Music

The Department is housed in its own classroom block along with the Drama Studio; there are two classrooms, three practice rooms, a recording suite and music studio equipped with Sibelius 6 and Reason. The Music Department at OPGS is busy and vibrant. In addition to class teaching, we run a very programme of extra-curricular activities in school time, catering for all musical interests and levels of attainment. Each year we provide a Christmas Celebration and a whole school production, in conjunction with the Drama Department, alongside other recitals and events.

Subject Content

Years 7 and 8

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.

YEAR 7 TOPICS	YEAR 8 TOPICS
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	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

Extension and Enrichment

Keyboard, Guitar and Ukulele clubs, Choir.

Key Stage 4 GCSE

Exam Board and Subject Content

Exam Board: Edexcel

The new Edexcel GCSE course (9-1) is designed to develop your musical knowledge, understanding and skills through studying a wide range of music from different cultures.

There are 3 strands to the course:

Component 1 – Performing 30%

Component 2 – Composing 30%

Component 3 – Appraising 40%

Performing:

Students are expected to complete a Solo and an Ensemble performance.

Composing:

Students complete 2 compositions – a ‘free’ composition and one from a set brief

Appraising:

Students study – reading and writing staff notation, duration, rhythm, pulse, pitch, harmony, tonality, elements of music.

Students must also study 8 set works from 4 Areas of Study: Instrumental Music 1700-1820, Vocal Music, Music for Stage and Screen, Fusions.

Extension and Enrichment

Advanced Guitar Club, Advanced Ukulele Club, Band, Choir, Concert visits, Studio, GCSE Extra

To view A-Level course content, please click here.