Pearson BTEC Nationals in Music Technology New for applications

Transcription

1 Pearson BTEC Nationals in Music Technology New for applications Guide for Higher Education

2 Guide to the new BTEC Nationals in Music Technology From 2017, you will start to receive applications from students who have taken the new BTEC Nationals courses which start in This Guide clarifies: What s changed Page 2 Courses at a glance Page 3 Assessments Page 4 Courses in depth u Mandatory unit breakdown Page 5-7 u Full lists of units Page 8 Contact us Page 9 Why are BTEC Nationals changing? BTEC Nationals prepare many students each year for progression to Higher Education (HE) programmes, in fact UCAS has reported that the proportion of 18 year-olds in England entering HE with a BTEC has more than doubled between 2008 and The Higher Education Statistics Agency also confirmed that the number of UK students entering HE with a combination of BTEC and A levels increased nearly four-fold in the same period. So to ensure BTECs continue to support progression into higher education, we have developed new BTEC Nationals for students starting their courses in September After over two years working closely with HE, professional bodies and industry, we are confident these new qualifications are fit for purpose, delivering university applicants with the right balance of research skills, professional behaviours and up-to-date industry knowledge.

3 What has changed? Changes to the new BTEC Nationals reflect HE requirements for students entering degree-level study: Assessments taken by all students In addition to the traditional BTEC assignments, the new courses include assessments set and marked by Pearson (including tasks and performances) taken under test conditions. At least 33% of the BTEC Nationals in Music Technology courses are assessed in this way. Core of mandatory content There is a larger core of mandatory units which provide a solid foundation of knowledge and skills for all students. At least 58% of the BTEC Nationals in Music Technology courses is mandatory. Research skills The course content and assessments put more emphasis on research skills. English and maths English and maths skills are strengthened in all courses, where appropriate. The qualification titles have changed The same size as: Guided learning hours (GLH) Current title: Pearson BTEC Level 3 New title: Pearson BTEC Level 3 2 A levels 720 Diploma in Music Technology National Diploma in Music Technology 3 A levels 1080 Extended Diploma in Music Technology National Extended Diploma in Music Technology 2

4 Courses at a glance Here is a breakdown of the units for each qualification showing the core of mandatory units and the range of assessment types, ensuring a core of consistency across all students. Diploma 720 GLH TOTAL: 10 UNITS Extended Diploma 1080 GLH TOTAL: 14 UNITS 5 MANDATORY UNITS 7 MANDATORY UNITS 1. Live Sound (60 GLH) 1. Live Sound (60 GLH) 2. Studio Recording Techniques (60 GLH) 3. Music and Sound for Media (60 GLH) 5. Music Technology in Context (120 GLH) 2. Studio Recording Techniques (60 GLH) 3. Music and Sound for Media (60 GLH) 4. Music Technology Project (120 GLH) 5. Music Technology in Context (120 GLH) 6. DAW Production (120 GLH) 6. DAW Production (120 GLH) 7. Music Technology Enterprise Opportunities (120 GLH) 5 OPTIONAL UNITS 7 OPTIONAL UNITS Types of assessment Assignment - Set and marked internally Task - Set and marked by Pearson Written Exam - Set and marked by Pearson 3

5 A range of vocational assessments The new BTEC Nationals in Music Technology use a combination of assessment styles to give students the study skills needed to continue their learning and also the confidence to apply their knowledge in the workplace. Assignments Tasks Written exams Set and marked by: Centre (school, college or training provider) Verified by: Pearson Set and marked by: Pearson Set and marked by: Pearson What s involved? Students complete a series of activities set in a work-related scenario which may be tailored to local industry needs. What s involved? Students complete, in controlled conditions, a task tackling an everyday challenge; some tasks also draw on pre-released information. What s involved? Students draw on essential information to create written answers to practical questions in test conditions. What s the result? Students generate relevant evidence, drawing on their knowledge, understanding and skills to complete an assignment over a period of time, working either individually or in a team. What s the result? Students show they can apply their learning successfully to situations they could encounter regularly in the workplace or on a higher education course. What s the result? Students can confidently recall and apply technical knowledge, a skill which provides a solid foundation for working life and further study. 123rf/laurent davoust 4

