Music and Drama

Music at BLC

Phase 3

At phase 3, students learn about a wide variety of music, old and new, and from all around the world.

At the music department, we have a huge amount of state of the art equipment that the students can use. This includes African drums, electric guitars, drum kits, samba kits, and lots more. In addition to this, we have an apple mac suite that is fully equipped with the top music software.

Students at BLC will take part in performances of music from different genres and countries, as well as composing their own music in groups. They will learn everything from the basics of music to more complex musical processes. This includes a variety of world music, film music and various types of popular music styles.

Students in music are always valued as an individual and will have the opportunity to build on new skills and also have the opportunity to learn new instruments.

Phase 4

At phase 4, students study music through the BTEC First Certificate route with Edexcel. Students will work independently on research projects as well as being part of a band and performing, or recording music.

They will learn about how the music industry works, have opportunities to visit organizations outside of school, and meet visitors that work in different areas of the music industry.

This is an enjoyable, varied course that allows students to focus on their own skills and musical interests.

Drama Department Curriculum 2012-13

Phase 3 (years 6-8)

Students in years 6-8 follow in-house schemes of work written to allow students to gain National Curriculum levels. Depending on entry date to BLC students in Phase 3 will follow either a 2 or 3 year curriculum. This curriculum is designed to prepare students for progression into GCSE Drama should they choose it as an option in year 9.
Students in Phase 3 will also be taking part in the Bridge Learning Challenge for Music and Drama which will count towards the Arts Award.

GCSE (years 9-11)

Currently BLC is offering students the GCSE option in Drama. The exam board we use for this qualification is Edexcel. The course lasts two academic years.
This consists of two units which mix practical and written work in the first year of study. Students also get to analyse a live professional performance. In the second year students will create their own piece of practical performance which will be marked by an external examiner. These performances will also be showcased to the school as an opportunity to show the skills and abilities of the students.

BTEC Performing Arts

This option is not currently being offered, however, it will be offered this coming year by the Music and Drama departments. It allows students to study a vocationally centred curriculum based around both Music and Drama. This course encompasses the world of performing arts and allows students to get an impression of the vocational side of the industry.