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> Departments > Music

​Aims

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The fundamental aim of the music curriculum is to develop pupils’ musical ability. All pupils are potentially musical and should be provided with learning experiences which develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in making and responding to music through active engagement in the core musical activities of composing, performing and listening.

Staff

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Mrs Sharon Byrne - Head of Music

The music curriculum aims to empower pupils to achieve their potential and to make informed and responsible choices and decisions throughout their lives. It is about helping all pupils prepare for life and work.

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1. As individuals by

  • giving pupils opportunities to create personal meaning through composing, performing and listening activities;

  • enabling pupils to express their own feelings through music;

  • building an appreciation of the diverse musical tastes of others;

  • encouraging pupils to explore and experiment creatively in a variety of situations.

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2. As contributors to society by

  • developing the skills central to understanding and responding to music;

  • developing pupil’s awareness of how music influences behaviour;

  • developing an understanding of music from different periods, styles and cultural traditions that are different from their own;

  • developing an understanding of the power of music in evoking mood and atmosphere

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3. As contributors to the economy and the environment by

  • developing pupil’s ability to be discriminating consumers of music as a result of their own experiences in making and responding to music;

  • developing pupil’s awareness and understanding of the skills required to be successful within the music industry ( and how those skills and qualities are also highly valued throughout the world in all types of employment).

Tuition

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Instrumental Tuition is supported by the EA Music Service (SELB)

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Brass - Mrs Naoimh Mathers

Woodwind - Mrs Pauline McCourt

Woodwind - Mr Jarlath Mulholland

Upper Strings - Mrs Ann Speed

Lower Strings - Mrs Martina Masterson

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Instrumental Tuition provided by private tutors

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Upper Strings - Mrs Ann Grant

Guitar - Mr Mickey Murphy & Mr Keith Doran

Drum Kit - Mr Stefan Downey

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The Music Department provides opportunities for pupils to study a wide variety of instruments and musical styles. Many opportunities exist for music making – Choir, Wind Bands, String Bands, Irish Traditional group and take part in the many musical events throughout the year. Visiting tutors offer lessons on a variety of instruments. 

Pupils work towards external Practical and Theory examinations and those pupils that play instruments are allocated to the variety of ensembles. 


The Department provides music for school Masses, Carol Singing, School Concerts, and encourages pupils to take part in external music competitions. Pupils also take part in a wide range of activities outside of school; Carol Singing, charity work and fund raising.

KS3

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The fundamental aim of the music curriculum is to develop the pupil’s musical ability. All pupils are potentially musical, and pupils will have the experience of making and responding to music. Pupils will be encouraged to develop their musicianship and self-confidence through a wide range of individual and group music making activities. They will develop their composing, performing and listening skills and have opportunities to express, through the music they compose and perform. The will develop their ideas and feelings about themselves and the world around them. They will be encouraged to listen to unfamiliar music with an open mind.

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All year 8-10 pupils receive two periods of music per week based on the Northern Ireland Programme of Study of Music at key stage 3. Students develop their performance and compositional skills using recorder, keyboard and classroom percussion. Pupils will experience the use of music technology in junior school.

KS4

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Those with a special interest in music can choose to study GCSE music.  We follow the NICCEA GCSE Music course which has been designed to build upon the knowledge, understanding and skills developed at key stage 3. It incorporates the fundamental musical activities of composing, performing and listening through the teaching and learning in the three areas of study of the two year period.

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1 - Repeated Patterns in Music - Compulsory

2 - Vocal Music - Optional

3 - Musical Traditions in Ireland - Optional

4 - Incidental Music - Optional

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The course accommodates the needs and interests of a wide range of music and cultural traditions. This syllabus provides a basis for progression to further study, employment or creative use of leisure time. 

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The GCSE Music Syllabus is made up of three main areas:

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Listening & Appraising (35%)

The candidate is required to answer questions on music related to the three areas of study and set works. The course focuses on specified set works based on the three areas of study. The test consists of two aural perception papers lasting approximately 45 minutes each.

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Composing & Appraising (30%)

The candidate is required to present two compositions with commentaries related to the areas of study.

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Performing and Appraising (35%)

The candidate is required to present one solo and one ensemble performance. These performances must be related to the areas of study. The candidate is also required to discuss the performances with the external examiner.

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