Embedded Files
Welcome to Portlethen Academy Music Department!
The Music Department is a lively place where pupils and staff can come along to take part in classes and activities that enhance their musical abilities. In classes, pupils will learn a range of instruments and develop technical skill throughout the BGE phase. They will also learn a range of musical concepts and practice identifying these through listening to pieces of music. Pupils will learn composition skills, and practice this in a variety of ways to encourage musical creativity. Our extra-curricular activities are an excellent way to contribute to the department and gain confidence in performing. Pupils and staff take part in a Christmas and Summer School Concert every year, and other performing opportunities arise throughout the year.
Our teachers are committed to delivering relevant and educational courses right from S1 through to Advanced Higher. The department consists of Mrs Reid, Mrs Hart and Mrs Duff.
CURRICULUM MAP FOR S1, S2 & S3
Music.xlsxBroad & General Education Courses (S1-S3)
In S1 there is a focus on learning the basic skills of 4 instruments, how to compose a small piece of music collaboratively and how to identify key musical concepts when listening to audio excerpts. This embeds essential skills for progression into S2.
S1 Performing:
- Pupils learn the basics of Ukulele, Keyboard, Tuned Percussion and Drum Kit. Performing assessments take place at the end of each unit.
S1 Composing:
- Pupils work in groups to create a character and must explore sounds to create a leitmotif that represents their character accurately.
S1 Listening:
- Pupils complete listening exercises in which they listen to different musical excerpts and identify key concepts relating to melody, rhythm, timbre and style.
In S2 there is a focus on solo performance in which pupils select two instruments to practice, they complete a music technology composition in groups, and they learn about musical styles in depth. This embeds essential skills and knowledge required for progression into S3.
S2 Performing:
- Pupils extend the skills they have learned in S1 to their solo performing in S2. They have periods dedicated to focusing on the instruments they have chosen, take responsibility for their progression throughout the year, and are occasionally assessed so that feedback and next steps are provided. Pupils also have the opportunity to reflect on their progress.
S2 Composing:
- Pupils create a foley composition that demonstrates their knowledge and understanding of music technology. They must use the audio book provided and create/record sounds that work appropriately. This is recorded once complete and evaluated by the teacher and peers.
S2 Listening:
- Pupils focus on learning the history of Blues and Jazz, Scottish and Pop Music. They learn key musical concepts associated with these genres and complete a listening assessment to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding.
In S3 there is a further on focus solo performing skills on two instruments, developing a deeper understanding of listening concepts and composing with music and lyrics.
S3 Performing:
- Pupils focus on two instruments and dedicate two periods each week to improving their skills. They are required to be focused and ensure they are always prioritising their work.
S3 Composing:
- Pupils work in groups to create a festive themed composition. They work from a range of stimuli and write lyrics that suit the overall theme. Pupils can work with the instruments that they play and explore chord structures, rhythms and different melodies.
S3 Listening:
- Pupils begin to learn National 4 and National 5 concepts relating to Scottish Music, World Music, Vocal Music and Musical Styles and Periods. These are assessed using a similar format to the National 5 exam paper to give pupils the opportunity to become familiar with how the exam is presented. Pupils also complete music literacy books to enhance their knowledge and understanding of music theory.
Senior Phase (S4-S6)
Pupils who progress from studying Music in S3 can be presented at N4 or N5 level depending on their ability in both chosen instruments. Pupils who did not study music in S3 can still choose Music in S4, usually being presented at N4.
National 4
Performing Skills:
· Develop performing skills on two different instruments or one instrument and voice.
· Perform music at grade 2 level or above
· Develop Technical and musical performing skills
Composing Skills:
· Experiment with composition methods and musical concepts in an imaginative way.
· Reflect on creative choices and decisions
· Develop an understanding of how musicians develop their music.
Understanding Music:
· Develop understanding of musical concepts through listening.
· Identify concepts within the music they are listening to.
· Develop an understanding of musical styles, signs, symbols and terms.
Music Performance (Added Value Unit):
· Prepare and perform a programme of music in solo setting or as part of a group.
National 5
- Listening Paper 40 Marks (35% Scaled)
o Must know definitions of concepts (found page 4-8 in the Course Specification National 5 Music).
o Must know how to answer music theory based questions.
o Exam in sat during the exam diet in April/May.
