St Columbanus College

HOD: Miss R Girvan

 

Peripatetic teachers:            Mr I Barber (piano)
                                                Mr G Gilkinson (drums)
                                                Mr P McMordie (guitar)
                                                Mr N McClean (violin, tin whistle, bodhran)
                                                Mrs H McCullough (vocal)

 

The music block is the place where everybody has the opportunity to express themselves in a fun, creative environment.

 

 

 

«As a rockstar, I have two instincts, I want to have fun and I want to change the world. I have had the chance to do both.» Bono- U2
«Music can change the world because it can change people!» Bono-U2
«It's easy to play any musical instrument: all you have to do is touch the right key at the right time and the instrument will play itself.» J.S. Bach

At key stage 3 all pupils have the opportunity to develop skills in performing, composing, listening and appraising.  All pupils have two periods a week.

In year 8 pupils learn the 3 skills through topics such as musical elements, rhythm, melody, tribal music, graphic scores, programme music, major and minor. 

In year 9, pupils learn the 3 skills through topics such as chords, blues, film music, reggae, pop songs, music and media.

In year 10, pupils learn the 3 skills through topics such as Ground bass variations, music and media, film music, telling the story.

Current year 12 music specification examining board is AQA, where pupils learn about 5 areas of study (Music for film, Music for dance, Music for special events, orchestral landmarks, popular song from 1960s) for a listening and appraising exam holding 25% of final mark. Composition for special event 25%. Performing a solo and an ensemble piece 25%. Integrated assignment which consists of a composition based on one of the four other areas of study, realisation and evaluation makes up the final 25%.

Year 11 specification changed to CEA which is made up of 3 areas of study: one core area and 2 optional areas (Core Area of Study: Repeated Patterns in Music, Optional Area of Study 1: Musical Traditions in Ireland,  Optional Area of Study 2: Incidental Music, Optional Area of Study 3: Vocal Music). Composing and appraising 30%, performing and appraising 35%, listening and appraising 35%.

Extra-curricular: Individual instrumental lessons, Choir, traditional group.

Pupils in the choir and traditional group perform at many occasions both inside and outside the college. They perform for all the liturgical services in college and visit nursing homes in the local community several times each year.

Stars In Yer Eyes is held in the college every year. This is a big event for the young musicians in the school. School Stars, as it is now known, is a great experience for all, from the young first year pupils to the confident 6th years.  I feel it gives all involved a chance to develop in a whole rounded way. The children get so much out of performing; gaining confidence and developing their musical talents. This competition gives the children opportunities to perform on stage in front of a large audience and if they win their school heat, they get the chance to meet with other performers from other schools, make friends and share ideas on their own and other’s musical talents and experiences. I really enjoy taking the auditions, preparing the acts and finally watching them perform on the night. It is a great experience for everyone; I only wish I had the chance to do this when I was at school.