also have a strong orchestra and keyboard club. These activities take place every week. School productions feature heavily within school life and in the last 10 years the pupils have performed Joseph and His Technicolour Dreamcoat, High School Musical, Schools Will Rock You, Grease and most recently, Hairspray.
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KS4
BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Music (equivalent to 1 GCSE A*- C grade)
BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate in Music (equivalent to 2 GCSE A*- C grades)
Music is essentially a hands-on subject and the BTEC course allows music lessons to be delivered in an entirely practical manner. The vocational emphasis of the course allows pupils to gain an overview of employment opportunities within the music industry and to develop skills in performing, composing and music technology.
Underpinning the course is the development of a broad knowledge of employment opportunities in the music industry and the jobs undertaken by those who work in it. Pupils who would like to take the BTEC in Music have the option to develop their performance skills through playing an instrument or singing in addition to the opportunity to continue to build on and develop keyboard skills from key stage three.
Throughout the course, pupils will develop the skills required by both solo and ensemble musicians, developing technical competence on their individual instruments. Most performing musicians make their living by playing in ensembles; music-making is a social activity, and the ability to work with others is a crucial part of the musician’s portfolio. Therefore, studying Music will develop a range of skills. Alongside the performance strand of the course, pupils will gain an insight into a range of composition techniques. The essence of musical activity is creativity and pupils will have the opportunity to create their own music through the medium of both live instruments and music technology.
It is essential you understand that in choosing Music, part of the end assessment will require you to PERFORM e.g. sing or play a musical instrument. You will not pass the Certificate if you are not prepared to perform. You will also be required to attend extra-curricular activities and school concerts. This is a very important part of the course and it helps develop your performing in time to have your performances for Unit 4: Solo Musical Performance and Unit 6: Working as an Ensemble recorded. It is important you understand this before you decide whether to take this subject.
It is important you understand this before you decide whether to take this subject.
The BTEC syllabus is divided up into units of work and the pupils will be examined on the following 5 units:
Unit 1: Working in the Music Industry
Unit 2: Professional Development in the Music Industry
Unit 4: Solo Musical Performance
Unit 5: Exploring Musical Composition
Unit 6: Working as a Musical Ensemble
These units will be chosen by the teacher and can be changed, depending on the pupils strengths.
What could I do next with BTEC Music?
Following the BTEC Certificate in Music, you could go on to study the BTEC Level 3 or an A Level in Music. You may wish to begin a job where it is useful to have had experience of music or where you will need to use some of the skills developed during the course. These might include careers in fields such as playing in a band, group or orchestra, composing, journalism, sales and marketing, primary teaching and secondary teaching.
