Studying Music at Bloomfield Collegiate School

Curriculum Leader: Mrs Mark

Our vision

Our curriculum cultivates a vibrant musical community where every pupil is empowered to explore, create, and excel. Through diverse musical experiences spanning genres, instruments, and technologies, we nurture creativity, technical proficiency, and cultural appreciation. Collaborative projects and performance opportunities celebrate individual expression while fostering teamwork and inclusivity. By integrating technology and interdisciplinary connections, we prepare our students to navigate the dynamic landscape of modern music, inspiring lifelong passion, and engagement.

Key Stage 3 Topics

Year 8

Elements of Music, Theory and Notation 1, Instruments of the Orchestra and Logic Pro 1 (writing for orchestra).

Year 9

Film Music, Logic Pro 2 (video game music), Fanfares and Folk Music.

Year 10

Theory and Notation 2, Pop Music through the decades, Logic Pro 3 (writing a pop song) and Samba.

GCSE Specification and Summary 

CCEA

Component 1: Performing and Appraising (35%)  

Pupils are required to prepare two performances.

One performance must be a solo performance (one piece), the other an ensemble (one piece).  Pupils are not required to play the same instrument for both performances.

An external examiner will visit the school in April/May (at the end of Year 12) to hear, record and mark both ensemble and solo performances.

The examiner will also discuss the performance with the candidate.  This discussion (Viva Voce) is marked as part of the Performance component.

Component 2: Composing and Appraising (30%)  

Pupils will complete two compositions as part of the Music Controlled Assessment.  One will be completed in the first year of study, and one in the second.

Pupils must provide either a score, lead sheet or written commentary about their composition.

One composition must be based on a given stimulus, and the other composition is free choice. Both compositions must fall between 3-5 minutes.  

The compositions are double marked in School, before being sent to CCEA for moderation.

Component 3: Listening and Appraising (35%) 

The Listening and Appraisal section of the course is divided into four Areas of Study and is examined through one 1 ½ hour examination paper in the June of Year 12.

There are four Areas of Study: Classical Music, Popular Music, Film Music, and Musical traditions in Ireland. Pupils study two or three set works per Area of Study and are also tested on unseen/unheard pieces which are related to the four Areas of Study.

GCE AS/A2 Specification and Summary

CCEA

Component 1: Performing and Appraising (35%)  

Pupils are required to prepare one performance of 5-7 minutes of a minimum standard of Grade 4.

An external examiner will visit the school in April/May (at the end of Year 12) to hear, record and mark the solo performance.

The examiner will also discuss the performance with the candidate.  This discussion (Viva Voce) is marked as part of the Performance component.

Component 2: Composing and Appraising (30%)  

Pupils will complete one composition as part of the Music Controlled Assessment.

Pupils must provide a written commentary about their composition.

The composition is marked in School, before being sent to CCEA for moderation.

Component 3: Listening and Appraising (35%) 

The Listening and Appraisal section of the course is divided into three Areas of Study and is examined through two examination papers.

There are three Areas of Study: Orchestral Studies, Secular Vocal Music and Sacred Vocal Music. Pupils study a minimum of 4 set works per Area of Study and are also tested on unseen/unheard pieces which are related to the three Areas of Study.

Independent learning opportunities

(blogs, BBC bitesize, revision etc) 

KS3: Pupils are encouraged to explore a wide variety of musical genres throughout the KS3 curriculum. There are opportunities for wider listening which are fostered through suggested revision tasks and homework activities.

KS4 & KS5: Pupils are encouraged to attend revision sessions provided by the Music Department and to make use of Past Paper questions from the CCEA website.

Extracurricular

At Bloomfield Collegiate School our students are afforded the opportunity to unleash their musical talents and passions beyond the classroom. Our vibrant extracurricular music program offers a range of opportunities to explore, create and perform.