Statement of Curriculum Intent

Music students will be inspired by opportunities to make discoveries and adopt an ‘anything is possible’ approach to music, using a broadening range of well-scaffolded resources and cutting-edge technology. Through research, experimentation and practice, students will be equipped to demonstrate individual creativity and achieve excellent personal outcomes; generating an increasing enjoyment and interest.

This means:

• Students will be able to confidently analyse, evaluate and articulate their understanding of musical styles and genres using a music-based vocabulary.
• They will appreciate the historical, contemporary, ethnic, political and cultural diversity of the music community, and through this appreciation, learn to understand the deeper meanings embedded within it.
• They will record reflections and observations, in a variety in a music portfolio that monitors their own personal progress throughout their musical journey, focusing on the skills that will prepare them for GCSE.
• Students will learn to understand how explore musical ideas, generate opinions and listen to music from all over the world. This will be an integral part of the creative process.
• They will be able to present a personal and creative response that realises their intentions, making meaningful connections between their research, opinions and observations.

In Music, it is not simply ‘one size fits all’ but more about how the students develop and grow into young aspiring musicians. It is our belief that students develop an understanding of music whilst capturing their processes of creativity along the way and achieve this through the areas of Performing, Composing and Listening. 

Key Stage 3

In KS3, students are encouraged to explore music in a variety of ways whilst focusing on some key fundamental skills such as; playing two or more parts (layers) simultaneously in time with each other, using appropriate instruments within a particular genre or style and practicing the application of notation, whether that may be standard Western Classical notation (using Sibelius) or graphic score writing (using GarageBand). Students will also learn about various composers and their impact on the history of music. Whilst focusing on these particular skills and areas, we also acknowledge and encourage other life skills such as resilience, problem solving, collaborative learning, independence, creativity and enjoyment. Topics covered: Telling Musical Stories; Impressionism; Medieval Music and Stomp Music; British Folk Music; Making Connections; Film Music; Song Writing; Ground Bass and Dance Music.

Key Stage 4

In KS4, students develop their strengths in performing and composing. They embark on a two-year programme of study following the OCR exam board. Students apply their knowledge and understanding practically, including using musical vocabulary and notation as appropriate. Students are required to demonstrate their skills as performers, composers and with an ability to analyse and evaluate music through listening to various genres, styles and key composers.

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