Music
Key stage 3
Aims
The aim of the music department is to fulfil its part in the role of developing our students in a confident, responsible and successful learners and people
We aim to teach pupils the basics of understanding music and to give all pupils the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument.
Activities/ areas covered – key aspects of the curriculum
Pupils will learn the basics of playing the keyboard and reading music. They will use a number of very different programs on the computers to compose music in a variety of ways, for example as background music for a film, as dance music and song composing. As well as developing performing skills we aim to encourage creativity and the use of imagination in many different projects.
Opportunities
As our Music curriculum continues to develop we endeavour to introduce students to important and professional music programs as well as providing many opportunities to perform, both in class and in concerts and talent shows. In addition students still continue to have the opportunity to take up instrumental and singing lessons and to perform in different situations.
Key stage 4
Aims
The overall aim of the department at KS4 is the same as at KS3, but now offered as a GCSE. Listening to music, performing it and composing it are the three fundamental activities, the two practical ones being the most important.
Breakdown of course in terms of coursework/ exam
In the new GCSE course 40% will be for performing, 40% for composing and 20% for the end of course listening exam.
Opportunities
In Year 10 we will participate in a composing project – pupils will compose a short piece of music for a professional ensemble, who will perform the music in a public concert at the Crucible.
In Year 11 pupils will be taken to a recording studio to make a professional standard recording of their music.
