Subjects

Years 7, 8 and 9

Throughout Key Stage 3 students learn a variety of different skills in Music. The four key areas of learning are performing, composing, listening and application of music theory. Our curriculum enables these four key skills to be delivered through practical based learning. Performance skills are developed by learning how to play keyboards, African drums, ukulele and guitar through a variety of different topics such as African Music, Reggae or Pop Music. Compositional skills are learnt by studying various techniques (chord sequences, musical structure) and then applying them on an instrument of their choice, or on to computer based software such as Garageband. Listening is an integral part of developing as a musician, and this is embedded into lessons through various listening tasks. Students learn various aspects of music theory through applying them in a practical manner. 

Years 10 and 11

Students who opt to take Music as an option at Key Stage 4 will study BTEC Level 2 Music First Award in Music. There are two core units that they have to complete in Year 10; The Music Industry and Managing a Music Product. In The Music Industry, students learn about the different jobs and companies involved in the music industry. For Managing a Music Product, they have to create a compilation that includes recordings of student performances. Once the product is finished, they then have to promote it and evaluate the whole process. Once they have completed these core units, two of five optional units are then completed. These could be Introducing Live Sound, Introducing Music Composition, Introducing Music Performance, Introducing Studio Recording, Introducing Music Sequencing.

Years 12 and 13

Students who take Music at Key Stage 5 will have the option to study BTEC Level 3 National Award in Music Performance or BTEC Level 3 National in Music Technology. The Music Performance qualification contains four units where students will hone and develop their skills as a performer. This will involve working with other students as part of an ensemble as well as developing their solo performance skills, improvisation skills or taking other optional units. They will also complete units on practical music theory and harmony as well as professional practice in the music industry. The Music Technology qualification will involve developing skills using a digital audio workstation (DAW), music technology enterprise opportunities and a variety of other optional units.

Music Learning Journey