Curriculum
Music
Why study music?
Music engages pupils with their own culture as well as with the wider world. A recent study in the UK found that playing a musical instrument appears to enhance general performance in other subjects at GCSE. Other studies have shown that music benefits learning by activating all areas of the brain: auditory (sound processing); motor (rhythm processing); and limbic (emotions). It helps students to think differently and harness the power of their imagination.
How will I study music?
Our music curriculum is designed to give each pupil a well-balanced and enriching foundation in the knowledge and skills required to flourish as listeners, performers and composers. It allows pupils to reach their creative and technical potential whilst building cultural capital and encourages them to develop an appreciation for the importance of music within society as a whole.
Music is an important part of the curriculum in and of itself. As a subject, music encompasses a wide variety of transferrable skills (confidence, teamwork, communication etc.), but these are secondary to the musical knowledge being taught and the musical experiences being provided. We teach music so that pupils can have a lifelong love and appreciation of music from a wide variety of styles and cultures.
What will I study at key stage 3?
Year 7 serves as a ‘foundation’ year, ensuring pupils from a wide range of feeder schools and backgrounds (with differing levels of experience) develop the necessary tools to succeed in musical study at KS3 and beyond. We then build on this foundation developing the technical elements of performance and composition whilst introducing constructive and expressive foci to practical tasks. Year 9 offers those who do not wish to pursue GCSE Music a culmination of their study of music within school, whilst preparing those who do by elevating technical and constructive tasks through a focus on expressivity.
What will I study at key stage 4?
During KS4 the study of Music supports students in forming personal and meaningful relationships with music through the development of musical knowledge, understanding and skills including performing, composing and appraising. We encourage students to engage critically and creatively with a wide range of music and musical contexts, develop an understanding of the place of music in different cultures and contexts, and reflect on how music is used in the expression of personal and collective identities.
Assessment at Key Stage 4
GCSE Music Edexcel 1MU0
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
| Component 1 – Performing 30% of GCSE 60 marks |
Students perform for at least four minutes’ combined duration. Solo performance: this must be of at least one minute in duration, and may comprise one or more pieces Ensemble performance: this must be of at least one minute in duration, and may comprise one or more pieces Each performance will be out of 30 marks. |
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
| Component 2 – Composing 30% of GCSE 60 marks |
Students compose two compositions, of at least three minutes’ combine duration One composition to a brief set by Pearson, of at least one minute in duration One free composition set by the student, of at least one minute in duration. Each composition will be out of 30 marks. Internally marked and externally moderated. |
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
|
Component 3 – Appraising 80 marks |
Musical elements, musical contexts and musical language. Areas of study:
The paper is made up of two sections and is out of a total of 80 marks. Section A – Areas of study, dictation, and unfamiliar pieces (68 marks)
Section B – Extended response comparison between a set work and one unfamiliar piece (12 marks)
|
Enrichment
We offer regular lunchtime clubs so that pupils can access the Music classrooms. We hold regular concerts through the year as well as cubs. Students have access to peripatetic music lessons during the school day.
Careers
Engagement with Music can lead to future careers ranging from musician, sound engineer, film, theatre and radio to name but a few.