The Music Department at Oriel High School is a thriving and dynamic area of the school providing students with a high quality music education alongside an array of extra-curricular activities and performance opportunities. With a team of four dedicated music teachers, each an expert in their own specialist discipline, bespoke education can be provided for each individual student. We can also boast of a vibrant team of peripatetic staff who support all areas of the curriculum.

We have a proven history of high quality provision for GCSE, A-Level and BTEC music students including dedicated concert evenings, workshops and specialist sessions after school. In addition to this we also have a thriving music technology course at key stage 4 and key stage 5 which prepares students for life in the music industry. These students are always involved in the sound and lighting side of all concerts as well as being given ‘real life’ opportunities to develop their skills. As part of our philosophy, we regularly perform and work with our feeder schools.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum

At key stage 3 all classes are taught in mixed ability groups. The curriculum covers an exciting range of units which develops students’ musical understanding, listening and analytical skills, performance skills (both solo and ensemble), compositional skills and their ability to evaluate their own and others work.

Below is the unit overview for all key stage 3 students. (Clink the link below)

Key stage 3 music.pdf

Students are provided with a work booklet for each unit which contains all material and also supports work at home. Students are assessed at the end of each unit where the development of their musical understanding, listening skills, performance skills, compositional skills and their ability to evaluate their own and others work is measured.

Key Stage 4 Curriculum

Music GCSE

Students who opt to take GCSE Music at Key Stage 4 are able to enjoy having five lessons a fortnight. This course is suited for the budding performer and composer aspiring for a future in music. The structure of the course is outlined

1. Listening and Appraising Test (Unit 1) 20%

This is a listening test that lasts for 1 hour and requires you to answer questions that focus on listening skills related to the AOS and not on the specific genres of the strands.

This is then externally assessed.

2. Coursework Composing (Unit 2) 20%

Under 20 hours of supervised time, you will compose one composition that is based on two of the areas of study.

The composition must link to one of the strands of learning which is announced annually by AQA.

You must hand in a recording of your piece with a score.

Under controlled assessment you will have two hours to appraise the whole process and the outcome of your composition.

This is marked by the exam board.

3. Coursework Performing (Unit 3) 40%

You must perform one solo and one ensemble piece (group performance). This can include ‘rapping’, all forms of ‘turntablism’ or a technology based performance that is at least three parts and in step time or real time.

The performance will be recorded and you will need to hand in a copy of the printed music that you play.

This is marked in school and then moderated by the exam board.

4. Coursework Composing (Unit 4) 20%

Under 25 hours of supervised time, you will compose one composition that is based on two or more of the areas of study.

This composition can be in a style or genre of your choice.

You must hand in a recording of your piece with a score.

You will need to complete an appraisal of the whole process and the outcome of your composition in 2 hours of controlled assessment time.

This is marked and moderated by the exam board.

Key Stage 5 Curriculum

BTEC Music (Performance)

BTEC Music Performing is designed specifically to prepare you with the personal skills to become a professional performer and for a life in the music industry. You will explore modern pop and rock music from the 1950’s to present day and use this to inspire your creativity.

This is an all-encompassing course which will prepare you for a career in the music industry. These are the six units that you will complete and objectives you will achieve:

Composing Music

1 Be able to originate compositional ideas

2 Know how to extend, develop and manipulate musical material

3 Be able to appreciate the role and importance of the structural elements of composition

4 Be able to present a portfolio of compositions in an appropriate format.

Music Performance Techniques

1 Know effective instrumental or vocal technique through a structured practice routine

2 Be able to apply effective instrumental or vocal technique in solo performance

3 Be able to apply effective instrumental or vocal technique in group performance.

Working and Developing as a Musical Ensemble

1 Understand the elements of musical ensembles

2 Be able to plan as a musical ensemble

3 Be able to develop as a musical ensemble

4 Be able to perform as a musical ensemble.

Listening Skills for Music Technologists

1 Know the musical components in recordings or performances

2 Know the sonic components in recordings or performances

3 Know sonic faults or negative components of recordings or performances

4 Know the texture of vocal and instrumental resources and their acoustic environment in recordings or performances.

Pop Music in Practice

1 Know different genres of pop music

2 Know how pop music developed

3 Be able to perform original pop music

4 Be able to perform pop music as part of an ensemble.

The Sound and Music Industry

1 Know about the sound and music industries and how they relate to the broader entertainment industry

2 Know the professional roles within a chosen area of the music industry

3 Be able to create a business plan for a product or service

4 Know the importance of royalties in the sound and music industry

Working and Developing as a Musical Ensemble

Extra-Curricular Music

Extra-curricular activities are a very important part of the life of the music department. We hold regular concerts both within and outside of school. In recent years we have been able to give our students the opportunity to tour to Disney Land Paris and Belgium and we work hard to ensure that students are able to experience an array of professional music productions, work with and visit music professionals.

This is our extra-curricular timetable for this term.

Tuesday
Key Stage 3 Choir (MU1)
Key Stage 4 and 5 support
Wednesday
Soul Band/ Band Rehearsal (MU1 and MU2)
African Percussion Ensemble (MU3)
Thursday
Vocal Group (Key Stage 4 Choir) (MU2)
Orchestra (MU1)
Friday
Samba Band (MU2)
Got Soul (Senior Soul Band) (MU1)

To find out more about opportunities at this remarkable school contact us at :
WWW.ORIEL.W-SUSSEX.SCH.UK or call us on 01293 880350
Email : office@oriel.w-sussex.sch.uk | Fax 01293 880351 | Oriel High School, Maidenbower lane, Maidenbower, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 7XW