Music
Foundation Years: Year 7 and 8
Foundation years
Pupils explore music through a range of practical activities using classroom instruments, keyboards and the voice. Working in pairs and larger groups, they use sounds descriptively, rhythmically and melodically to create compositions and perform music. They learn performance skills through a variety of topics and develop an analytical ear through listening and appraising Music. Students learn to read and write traditional staff notation through performance and composition. We regularly enjoy singing in class and students are encouraged to take part in the wide variety of extracurricular activities, including keyboard club, choir, guitar club, studio work, composing club.
Year 7
TERM 1: MUSIC NOTATION & KEYBOARD SKILLS
TERM 2: MELODY/HARMONY/CHORDS
TERM 3 + 4: PENTATONIC COMPOSITION
TERM 5: MUSICALS
TERM 6: HISTORY OF POP MUSIC
Year 8
TERM 1: FILM THEMES
TERM 2: LOOPS, RIFFS AND THEMES
TERM 3: COMPOSING USING VISUAL ARTS
TERM 4: NOTATING COMPOSITION
TERM 5: PERFORMANCE SKILLS
TERM 6: HISTORY OF POP MUSIC
Keystone Year: Year 9
Year 9 Music is taught within the Creative Arts carousel. Each class has an 8-week session within each art form. Our common link is ‘Around the World’.
MUSIC AROUND THE WORLD – students study traditional styles and instruments from around the world, including Africa, India, China, Japan, USA, Australia.
Students experience a wide range of music from around the world, studying through research, listening and practical activities.
GCSE: Years 10 and 11
The new Edexcel GCSE Music course (9-1) is designed to develop musical knowledge, understanding and skills through studying a wide range of music from different cultures.
Students should have a genuine interest in learning about and performing music, being relatively fluent on their chosen instrument.
Course Details
There are 3 strands to the course:
Paper 1 – Performance 30%
Paper 2 – Composition 30%
Paper 3 – Appraisal 40%
Paper 1 – Performance:
Students are expected to complete two final performances: a Solo and an Ensemble performance.
Each performance must demonstrate a high standard of instrumental skill and technique, combined with accuracy and musicianship. Both performances are recorded and submitted with the original score.
Paper 2 – Composition:
Students must complete 2 compositions: a ‘free’ composition and one from a choice set briefs from the exam board.
Each composition must demonstrate knowledge of melodic and harmonic knowledge, alongside idiomatic writing for instrumental forces. It must show development of material and show coherence.
The ‘free’ composition is completed in Year 10 and the set brief composition is completed in Year 11.
Both compositions are written on music software with the completed score, recording and written description submitted as coursework.
Paper 3 – Appraisal:
Students study 8 set works from 4 Areas of Study:
Instrumental Music 1700-1820
Vocal Music
Music for Stage and Screen
Fusions
Students also study music dictation, notation, music elements, tonality, and music theory.
Wider listening around the set works are examined to extend repertoire.
Assessment
Papers 1 and 2 are completed during the course and are internally assessed and moderated.
Paper 3 is studied throughout the course and concludes with an externally assessed written exam at the end of the course.
A Level: Years 12 and 13
The new Edexcel A Level Music course is designed as an advanced progression from GCSE Music.
Course Details
There are 3 strands to the course:
Paper 1 – Performing 30%
Paper 2 – Composing 30%
Paper 3 – Appraising 40%
Paper 1: Performance: Students must perform a recital, which is a minimum of 8 minutes. It can be one long piece, or several shorter selections. Any instrument or voice may be used. Recitals will be recorded in one take to be sent to the board, with no pauses or edits in the recording.
Paper 2: Composition: Students must compose either a ‘free’ or a composition to one of six briefs, of at least 4 minutes duration. They must also compose a chorale texture in the style of J.S.Bach, at least 1 minute in duration. The composition must be submitted as a recording with an accompanying score and a detailed description. Editing may be used to best express the composition.
Paper 3: Appraisal: Students study 6 Areas of Study, each including 3 set works.
Areas of Study are:
Vocal Music
Instrumental Music
Music for Film
Popular Music and Jazz
Fusions
New Directions.
Musical works range from the Baroque Era to the present. Students must learn to listen to and analyse musical detail, be aware of the cultural and historic context of musical works and have a good understanding of musical vocabulary and techniques.
Paper 3 also includes a music dictation and a question based on unfamiliar listening.
Students should be good performers and have a genuine curiosity about a wide range of music genres. A good knowledge of music theory would be an advantage.
Assessment
Papers 1 and 2 are completed during the course and are externally assessed.
Paper 3 is studied throughout the course and concludes with an externally assessed written exam at the end of the course.
Extension and enrichment
Junior Band, Senior Jazz Band, Guitar Club, Keyboard Club, Singing Club, Exam Help Desk
Advanced Guitar Club, Senior Jazz Band, Choir, theatre visits, Music Studio, school concerts and a yearly musical.
