Music

Students in KS3 have Music for one hour a week. In addition, students in Year 7 are given group instrumental tuition for one additional hour a week for one term.

Our ambitious KS3 curriculum prepares learners for a life-long appreciation and understanding of Music by embedding and improving their performance, composition and analytical skills. - It is a combination of a:

Mastery curriculum (sequenced modules/topics)

Spiral curriculum (content that is revisited across the Key Stage)

Our KS3 curriculum covers the KS3 National Curriculum (2013) and also shares the same intention and includes the following elements of the Model Music Curriculum published in 2021 (MMC):

MMC Intention:

In setting out a clearly sequenced and ambitious approach to music teaching, this curriculum provides a roadmap to introduce pupils to the delights and disciplines of music, helping them to appreciate and understand the works of the musical giants of the past, while also equipping them with the technical skills and creativity to compose and perform.

MMC listening Elements included:

* Western Classical tradition from Renaissance through to the C20th

* Western Classical and Film Music beyond the 1940s

* Popular Styles including Blues, Rock n Roll, Jazz, Hip-Hop and more

* Musical Traditions including Samba, Indian Classical, Reggae and more

Developing keyboard skills and the use of music technology are common features of all three years in KS3 but there is a particular focus on keyboard & tuned percussion in Year 7, ukulele in Year 8 and Music Technology in Year 9.

Studying Music at KS4 is an exciting and fulfilling pursuit. The course combines a huge range of different skills and disciplines; and will challenge students to delve into elements of History, Geography, Sociology, Philosophy, Psychology, Art and Mathematics. The course balances academic learning with artistic creativity allowing students to express themselves in a variety of ways whilst building an understanding of how people of different cultures, throughout the ages to the modern day, express themselves.

Experience as a singer or instrumentalist is vital, as is the ability to read music. We encourage our GCSE students to follow the ABRSM Theory course and to have reached a minimum of grade 3 by the time they sit their GCSE. Students will also be involved in the extra-curricular side of the department giving them the opportunity to take part in concerts and other performance projects.

This is what some students say about GCSE Music:

"It's really varied; there's something for everyone"

"It’s a really close community - you make friendships that last a lifetime" "I loved it!"

The course consists of one externally examined paper and two coursework components as follows:

Performing: 30%, internally marked and externally moderated

• One solo performance: this must be of at least one minute in duration, and may comprise of one or more pieces

• One ensemble performance: this must be of at least one minute in duration and may comprise of one or more pieces

Each performance is marked out of 30 and the combined time minimum is four minutes.

Composing: 30%, internally marked and externally moderated

Two compositions, of a combined time minimum of three minutes (one composition to a brief set by the exam board, of at least one minute in duration and one free composition, each of at least one minute in duration).

Each composition is marked out of 30.

Appraising - Written Examination: 40% of the qualification

One listening examination (1hr 45 minutes) that includes identification and analysis questions on 2 set works from each of the following 4 Areas of study as well as additional 'unfamiliar' pieces:

• Instrumental Music 1700–1820 (Bach & Beethoven)

• Vocal Music (Queen & Purcell)

• Music for Stage and Screen (Wicked & Star Wars)

• Fusions (Samba/ Jazz & other)

Course Description:

Music is available as a 3 component award (A-Level). The course develops all aspects of musicianship with a focus on performance, analysis, critical listening and composition. The listening paper includes the study Area of study 1: Western classical tradition 1650–1910 as well as our two centre-chosen areas of study (Area of study 4: Musical Theatre & Area of Study 7: Art Music since 1910).

Skills Required:

The ability to read notation is essential as well as a commitment to hard work and a busy rehearsal schedule. The ability to work independently (instrumental practice and research) and the potential to reach grade 7+ on instrument/voice by the end of the course are also required.

*Involvement in Extra Curricular ensembles and concerts is mandatory*

Method of assessment:

Music A-Level is assessed through one exam and two coursework components as follows:

• Exam - Listening analysis exam (2hr 45 minutes) – 40% of total marks.

• Solo performance recital (10 minutes minimum) – 35% of total marks.

• 2 compositions (one free and one to a brief) (4 minutes and 30 seconds minimum) – 25% of total marks.

Progression:

Music has been described as an intelligent response to feeling and sound. As the subject requires confidence, sensitivity, creativity, imagination, analytical skills and the ability to work well individually and collectively, the course opens up many different pathways – at degree level and beyond.