The Music Department is led by Miss Stones, who is supported by experienced peripatetic instrument tutors from Blackpool Music Service.
EYFS, KS1 and KS2 Music focuses on developing pupils singing and listening skills, as well as learning to play glockenspiels and recorders. A bigger variety of instrumental lessons are being trialled this year and are proving highly successful. As an all through school we are keen to broaden student’s experiences of music and therefore invite in professional musicians to perform in lessons and assemblies. In November, thirty students from Years 4, 5 and 6 took part in the annual African Drumming Festival performed at the Grand Theatre.
KS3 focuses on developing instrumental skills on keyboards, guitars and glockenspiels. Topics which pupils explore include Baroque, Classical, 21st Century, World and Popular Music. Students have the opportunity to learn strings, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments.
Throughout KS3 and KS4 the Music Department offers a wide variety of extra-curricular activities catering for all abilities and tastes. We have a Choir, Strings group, Guitar group, Samba group and various Rock bands. Performing Arts Showcases regularly feature group and solo performances from students who have peripatetic lesson in school. Unity College supports the Blackpool Music Service's 'First Beat Orchestra' and we encourage students to get involved in all the events they offer.
This Subject as a GCSE Option
Subject - Music
Qualification - GCSE
Number of lessons - 2
What will I study?
Over the three year course you will learn about different types of music from around the world. You will learn how to compose Western Classical Music, Popular Music of the 20th and 21st Century and World Music. With 60% of the course weighted towards composition, we will spend more time composing and learning theory.
You will have one peripatetic lesson per week with an instrumental tutor to prepare you for performing to an audience on your chosen instrument. It is important that you have regular instrumental lessons and practice at home in order to play to a good standard. At the end of the course you will need to perform a solo piece and an ensemble piece.
You will have the opportunity to perform in varies events including Schools Alive, Musicians of the Year, Pop Idol and Unity Academy Productions.
How will I be assessed?
Unit 1: Listening to and Appraising Music
Written Paper – 1 hour – 80 marks – 20%
Unit 2: Composing and Appraising Music
Externally assessed – 40 marks – 20%
Unit 3: Performing Music
Controlled Assessment – 60 marks – 40%
Unit 4: Composing Music
Controlled Assessment – 30 marks – 20%