Creative Amplify (CA) sits at the Creative row and Amplify column of the PICRAT grid. Below: real Music lessons for KS4 that classify as CA, plus anti-examples that look CA but are not.

Sampled environmental sounds in a DAW

Year 10 · 80 min · 1 device per student plus headphones

Each student records 10 environmental sounds (bell, footsteps, water, wind, traffic, school sounds, etc.) and arranges them into a 90-second piece using DAW effects (pitch shift, reverse, time-stretch, layering). The piece must follow a clear narrative arc.

Tools: GarageBand

Vocal layers with auto-pitch and harmonisation

Year 10 · 80 min · 1 device per student plus headphones and a mic

Each student records a single melodic vocal line and uses auto-pitch correction plus a harmoniser plugin to generate three additional harmony parts. They mix the four voices into a 60-second layered vocal track. They submit individually.

Tools: GarageBand, Logic Pro

Composing with virtual orchestral instruments

Year 11 · 100 min · 1 device per student plus headphones

Each student composes a 90-second piece using virtual orchestral instruments (strings, woodwinds, brass) plus effects (reverb, compression). The piece must use at least three instrumental voices and a clear arc. They export and submit.

Tools: GarageBand, Logic Pro, BandLab

Lessons that look CA but are not

Useful counter-examples when you are checking your own lesson placement on the PICRAT grid.

This page is one of a growing set of PICRAT examples by cell, subject and key stage. Page maintained by Andy Perryer.