Music

Curriculum vision

Our vision for Music at Parkhall Integrated College is to give students the skills and knowledge to be able to be lifelong Musicians, with an appreciation for a wide range of music and styles, and to be able to have the space and time to develop their creativity.

Key stage 3

All students study music in key stage 3 through a comprehensive programme of study focused around performance, composing and listening. In each year group, the curriculum focus is below:

Year 8:

Rhythm, Pulse and Percussion
Music Theory
Performance Skills 1 - Percussion

Year 9:

Orchestral instruments and the Elements of Music - comparing a Brass Fanfare
Hooks and Riffs in Pop Music
Performance Skills 2 - Keyboard
Composing with GarageBand – Using and creating Loops

Year 10:

Film Music
Pop Music through the ages - composing using the 12-bar Blues
Careers in the Music Industry
Composing with GarageBand – Music for Film

Key stage 4

Music is offered at key stage 4 at GCSE level. Three key areas are assessed at GCSE level:

Performing and appraising (worth 35%)
Composing (worth 30%)
Listening and appraising (worth 35%)

Each component is linked to the 4 topic areas:

Music Traditions in Ireland
Pop Music, 1980 - present day
Film Music
Western Classical Music, 1650-1910

Extra-curricular

Students are encouraged to extend their abilities by taking part in extra-curricular activities such as the choir, orchestra and forming their own musical ensembles. These meet on a weekly basis after school and take part at all major functions throughout the academic year. Students are given the opportunity to perform at all major functions throughout the academic year and gain further experience by performing to audiences at Massereene Manor, Antrim Adult Centre and the College’s Christmas Community Party.

All students are given the opportunity to receive instrumental tuition at an additional cost. Lessons are provided by peripatetic staff who come into school every week. Students receiving lessons are encouraged to do external exams.

The Music department has strong links with the Ulster Orchestra where students will attend open rehearsals and concerts linked to their curriculum set works. Small groups from the Orchestra perform concerts at school. We recognise the need to view their learning in a professional context.