Year 12 music TECHNOLOGY

In Year 12 we offer two separate music courses. Making Music (12MUS) focuses on more traditional music styles and provides you with a solid foundation of score based works, while also providing you with creative and performance opportunities. Music Technology (12MUT) includes a focus on the technology and processes associated with music and engages with more contemporary musical styles. 

You have the option of choosing the course that best fits you as a musician, or may take both courses.

In line with current music education practice, this course aims to develop and further encourage literacy in music through the interweaving of four strands:

• Learning the language of music 

• Developing ideas in music 

• Communicating and interpreting meaning in music 

• Understanding music in context 

Both Year 12 Music courses aim to allow you to develop your skills with a further degree of specialisation as a musician, while still developing a solid foundation of musical understanding across a range of musical contexts. You will have the chance to work individually and in groups, as performers, composers, and musicologists. All styles of music are equally respected and resourced, and time and space is given for you to explore creativity in a safe and positive environment. 

You will co-construct a personalised programme that is responsive to your musical interests and requirements. This will include a range of activities from the following list:

• performance as a soloist - students perform two pieces of music on their chosen instrument

• performance as a member of a group - students present a piece as part of an ensemble

• composition - students present two original pieces they have written

• aurally identifying, describing and transcribing music elements from simple music 

• demonstrating knowledge of music works - a range of constrasting music is studied and analysed

• focused study of music from New Zealand

• study of technology and processes associated with music

• set up and operation of a PA system for a live performance context

Your teacher will work with you to create a balanced programme of Internal and External standards that will support your growth as a musician. 

All assessments are run in conjunction with Wellington Girls' College.

Year 12 Music Technology is a dynamic course that provides you with a diverse range of learning activities. 

You will at times be working as a full class, in small groups, and as individuals. You will have the opportunity to utilise the full resources of the Music Department and will be expected to manage your time well when working on larger portfolio style projects. You will be fully supported to explore music in ways that best fit you as a young musician. 

To be successful in this course, you should:

• be prepared to work collaboratively 

• engage with ideas and music outside their comfort zone

• be prepared to perform and present their work in front of their peers 

• be ready to manage themselves in a non-traditional classroom environment

This course is open entry for all students, although some previous musical experience is required, either in Composition or Performance. Consultation with the HOD is required if you have not taken Music at Year 11. All students who take performance standards in Level 2 Music should be learning an instrument with regular tuition, either at school or privately.

As with other portfolio style courses, you must be prepared to meet a number of draft deadlines for feedback prior to final submission of work. 

Please note that this course does not usually lead to Making Music in Year 13.

The course content and assessment for this course is largely practical. You may choose your own programme of approximately 20 credits in consultation with your teacher. The New Zealand Music project and Music Technology tasks are usually compulsory for all students. You will be encouraged to undertake the Aural external examination to make your course eligible for endorsement.

NZQA Music Subject Resources

http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/qualifications/ncea/subjects/music/levels/

School Policy for NCEA Assessment

You should be aware of the school procedures for NCEA assessment.  They can be found on the school website at this link. There you will find answers to frequently asked questions about how NCEA works as well as guidance about how to apply for extensions, reconsiderations or the process for withdrawing from a standard.

Further information on all assessment standards can be found here: WC Senior Music Website