6 Mandatory units - a solid foundation for all learners The larger core of mandatory content in the new BTEC Nationals means that you can be confident that BTEC-qualified students are well prepared for higher level study and assessment methods. This table breaks down the mandatory unit content and explains what the students learn and which skills they develop. Music Technology Unit title What will students study? Assessment 1. Live Sound This unit involves the technology and practice of live sound engineering. Students examine: 2. Studio Recordings Techniques 3. Music and Sound for Media front of house, monitor and input equipment used in live sound processing equipment used in live sound roles related to live sound engineering Students carry out the set-up and soundcheck of a live sound system to meet health and safety requirements and the needs of performers and audience. Students are also expected to mix live sound and record live performance. This unit focuses on the processes, equipment and practical skills required to produce multitrack recordings in a music studio environment. Students: explore the equipment and processes used research and apply modern studio session planning processes to prepare for a multitrack recording set up and record a multitrack recording evaluate how the planning and recording processes affected the recording This unit explores the production of the music, sound and effects that are used for media products such as games, films and apps. Students examine: the difference between music and sound and their uses in media products recording and production techniques for effects creativity and problem solving when creating sound effects working with different file formats Students are required to create and produce music for games, films and apps within this unit by the creation of original sounds, noises and effects to support interactivity and action. Assignments Assignments Assignments 5

7 Unit title What will students study? Assessment 4. Music Technology Project 5. Music Technology in Context This unit develops research and project management skills allowing students to investigate a range of existing music technology projects to develop strategic planning skills. Students: explore the requirements for successful music technology project consider a range of research methods and project management processes appropriate to music technology Students will then research and undertake their chosen project reflecting upon and evaluating it s effectiveness. This unit focuses on the influential technologies and associated factors that can be identified through the music of the 20th and 21st centuries. Students: develop an understanding of how developments in sound recording technology, sound and sequencing technology, and wider technologies have affected the development of music production explore the relationship between music technology and audience explore the relationship between music technology and the sound/style of music. The assessment task tests students knowledge and understanding of the content of the unit and their ability to analyse and evaluate music material and comprises a research and written task. 6. DAW Production Students develop an understanding of how a digital audio workstation (DAW) can be used creatively to produce music, manipulate audio and mix music. They: consider the principles of digital audio Explore a range of MIDI sequencing skills and techniques Explore a range of techniques used in manipulating digital audio Explore techniques for processing and mixing on a DAW The assessment task requires students to create a complete fully produced, arranged and mixed piece of music and written production notes in response to a brief. Assignments Task Task 6

8 Unit title What will students study? Assessment 7. Music Technology Enterprise Opportunities This unit focuses on business and enterprise in the music industry, considering how creative ideas can be used in the context of an enterprise. Students explore: creating a business case and the financial considerations roles and responsibilities in the music industry copyright, intellectual and digital rights, royalty collection and contract law professional personal requirements for industry success, including health and safety, networking and marketing The assessment task provides an enterprise brief and requires students to produce a business plan and a videoed pitch/presentation. Task Types of assessment Assignment - Set and marked internally Task - Set and marked by Pearson Written Exam - Set and marked by Pearson 7

9 Courses in depth Here s a complete list of all the units available in the BTEC Nationals in Music Technology courses. You ll be able to see which are mandatory and optional, and how each unit is assessed. Unit (Number & Title) GLH Diploma (720 GLH) Extended Diploma (1080 GLH) 10 UNITS 14 UNITS 5 MANDATORY 7 MANDATORY 5 Optional 7 Optional 1. Live Sound 60 M M 2. Studio Recording Techniques 60 M M 3. Music and Sound for Media 60 M M 4. Music Technology Project 120 MS 5. Music Technology in Context 120 M M 6. Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) Production 120 MS M 7. Music Technology Enterprise Opportunities 120 M 8. Creative Synthesis and Sampling 60 O O 9. Composing Music 60 O 10. Remixing and Reworking 60 O O 11. DJ Performance Techniques 60 O 12. Music Technology in Performance 60 O O 13. Mixing and Mastering Techniques 60 O O 14. Studio Design and Acoustics 60 O 15. Music Investigation 60 O O 16. Commercial Music Production 60 O 17. Music Technology and Musicianship 60 O O 18. Working and Developing as a Production Team 60 O O 19. Designing a Music Technology Product 60 O Types of assessment Assignment - Set and marked internally Task - Set and marked by Pearson Written Exam - Set and marked by Pearson Types of unit M Mandatory Unit O Optional Unit 8

10 Contact details If you have any questions or would like further details please contact David MacKay, Head of Awarding Body Stakeholder Engagement, (Higher Education), Pearson UK U800b 9