Westlands School

BTEC Level 2 Tech Award in Music Practice

Exam Board: Pearson
Level: 1/2

Course Overview

The Tech award is broken down into three components.

Exploring Music Products and Styles
Music Skills Development
Responding to a Commercial Music Brief

Pupils will begin by exploring the techniques used in the creation of different musical products and investigate key features of different musical styles and genres. They will then move onto development of two musical disciplines through practical tasks, whilst documenting their progress and planning for future improvements. Before being given the opportunity to develop and present music in response to a given commercial music brief.

Assessment:60% Coursework. 40% External Assessment

BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Music Performance

Exam Board: Pearson
Level: 3

Course Overview

Music Performance at Westlands consists of four units. Two internally assessed and two externally assessed.

Practical Music Theory and Harmony
Professional Practice in the Music Industry
Ensemble Music Performance
Music Performance Session Styles

During the first year of study, learners will develop their knowledge and understanding of music theory and harmony, and apply their understanding in practical scenarios. Alongside this learners will work as part of a musical ensemble to develop their skills and techniques in rehearsal and performance.

In the second year of study learners will explore what it is that makes someone a professional in the music industry and how to put a bid forward for work. They will then explore the styles of music encountered in the role of a modern session musician.

Assessment: 2 Internally assessed units and 2 Externally assessed units.

Year 7

Term 1: Baseline Skills-Singing, Composing and Listening
Term 2: Building Rhythm and Timing
Term 3: Keyboard Skills
Term 4: Form and Structure                                    Term 5: Folk Music
Term 6: Ensemble Performance

Year 8

Term 1: Hooks and Riffs
Term 2: Reggae
Term 3: Blues
Term 4: Variations of Music                                    Term 5: All About the Bass                                    Term 6: African Music

Year 9 BTEC

Term 1: Dance Music
Term 2: Soundtracks
Term 3: New Directions
Term 4: Computer and Video Game Music                Term 5: Songwriting
Term 6: Music Performance

Year 10 BTEC

Term 1 and 2:Component 1: Exploring Music Products and Styles
Term 3 and 4: Component 1: Exploring Music Products and Styles
Term 5 and 6: Component 2: Music Skills Development

Year 11 BTEC

Term 1 and 2: Component 2: Music Skills Development
Term 3 and 4: Component 3: Responding to a Commercial Brief
Term 5 and 6: Component 3: Responding to a Commercial Brief

Out of School Learning (OSL) and Extra-Curricular Activities

OSL runs on a Friday after school, this will not be every week, but at times where extra support is needed. There are a variety of extra-curricular activities available. With a timetable in the Music Department.