Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. Music is all around us. It is the soundtrack to our lives. Music connects us through people and places in our ever-changing world. It is creative, collaborative, celebratory and challenging. In our schools, music can bring communities together through the shared endeavour of whole-school singing, ensemble playing, experimenting with the creative process and, through the love of listening to friends and fellow pupils, performing. The sheer joy of music making can feed the soul of a school community, enriching each student while strengthening the shared bonds of support and trust which make a great school.
Outside the classroom
Music at Harlington Upper School is a vibrant affair! Students are encouraged not only to participate in, but also lead the many extra curricular music opportunities that are offered to them. Current music groups include Choir, Guitar group, Percussion group, Orchestra, Jazz, String, Wind and Brass ensembles and Harlington Jams. It expected that, as part of GCSE/BTEC/RSL/A Level music courses, students attend at least one activity associated with their instrument/s and Harlington Choir on a weekly basis and participate in the main school concerts.
Students have the opportunity to take part in various music trips, including orchestral concerts, operas and shows. School concerts, band nights and lunch time gigs, are a regular feature of the school calendar and the whole school musical provides another opportunity for students to perform.
We have an excellent, dedicated and highly motivated team of visiting instrumental and vocal teachers (VMT’s) who prepare their students to achieve in the external instrumental/vocal exams as well as support them towards their KS4 and 5 exams whilst also playing a full part in the Music Department’s Tours to Europe.
Year 9
The course will provide an opportunity for students to develop their performance skills in a variety of musical styles. It is particularly appropriate for students who wish to pursue music at Key Stage 4 and beyond.
All students are taught basic keyboard and vocal skills and existing musicians are encouraged to use their instruments in lessons. Students will also be given the opportunity to compose their own music and learn about the fundamental aspects of music through listening and appraising.
Students work individually, in pairs and in larger groups, depending on tasks set. To complement the music curriculum we offer instrumental and vocal lessons as well as many extra-curricular activities.
Year 10 and 11
| Course | GCSE Music |
| Exam Board/Syllabus | Edexcel Syllabus 1MUO |
| Grade Equivalences | 9 to 1 |
| Assessment Route | Written paper (Listening) (40%) Performance as a soloist and as a member of a group (30%) Composition (30%) |
The GCSE Music course provides skills for students to pursue further study in three key areas of performance, composition and analysis. The qualification requires students to demonstrate theoretical music knowledge through the studying of set works, perform effectively on an instrument/voice, ideally to a Grade 4 standard, and to compose two contrasting pieces.
Performing
This component is internally assessed and externally moderated. Students will be assessed on a solo performance, for a minimum of one minute, and an ensemble performance, again for a minimum of one minute. Together, the performances must total a minimum of 4 minutes.
Composing
This component is internally assessed and externally moderated. Students will be assessed on two compositions. One composition will be to a set brief, minimum of one minute, and the other will be a free composition, again for a minimum of one minute. Together the compositions must total a minimum of 3 minutes.
Appraising
This component is assessed by written exam and will cover four genres of music:
- Instrumental Music 1700 – 1820
- Vocal Music
- Music for Stage and Screen
- Fusions
| Course | BTEC Tech Award Music Practice |
| Exam Board/Syllabus | Pearson/Edexcel |
| Grade Equivalences | Level 1/2 Pass, Merit, Distinction and Distinction* |
| Assessment Route | 60% Non-Examined Assessment 40% Responding to a Music Brief (Component 3 Paper) Live Music Performance, Composition & Music Production |
The Level 1/2 BTEC Music Practitioners course provides skills for students to pursue further study in performance, studio production and composition. The qualification requires students to demonstrate theoretical music knowledge, performance on an instrument/voice, develop skills, as well as music technology skills.
The course consists of three Components
Component 1: Exploring Music Products and Styles
This unit is internally assessed.
- Learners will explore the techniques used in the creation of different musical products and investigate the key features of different musical styles.
Component 2: Music Skills Development
This unit is externally assessed.
- Learners will have the opportunity to develop two musical disciplines through engagement in practical tasks, while documenting their progress and planning for further improvement.
Component 3: Responding to a Music Brief
This unit is internally assessed.
- Learners will be given the opportunity to develop andpresent music in response to a given music brief.
Super Curricular Activities
Be ambitious: Engage with the Super Curriculum
Year 9 Music Super Curriculum here
Key Stage 4 Music Super Curriculum here
Admissions
Ethos & Aims
