Music

Faculty Leader: Miss C Leath

Subject Leader: Mr A Pilato

Curriculum Intent

Our music department endeavours to contribute to the faculty of expressive arts as a whole in terms of enriching and developing the musical possibilities for our students. The philosophy of the department is to develop a child’s expression, character and self-confidence through a delivery of their musical performances and compositions.

Regardless of gender, race and ability, our curriculum offers an inclusive musical learning journey for all. It aims to explore the wider aspects of musical contexts, through performance, composition and appraising music, whilst underpinning the core values of the school.

The genre rich music curriculum offers the students an opportunity to express their creativity, through song and performance as an artform, thereby developing their communication and listening skills. Using the recording studio, practice rooms, and iMac workstations with industry standard music software, learners are able to write their own music, lyrics, record their voice and instruments, as well as perform to a live audience at our school concerts and external events.

Ultimately, music education at the school aims to develop the learner’s insightfulness, and also build on their existing character as young musicians and practicing professionals. It also enables them to perfect and perform their own instrument to the best of their ability, whilst journeying to an employable future, within the wider context of the music industry.

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Updated: 21/10/2024 189 KB

Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9)

Students’ develop the ability to perceive, understand and appreciate how sounds are organised and how music is produced, influenced and performed within selected musical genres, styles, mediums and traditions.

Students are encouraged to perform using their voices, keyboards, percussion and world instruments as well as utilising their own instruments.

Students are encouraged to develop compositional skills individually, through paired and group activities, traditional compositional techniques as well as through the use of the latest music technology. Carefully selected music will help students to develop an awareness of different instruments, styles, forms and techniques, and will include some knowledge of musical history and elements.

Nine GCSE focussed band descriptions decide the types and range of performance and composition that students should characteristically demonstrate.

Instrumental lessons are available in school for strings, woodwind, brass, percussion, piano and guitar. Students are also encouraged to take part in extra-curricular music activities including Rock and Pop Choir, Orchestra, Song Writing and Recording Workshop, Rock and Pop Groups and other performance groups, which are a very important part of the musical life within the school.

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11)

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Teacher in Charge: Mr A Pilato

What course do I follow?

AQA GCSE MUSIC
Specification code: 8271

What will students study?

GCSE Music is about understanding, performing and composing music.

These skills are applied across a wide variety of styles – Western classical tradition (1650 – 1910), Popular music, Traditional music and Western classical tradition (since 1910). There are opportunities to use music technology (Logic & Sibelius) throughout the course with both the composition and recording process.

Details of Examination?

(Worth 40% of the total marks)

There is one main examination at the end of Year 11 (1 hour & 30 minutes). Students will listen to a CD and answer questions on the musical extracts played.

Details of Coursework

Performing (Worth 30% of the total marks)

Students will perform one solo piece and one ensemble piece. These performances will be recorded and marked by the teacher and moderated by the board.

Composing (Worth 30% of the total marks)

Students must learn how to develop musical ideas and compose music that is musically convincing through two compositions. One must be in response to an externally set brief (Composition 1) and the other, a free composition (Composition 2).

Students will be encouraged to use technology in composing and recording their work e.g. multi-track recordings and printed scores.

Additional Information

The course also emphasises the importance of playing music with others, and participation in extra-curricular activities - rock bands, orchestras and choirs in and outside of school.

Our instrumental teachers very much support students throughout their course.