Education (Singing in the Curriculum)

Postgraduate Certificate

This programme is delivered by experts in singing and pedagogy and is linked to the five outcomes of the Every Child Matters agenda. The programme has been developed in association with Sing Up, Cheshire West and Chester Music Services, and the Voices Foundation.

Campus Riverside
Course Postgraduate Certificate
Length 6 years (usually takes one year to complete) Part-time
Start date September 2011

Why study this course?

You will gain an understanding on how to energise children’s learning through song, encompassing brain gym, multiple intelligences and songs for all curricular areas and different times of the day. This one-year programme will be made up of a choice of four Masters level modules that cover:

  • Singing for learning and well-being
  • Strategies for creating new, original songs for your classroom
  • Learning about pulse, pitch and rhythm through simple songs for use across the curriculum
  • Developing the music curriculum across learning environments through subject leadership
  • Focus on good vocal health

 

Features:

  • A structured Postgraduate Certificate in Education that focuses on singing within the school curriculum
  • A Postgraduate Certificate that can lead to an MA Education
  • A supportive learning environment where professionals can work together to explore best practice in managing professional learning
  • A programme that offers expertise in research based practice in vocal education and subject leadership
Next: Modules

Programme Structure:

Module 1 (a choice between )

  • Creating Songs in the classroom

This module reviews a variety of approaches to creating songs in the classroom and explores the parameters in which it is possible to engage children in composing their own material as individuals or as a group.

  • Understanding the development of quality singing

This module introduces the context of singing in the curriculum including discussion of national initiatives and government policy. It aims to increase teachers' knowledge and understanding of own voice and pupils’ voices and explore a range of strategies for improving the quality of singing and for developing singing activities in schools.

Module 2

Singing for Learning and Well-being

This module explores ideas about the creative curriculum: definition, pedagogic strategies and different approaches. It looks at the use of singing as a learning tool and the benefits it can bring in promoting confidence and well-being.

Module 3

An Aural and Vocal Approach to the Primary Music Curriculum

The module explores strategies for evaluating aural and written traditions in music and their significance for music education and learning styles.

Next: Assessment

We believe in flexible forms of assessment. We try to ensure that the assessment for a module or project is matched to the content and learning outcomes.

Assessments for projects and dissertations are usually negotiated with tutors. Currently, modules and projects are assessed using a combination of evidence, ranging through:

  • Portfolios of annotated evidence
  • Professional logs
  • Live presentations
  • Observation of practice
  • Video presentations
  • Podcasts or audio diaries
  • Essays
  • Reports
  • Articles fit for publication
  • Professional documentation (e.g. policies used within school, planning documents, lesson plans and schemes of work)
  • Briefing documents for colleagues
  • Reflective accounts
  • Dialogic interviews or ‘hothouse tutorials'
Next: Careers

Career opportunities

The course is designed to enhance music teachers and people who work with children’s experience of singing, the creativity it promotes and the feeling of well-being it can create.

Next: Entry requirements

Provided you have a degree and you are working as part of the children's workforce, then you are eligible to register for any of our postgraduate modules, certificates, diplomas or the full MA in Education.

Beginning: Overview

Useful links

Who to contact