Music
Subject Intent
Music provides joy and solace on demand, whether we are composing, playing or listening.
Singing is free and almost a human necessity
It creates a universe of our own and gives us confidence in our ability to express, communicate and learn.
The study of music helps us understand why we experience certain emotional responses and why music holds such meaning for us as humans.
It also:
- Brings with it many skills for life and supports other learning
- Supports life longer learners of music
- Encourages kindness and promotes a feeling of belonging
- Can provide an immediate sense of accomplishment
- Exercises both right and left brain skills
- Satisfies an innate human desire to make music with others
Provides a vehicle across which we can communicate and experience togetherness, emotions and what it is to be human
Aims
The Music Department aims to encourage students to make and appreciate music of a high standard, enjoying both the process and the product. In this way, we hope that students develop a life-long love for music as listeners and perhaps performers, too, and feel that they can access music as they wish throughout their lives.
The music programme aims to ensure that all pupils:
- make music with others on a regular basis
- understand practice techniques that produce optimum results
- compose music
- understand and write, basic musical notation
- use appropriate language to describe the music they hear
- are exposed to, and respect a rich variety of music
- are aware of the musical offerings in and outside of school
- know how to use music to enrich their lives as children and adults
Key Stage 3
Music in Years 7 and 8 involves sound and instrument exploration through popular song, World Music and film and game music. The geography of the keyboard is used as the platform for a solid understanding of melody and harmony, whilst other instruments, such as guitar, ukulele and drums enable students to begin to play in a band set up and even write their own music.
Relevant theory makes up an important part of our studies, enabling our students to maximise their access to music.
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Year 7 Unit Titles |
Year 8 Unit Titles |
Year 9 Unit Titles |
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Keyboard: Exploring Film Music Breaking Barriers: Music as Innovator Steel Band: Protest Music and Favourite Melodies |
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Brief description of the departments homework policy for pupils in year 7, 8 & 9 |
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Homework for Music usually consists of learning a few salient facts about a particular piece studied. |
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Year 7 Homework Tasks |
Year 8 Homework Tasks |
Year 9 Homework Tasks |
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Questions asking for brief research and opinions about the material studied |
Key Stage 4
Music at KS4 is based around the preparation for OCR GCSE Music. This is broken up into three main areas: Playing, Composing and Listening, making up 30%, 30% and 40% of the final grade, respectively.
A basic review of theory, harmony and instrument fundamentals is found to be essential at the beginning of this course in Year 9, making Composing, Playing and Listening more accessible for the student throughout the course. Pop Music is subsequently used as a vehicle to extend understanding in these areas.
During Year 10, the first official composition of two, should be completed and a strong knowledge developed of the GCSE Listening Areas of Study.
Year 11 is reserved for the final solo and ensemble recordings, as well as the second and final composition to a set brief. Time is then available for revision in readiness for the listening exam in June.
Music students at KS4 have lessons twice weekly.
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Component/unit 1 |
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Component/unit 2 |
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External Unit/ Examination |
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What is assessed:
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Please provide a brief description of the departments homework policy for pupils at KS4 |
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Students should be ready to complete one listening or theory based homework per week as well as practicing their instrument on a daily basis. |