Subject Overview
The Music syllabus aims to deliver a broad and balanced education in class music by providing students with the musical knowledge, understanding, practical competencies and attitudes appropriate to their age, needs, abilities and interests.
Content
The syllabus content involves a series of interrelated musical activities aimed at developing performing, composing and listening skills.
In performing, students may choose from a variety of individual and group performing categories.
In composing, students may select from a range of prescribed exercises, including a higher level option in free composition.
Approximately 60 % of the listening requirements can be chosen from a broad range of given categories. Students study
- prescribed songs and works
- choice songs and works
- general listening and musical literacy skills
- Irish music and
- a chosen general study.
The syllabus content allows for considerable diversity in the choice of teaching materials and approaches and includes music from different musical styles, periods and genres.
The syllabus is designed to allow for mixed ability teaching. Ordinary level students undertake exercises appropriate to their stage of musical development. Higher level students undertake similar exercises, but at a more advanced level, together with some additional content.
Assessment
Junior Certificate Music is examined at two levels, Ordinary level and Higher level. The modes of assessment include a practical examination in individual and/or group performing, and a combined aural and written examination in composing and listening to music.
Current status
This syllabus was implemented in schools in 1989. As part of the review of junior cycle, it is one of syllabuses currently undergoing a rebalancing process, in a move towards presenting all junior cycle syllabuses in similar formats.
Documentation
Junior Certificate Music Syllabus (Ordinary level and Higher level)
Junior Certificate Music Teachers Guidelines
Related links
State Examinations Commission
Department of Education and Science
Post-Primary Music Teachers Association (Ireland)
Scoilnet