- Performing on two instruments 60 Marks (50% Scaled)
o Must create a programme of music lasting 8-8.30 minutes (equivalent of standard ABRSM/Trinity Grade 3).
o Can be split equally between both instruments, or can be split with one instrument being a minimum of 2 minutes.
o Must play at least two pieces per instrument (drum kit requires 4 styles).
o Exam is sat in Term 3 with a visiting assessor.
- Composing 30 Marks (15% Scaled)
o Composition is 20 marks and must be between 1 minute and 2.30 minutes.
o Composition Review is 10 marks and is a review of the creative process.
o Coursework submission before the April/May exam diet starts.
Higher
- Listening Paper 40 Marks (35% Scaled)
o Must know definitions of concepts (found page 4-9 in the Course Specification Higher Music).
o Must know how to answer music theory based questions.
o Exam in sat during the exam diet in April/May.
- Performing on two instruments 60 Marks (50% Scaled)
o Must create a programme of music lasting 12-13 minutes (equivalent of standard ABRSM/Trinity Grade 4).
o Can be split equally between both instruments, or can be split with one instrument being a minimum of 4 minutes.
o Must play at least two pieces per instrument (drum kit requires 5 styles).
o Exam is sat in Term 3 with a visiting assessor.
- Composing 30 Marks (15% Scaled)
o Composition is 20 marks and must be between 1 minute and 3.30 minutes.
o Composition Review is 10 marks and is a review of the creative process.
o Coursework submission before the April/May exam diet starts.
Advanced Higher
- Listening Paper 40 Marks (35% Scaled)
o Must know definitions of concepts (found page 4-9 in the Course Specification Higher Music).
o Must know how to answer music theory based questions.
o Exam in sat during the exam diet in April/May.
- Performing on two instruments 60 Marks (50% Scaled)
o Must create a programme of music lasting 18-20 minutes (equivalent of standard ABRSM/Trinity Grade 5).
o Can be split equally between both instruments, or can be split with one instrument being a minimum of 6 minutes.
o Must play at least two pieces per instrument (drum kit requires 5 styles).
o Exam is sat in Term 4 with a visiting assessor during the exam diet.
- Composing 20 Marks (15% Scaled)
o Composition is 10 marks and must be between 1 minute and 4.30 minutes.
o Composition Review is 5 marks and is a review of the creative process.
o Analysis of a piece of music is 5 marks.
o Coursework submission before the April/May exam diet starts.
Extra-Curricular & Wider Achievement
There are a number of Extra-Curricular Music Groups on offer in the Department, most of which run at lunchtimes:
· Junior Rock Band – Monday 13:10
· Senior Rock Band – Monday 13:10
· Choir – Monday 13:10
· Concert band – Tuesday 13;10
· Folk Band – Wednesday 13:10
· Ceilidh Band – Thursday 13:10
· Soul Band – Friday 13:10
Pupils should speak to teachers in the Department if interested in taking part in any of these groups or indeed wish to start up their own!
Supported Study Sessions and Revision Websites
In the run up to prelims and exams, set days and times are offered for supported study sessions.
There are a wide variety of revision resources for all levels which can be found on these sites:
My Music online My Music Online – Music Resources for Education
BBC Bitesize National 5 Music - BBC Bitesize
E-Sgoil Home Page | e-Sgoil
Pathways, Wider Skills Development, DYW, & Careers
Higher Education Options:
· NESCOL – Music HND, Music and Sound, Music Production Homepage - North East Scotland College
· Aberdeen University – Music (BMUS), Music Education (BMUS Ed) Music Degree Programmes | Music | The University of Aberdeen
· Napier University (Edinburgh) – BA (Hons) Music Music BA (Hons) | Edinburgh Napier University
· Royal Conservatoire of Scotland – BMUS (Hons) & BMUS Ed, Jazz, Traditional Music Homepage | Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Music Careers - PlanIt Plus - Planit : Career Areas : Performing Arts
Career opportunities include:
· Musician
· Music Teacher
· Sound Engineer
· Music Therapist
· DJ
· Music Promotions Manager
· Music Venue Marketing & Media
Meta Skills: In music pupils can use a broad spectrum of meta skills such as creativity and curiosity during composition, communicating and collaborating when playing together in a group and focus and initiative during such tasks as solo performing.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse