Music
Department Staff
Introduction
At Lincoln Castle Academy the Music Department aims to allow students to:
- Form individual identities and positive interactions with music, developing competence as learners and increased self-esteem
- Bring together intellect and feeling to enable personal expression, reflection and emotional development
- Develop an appreciation of a broad range of cultures and traditions, both past and present to develop their cultural understanding
- Be actively involved in both individual and group music-making
- Feel a sense of achievement and self-worth, increasing their ability to work with others in a group context
- Develop critical skills: their ability to listen, to appreciate a wide variety of music and to make judgements about musical quality
- Increase their self-discipline, creativity, aesthetic sensitivity and fulfilment.
Department Facilities
We have a large classroom specifically for making music, equipped with nearly a dozen electric keyboards and as many PCs. These have Sibelius, Dance EJ, Auralia and Audacity installed, allowing students to compose, test, record and modify their own music. We have also purchased a subscription to the MusicFirst App for all students undertaking a Music qualification in KS4 or 5 (students have been issued with their own unique log in details, as a parent, if you would like to know more about this please contact Mrs Noble). We also have three music practise rooms for individual music lessons, as well as a varied collection of instruments including class sets of acoustic guitars, ukuleles, Djembe drums and Samba drums.
Instrumental Lessons
Instrumental lessons at Lincoln Castle Academy are thriving!
Students have the opportunity to take individual instrumental lessons provided at the most competitive prices in Lincolnshire! Tuition is currently offered for: Voice, violin, cello, flute, clarinet, saxophone, piano, trumpet, trombone, drum kit, guitar and bass guitar. All students learning an instrument will have the opportunity to take ABRSM, LCM, Rock School or Trinity examinations. These opportunities are available to all students and are charged at £60 per term, with a subsidised rate if your child is entitled to free school meals. Contact Mrs Lane or Mrs Noble for more information.
Extra Curricular
Students are encouraged to develop their individual interests and skills beyond the classroom. A wide range of activities are offered during lunch times and after school including Music Theory Club, LCA Singers, Ukulele Club and Rock Band.
The Music department is also available every break time, before school and after school for students to use the equipment and practise the skills learnt in their music lessons.
There are numerous concerts and productions throughout the school year for students to be involved in. Each year, the department produces a Christmas concert in December and a Spring concert in March and members of LCA Singers often compete in the annual Lincoln Music and Drama Festival. In May, students have the opportunity to take part in the Music Showcase- the Academy’s annual singing competition and the Music department also supports the Academy’s productions which are staged annually, performing favourites such as The Fiddler on the Roof, The Sound of Music, Little Shop of Horrors and The Wizard of Oz.
Curriculum
The learning plans for each subject taught within each year group are available below; click on each image to view full size.
Key Stage 5
Students study Edexcel A Level Music, developing their skills in Performing and Composing alongside their Understanding of Music in Context. Students will study the following Areas of Study:
- Vocal Music
- Instrumental Music
- Music for Film
- Popular Music and Jazz
- Fusions
- New Directions
| Component | Marks | Assessment | Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Component 1: Performing | 30% (60 marks) |
A public recital, a minimum of 8 minutes long (March-May) Externally assessed |
Performance must be after March in the year of completion May be solo, ensemble or a combination |
| Component 2: Composing Music | 30% (60 marks) |
One composition must either be to a brief relating to the Areas of Study, or a Free composition Minimum 4 minutes long (40 marks) One composition from a list of briefs assessing compositional technique. Minimum 1 minute long (20 marks) Set in April of year of completion. Externally assessed |
Total minimum time across both compositions is 6 minutes |
| Component 3: Appraising Music | 40% (100 marks) |
2 hour written exam paper consisting of two sections Section A: Set Works & Dictation Section B: 2 essay questions. One will draw links between the Areas of Study & Unfamiliar Music, the other will be a choice of questions evaluating a set work |
Our Ethos and Values
At Lincoln Castle Academy, we value:
Hard work, perseverance and academic excellence
The development of character, compassion and responsible citizenship
Ourselves, each other and boundless ambition