Music
The curriculum of our school is a reflection of our school ethos, vision and ambition. We seek to develop the whole child so that they can access all that life can offer. This means that in addition to the explicit curriculum that ultimately leads to external certification, we seek to develop lifelong learners who are spiritually, culturally, digitally and financially literate, in addition to understanding how to remain healthy and safe through their lifestyle choices.
Our Quality First Teaching Principles:
- Highly focused lesson design with sharp learning objectives
- High demands of pupil involvement and engagement with their learning
- High levels of interaction for all pupils
- Appropriate use of questioning, modelling and explaining on the part of the teacher
- An emphasis on learning through dialogue, with regular opportunities for pupils to talk both individually and in groups
- An expectation that pupils will accept responsibility for their own learning and work independently
- Regular use of encouragement and authentic praise to engage and motivate pupils
Curriculum vision
Intent
Improving creative confidence through performance, composition and an appreciation of different musical styles.
To promote a love of music across a broad curriculum. We want music lessons to be fun, inspiring and engaging. Through our music lessons pupils are actively involved in a wide range of musical opportunities. They develop their singing voices, use body percussion, and learn to handle and play classroom instruments effectively to create and express their own and others’ music. Through a range of whole class, group and individual activities, pupils have opportunities to explore how great pieces of music were put together, listen actively, compose and perform using traditional instruments and technology.
Subject Topics:
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Year 7 |
Rhythm and Pulse, body percussion and African drumming |
Reading and writing music using the staff and graphic notation |
The orchestra and film music – keyboard skills and music technology |
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Year 8 |
Carol of the Bells – Keyboards skills |
Remixing Pachelbel’s Canon using music technology |
Improvisation and the history of Blues music |
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Year 9 |
Basic notation Elements of Music |
Using terminology and recognising musical devices |
Introduction to Composition
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Performance techniques Solo and Ensemble Performance Opportunities |
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Year 10 |
AoS1: Forms and Devices - Introduction to set work 1 Performing: How to meet the criteria |
AoS 4: Popular Music Class performance of set work 2 |
AoS 2: Music for Ensemble - Performing in small ensembles - Composing using texture and sonority |
AoS 3: Film Music - Composing to a brief - Using Music Technology |
Revisit of topics covered this year Listening Assessment |
Free Composition Performance Assessment |
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Year 11 |
AoS1: Forms and Devices - Revisit set work 1 - Exam Techniques - Recognition of features of baroque, classical and romantic periods Select final choice of pieces for practical examination Begin brief composition |
AoS 4: Popular Music - Revisit set work 2 - Bhangra and fusion Continue work on performances Complete brief composition and log |
AoS 2: Music for Ensemble Revisit and revise Continue work on performances – begin recording Revisit free composition |
AoS3: Film Music Revisit and revise Complete all coursework and accompanying documentation Exam practise |
Exam practise questions Discuss revision techniques |
Appraising Examination |
Year 12 Music Tech. |
Introduction to assessment components |
Recording techniques and MIDI |
Exploring the mark scheme Focus on analogue synthesisers/electric instruments |
Practice brief sessions Comparing analogue and digital effects |
Practice brief project and revision |
Mock Component 3 & 4 exam Prep toward the A level set brief |
Year 13 |
Advanced MIDI and sampling Start the composition set brief |
The impact of analogue technology Studio interconnection, microphones and acoustics |
Advanced audio editing Identifying effects and their parameters |
Mixing, mastering and production techniques Work on coursework components |
Complete brief and logs Focus on exam techniques and final revision |
Component 3 & 4 exams |
Subject Impact: Whilst in school, pupils have access to a varied programme allowing them to discover areas of strength, as well as areas they might like to improve upon. The integral nature of music and the learner creates an enormously rich palette from which a student may access fundamental abilities such as: achievement, self-confidence, interaction with and awareness of others, and self-reflection. Music will also develop an understanding of culture and history, both in relation to students individually, as well as ethnicities from across the world. Pupils are able to enjoy music, in as many ways as they choose- either as listener, creator or performer. They can dissect music and comprehend its parts. They have an understanding of how to further develop skills less known to them, should they choose to continue along this path in the future.
Qualification Pathways: GCSE (Eduqas), A-Level Music Technology (Edexcel)