James Brindley School - A Bridge For Learning

    Subjects

    Music

    Qualifications 

    RSL Level 2 Certificate in Performance for Music Practitioners

    RSL Level 2 Certificate in Technology & Composition for Music Practitioners

    Arts Award Bronze (Level 1)

    All pupils will aim to complete the Level 2 certificate in either Performance or Technology & Composition by the end of Y11. There is the option to move onto the Level 1 Arts Award for any pupils struggling with the Level 2 qualification. All three qualification pathways are coursework based, there is no pressure of examinations. 

     How is the course assessed

    Level 2 Rockschool - Graded at Pass/Merit/Distinction - A combination of Internally and externally assessed coursework units:

    • Internal Assessment – Coursework - This will take place in school and will be marked by the teacher.
    • External Assessment – Coursework - This will take place in school but will be marked by Rockschool.

    Level 1 Arts Award - Graded at Pass - 4 parts of a portfolio completed throughout Y10 & 11.

    • Part A - Participate in an arts activity
    • Part B - Visit an arts event and review it 
    • Part C - Research the career of an artist
    • Part D - Share a skill with someone
     
     

     How can you support your child at home

    It would be extremely beneficial for your child to have their chosen instrument available at home to refine their skills. Unfortunately the school does not have the resources to supply each pupil with an instrument so that they are able to practise at home. Most instruments can be sourced as cheap as £20 - £50 online and can be found even cheaper second hand.

    Another valuable item for your child is a pair of over ear headphones. These are essential for practising instruments and using music technology to record any compositions they create (iPad's, PC's, Mixing Desk's).

    For further advice on purchasing an instrument/pair of over ear headphones to aid your child’s learning, please contact Mr Sullivan on Class Dojo or via email (sullivanb@jamesbrindley.bham.sch.uk)

    One key piece of equipment for music technologists is a pair of over ear (closed back) studio headphones. These are essential for pupils to create accurate mix downs of songs they are editing on computers or recording on mixing desks. Unfortunately the school does not have the resources to provide a pair of headphones for every pupil. These headphones can be purchased online for around £30.

    Getting hold of music production software (DAW’s) is extremely easy nowadays. For Apple; Garageband is a free piece of software that can be downloaded.  For Windows; Presonus studio one 3 prime is another free piece of software. If your child has an iPad, iMac, Windows PC or Laptop available to them at home, please encourage them to experiment and create music at home. There are also lots of video tutorials on YouTube to help them along the way.

    For further advice on purchasing over ear headphones or downloading music software to aid your child’s learning, please contact Mr Sullivan on Class Dojo or via email (sullivanb@jamesbrindley.bham.sch.uk)
     

     
     
     

     Extra-curricular Opportunities

    JB Records - James Brindley Academy's own official record label. All three teaching centres are now setup with professional quality studio spaces, where learners can produce high quality records. Original records can also be released on all major streaming/download sites. 

    Talent Competitions - There will be opportunities throughout the year for pupils to take part in a variety of talent competitions; song/lyric writing, artwork, music production. 

    End of Term Performances - At the end of each term, pupils will be able to take part in group/solo performances in front of an audience. 

    Break/Lunchtime Club - Access the music room will be available at break and lunch to practise. 

    Singing Group - As part of our well-being offer, pupils will be able to join a singing group during well-being time. 

    DJ Skills - Another well-being offer, pupils will learn how to mix and perform songs using DJ equipment.

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