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Years 10 & 11 Curriculum - Music Technology
SYLLABUS: NCFE Level 1/2 Technical Award in Music Technology
603/7008/7
General
The course will explore the different ways in which Music Technology can be used to create, edit and manipulate sound. The students will learn how to set up and use a Digital Audio Workstation and professional music software, Logic Pro. Students will also learn about different types of microphones, recording and production processes and will produce a range of compositions that demonstrate their understanding of the software and which will also allow them to explore their musical creativity. The course will also look at the wide range of roles found within the Music Technology Business from being the Musical artist to the producer and engineer. This course will build and expand on the skills, knowledge and understanding the students gained in Year 9 and will also prepare them, should they wish to take this subject area further into ‘A’ Level or further vocational courses (T Levels).
Content
The course is split into 2 units. Unit 1 is worth 60% of the course and uses non-examined assessment (NEA). Unit 2 is worth 40% and will take the form of an external exam.
Unit 1 – Understanding Music Technology – Internally Assessed/Externally Moderated
This unit is divided into 5 content areas and will allow learners to develop skills in operating a DAW creatively using audio, MIDI, hardware and editing tools. The 5 content areas are:
- Introduction to music technology and the music business
- The digital audio workstation (DAW)
- Musical elements, musical style and music technology
- Sound creation
- Multitrack recording
Students will create a portfolio of evidence through a synoptic project that will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding in these 5 content areas. This will be internally marked and moderated before being submitted to the exam board for external moderation.
Unit 2 – External Exam – Externally assessed
The exam is 1 hour 30 minutes hours long and will take place in the Summer of Year 11. The exam will assess students’ knowledge of the 5 content areas from Unit 1. Questions will use a variety of formats including multiple choice, short-answer and extended response questions. The exam will enable students to demonstrate their breadth of knowledge and understanding of the subject.
NEA Assessment
Students will complete pieces of work to embed and support the knowledge learnt in each content area from Unit 1 throughout year 10. The exam board will set an assessment brief for the synoptic project each year with students completing this in Year 11. The project brief which will cover content from each of the 5 areas and will enable students to demonstrate their knowledge of the subject. The final project is then marked and moderated internally before being submitted for external moderation.
Grading
This is a combined level 1 and 2 course and the grades available are:
Level 1 pass
Level 1 merit
Level 1 distinction
Level 2 pass
Level 2 merit
Level 2 distinction
Level 2 distinction*
Resources
We would advise students to use their own headphones during lessons. However, we will provide access to headphones for those students who are unable to provide their own.
Students who take Music Technology should have completed their foundation year in Music in Year 9 in order to have the skills in place for the course.
Whilst the course is focused on technology and the use of specific software to manipulate the music, there is also a significant proportion of composition and sound creation for which students will need to develop a good understanding of music theory. It will also be beneficial to have some proficient keyboards skills.
Enquiries to: Mr B Cull – Learning Leader: Music
