Home > Curriculum > Expressive Arts > Music

| Mrs H Paris | Subject Leader for Music KS3 and KS4 |
| Mrs N Parker | Teacher of Music KS3 |
MMusic is delivered throughout KS3 for one hour per week and can be chosen as an option in KS4 and studied to GCSE level.
Performance, composition and listening are the three key components upon which the schemes of work are based, with a practical emphasis using electronic keyboards, computers, persussion and voices.
All students are base-line tested for keyboard performance and aural ability at the start of Year 7. This will be revisited at the start of Year8 and 9.
All students are taught to use music technology via Yamaha electronic keyboards with built-in multi-track sequencers.
All students will experience live and recorded vocal music.
All students will use computer-technology to aid their independent learning in listening activities and as a composition tool.
All students will have an individual exercise book in which to record their written work, and an individual workbook for their listening tests.
Music staff will keep recorded examples of sampled student performance and composition work, in digital format.
Year 7 |
Year 8 |
Year 9 |
1. What is Music? |
1. Latin - American music 4. Pentatonic – based music. Performance 6. Rhinegold listening tests |
1. Vocal scores and skills 3. Blues Music Project |
The OCR Syllabus J535 for GCSE Music is followed, with set areas of study and performance / composition components.
The course is 75% practical, the students prepare performances and compositions which are internally marked and externally moderated, and sit an hour-long listening paper at the end of Year 11 which is externally marked and worth 25%
There are opportunities to use computer-based composition skills and any acoustic or electronic instrument for performance, or the voice may be used if preferred.
During Year 10 the course is more practically based, and in Year 11 the introduction of written responses to listening work is introduced.
Year 10 |
Year 11 |
1. Spotlight on 'My Music' 3. Listening skills - various 'set' areas of study |
1. The creative task - improvised composistion ideas from a given structure |
There are opportunities in KS3 and in KS4 to participate in performance groups and concerts.
There are “showcase” concerts for students to perform live instrumentally or vocally.
There is a College Choir which rehearses weekly throughout the year.
There is a College Orchestra
which rehearses weekly.
There are orchestral and instrumental ensembles that meet to rehearse and perform.
Peripatetic tutors teach individuals and small groups in College and at the Arts In Education Centre.
There are vocal performance opportunities within the Expressive Arts annual show