Music

Key Stage 3  (Programme Of Study)

Listening, performing and composing are very much part of the Music curriculum in Year 7. Most of the practical work will be carried out on glockenspiels and other percussion instruments. However, we do encourage those pupils who are learning to play musical instruments outside the lessons to play these alongside the classroom instruments. During year 7 the pupils will study different aspects of music through six topics, including learning to read musical rhythm and notation. Homework will be set when appropriate as an extension to classroom activities: it will include tasks requiring a mixture of composing, learning and research.

 

Listening, performing and composing continue to be the main emphasis of the work in Music during Year 8. Practical and composition work this year will include creative percussion work and learning basic skills on the keyboard and the guitar. Listening work will include the understanding of classical music. Homework will be set whenever appropriate to enhance the learning in each of the topics covered during the lessons.

 

The Year 9 Music course covers a wide range of music styles, from traditional classical music to modern popular trends. Pupils will be expected to perform and compose music using keyboards, guitar, voice or percussion, whichever is relevant to the styles being studied. The pupils will work in a mixture of individual and group situations.
Assessment in practical work and composing is essential in Year 9 to build confidence in preparation for the GCSE course in Years 10 and 11. In the final term a series of musical knowledge tests will enable the pupils to attain Bronze, Silver or Gold Certificate of Achievement.

Key Stage 4

60% percent of the Music final grade is devoted to coursework - composing and performing; 40% is externally assessed - listening and appreciation and a short practical/composing test. There is a practical emphasis throughout the course, involving composing and performing. Students will have the opportunity to use a range of technological equipment, as well as the more traditional instruments.

 

	Music