• Head of Department
• Overview of the Department
• Key Stage 3
• GCSE
• A Level
• Links
• Extra Curricular

Head of Department: Miss Sinéad Frame

Other teachers: Mr Mark Doran

Other tutors:
Mrs Bernie Muckian (Upper Strings)
Mr Colm Murphy(Organist and Choirmaster, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh)
Mr Christopher Day (Organ, Jazz)
Mr Michael Murphy (Guitar)
Mrs Siubhán Ó’Dubháin (Vocal Studies)
Miss Georgina Mulligan (Piano)
Mr Brendan Monaghan (Uilleann Pipes, Tin-Whistle, Bodhrán, Traditional)

Instrumental tuition is also supported by SELB Music Service as follows:
Upper Strings – Mrs Teresa McArdle
Lower Strings – Mrs Ita Mathers
Brass – Mr Luke Burke
Woodwind – Mrs Krista Gallagher
Percussion – Mr Austin Gallagher

The College supports a vibrant and enterprising Music Department which aims to offer a diverse experience of music to each student.It also enjoys 100% success rate at GCSE, AS and A2 level. Programmes of Study are based upon the delivery of the Northern Ireland Curriculum “Area of Study” at KS3, NICEA GCSE, AS and A2 syllabi. There is a wide range of extra-curricular activities to develop musical experience beyond that gained in the Programmes of Study. In addition, the music department maintains a sense of the historical link between St Colman’s College and the Diocese of Dromore by providing music and training musicians for liturgies as requested.

At present, music facilities include two dedicated music rooms, three practice rooms and a percussion room. Each practice room contains a piano. Practice and teaching facilities for organ are in the College chapel. Both music rooms are linked to the C2K network and are equipped with computers, electronic keyboards and headphones.

Past pupils include the international concert pianist David Quigley, John Toal (BBC), Rev Terence Rafferty (Adm., Cathedral of Ss Patrick & Colman), Colm Murphy (Assistant Organist, Clonard Monastery and Head of Music, St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook) and numerous young musicians in the teaching profession.

Phone: 028 30262451 Ext 266
E-mail Enquiries: sframe568@stcolmans.newry.ni.sch.uk

The fundamental aim of the music curriculum is to develop pupils' musical ability. All pupils are potentially musical. Music has one attainment target which is defined through the key experiences of making and responding to music. All pupils should have experiences in both making and responding to music. At Key Stage 3, pupils should be encouraged to develop their musicianship and self-confidence through a wide range of individual and group music-making activities. They should continue to develop their composing, performing and listening skills and have opportunities to express, through the music they compose and perform, their ideas and feelings about themselves and the world around them. They should be encouraged to listen to unfamiliar music with open and enquiring minds.

Examination Structure

Formal assessment takes place twice a year.

Practical work

All Year 8-10 pupils receive two periods of music per week based on the Northern Ireland Programme of Study for Music at KS3. All Year 8 students develop performance skill using recorder. Both music rooms are equipped with electronic keyboards and headphones especially for KS3 pupils. On completion of Year 10, all students will have experienced the use of music technology using either MicroLogic sequencing software or Sibelius publishing software.

The NICCEA GCSE Music course has been designed to build upon the knowledge, understanding and skill developed within the programmes of study for music at KS1-3 of the Northern Ireland Curriculum and reflects the key experiences of a musical education – making and responding to music. It incorporates the fundamental musical activities of composing, performing and listening in a holistic manner through teaching and learning in three areas of study which encompass Music for Celebration, Musical Arrangements and Musical Traditions in Ireland. The course accommodates the needs and interests of a wide range of music and cultural traditions. This syllabus provides a basis for progression to further study, employment or creative use of leisure time.

The GCSE Music Syllabus is made up of three main areas:

Listening & Appraising (25%):

The candidate is required to answer up to eight questions on music related to three areas of study:

1. Music for Celebration
2. Musical Arrangements
3. Musical Traditions in Ireland

The course focuses on specified set works based on the above areas of study. The test of aural perception lasts one hour.

Composing & Appraising (40%):

The candidate is required to present two compositions with commentaries at least one of which must be related to one of the main areas of study. Where a candidate chooses to present two compositions related to an area of study, the second piece must relate to a different area of study.

Performing & Appraising (35%):

The candidate is required to present one solo and one ensemble performance. These performances must include at least one piece related to the same area of study as one composition and may include a performance of the candidate’s own composition. The candidate is also required to discuss the performances.

Advanced Subsidiary (AS) is the first part of the full Advanced GCE course. Candidates have the option of undertaking assessment to meet the requirements of AS1 or AS2.

Candidates who choose AS 1 are required to undertake: 

• A compulsory core: one piece of free composition

and

• One of the following options:
• Option A: a solo performance lasting 3-5 minutes
• Option B: an ensemble performance lasting 3-5 minutes
• Option C: multi-tracking techniques - a multi-track recording of a performance with four individual parts, lasting 2-3 minutes

Candidates who choose AS 2 are required to undertake:

• Solo or ensemble performance

and

• One of the following options:
  
• Option A: one piece of free composition lasting 1½-2 minutes
• Option B: a folio of compositional techniques lasting 3-4 minutes
• Option C: sequencing techniques – a sequenced realisation of a score with four individual parts, lasting 2-3 minutes

AS 3 consists of two compulsory elements. Candidates are required to undertake:

• A test of aural perception lasting approximately ¾ hour

and

• A written examination lasting 1¼ hours (based upon set works)

A2 LEVEL MUSIC

Candidates have the option of undertaking assessment to meet the requirements of A21 or A22.

Candidates who choose A2 1 are required to undertake: 

• A compulsory core: a composition assignment using tonal harmony

and

• One of the following options:
  
• Option A: a solo performance lasting 5-8 minutes
• Option B: an ensemble performance lasting 5-8 minutes
• Option C: two contrasted mixes, lasting 5-8 minutes, of a multi-track recording of a performance with four individual parts

Candidates who choose A2 2 are required to undertake:

• Solo performance lasting 10-12 minutes

and

• One of the following options:
  
• Option A: one free composition using tonal harmony, lasting 2-3 minutes
• Option B: pastiche in the style of a chosen composer lasting 2-3 minutes
• Option C: sequencing techniques – a sequenced realisation of a set work extract, lasting 2-3 minutes

A2 3 consists of two compulsory elements. Candidates are required to undertake:

• A test of aural perception lasting approximately ¾ hour

and

• A written examination lasting 1¼ hours (based upon set works)