General Introduction
The focus is built around practical music, with all students learning how to play a musical instrument, learning how to sing together, and (in Year 8) using music technology to explore the creative process involved in writing and performing music. During these sessions, students develop their ability to listen critically to the music they are playing, to music performed by others and, most importantly, to each other. Music is taught in two sessions: in the first session, students are taught Keyboards and, in the second session, they come together to actively participate in music appreciation sessions (while under Covid restrictions), covering a large range of genres, from Classical, Jazz, Film music and many more, as well as sing as one large choir (once Covid restrictions to group singing have been lifted), covering a range of songs across these genres.
We believe that these sessions demonstrate our commitment to providing an innovative approach to music teaching which takes the best elements of whole class keyboard teaching and builds on it to ensure that every child develops the high level of musical skill, knowledge and empathy that comes from learning to play music as part of an ensemble.
Year 7 Overview
Term One: Instruments of the Orchestra – Students will develop their note-reading and ensemble performing skills through using their keyboard to perform music from Dvorak’s New World Symphony.
Term Two: Rhythms of the World – Students will explore how different musical elements are used in music from Africa, South and Central America through performance, analysis and composition.
Term Three: Film Music – Students will study the characteristics of music used in film to depict the right mood of a scene, all through listening, analysis, composition and assessed keyboard performance of the chosen piece of film music.
KS4 Overview
The music department offers students the opportunity to study Advanced (GCSE AQA) Music, Music Performance and, in the future, Music Technology at KS4 level.
Extended Learning
In addition to learning an instrument as part of the music curriculum, there will be many opportunities for your child to extend their musical learning further:
Joining the Y9 vocal ensemble
Joining School Choirs (post Covid restrictions)
Ensembles outside lessons for those making exceptionally good progress
Music Tech club (Spring and Summer term)
Opportunities to join the wide array of orchestras and bands (pop, rock…)
Individual and small group instrumental lessons
ABRSM aural and theory training
Independent Learning
It is our expectation that all students will continue their learning outside the classroom and so students will keep a musical learning workbook updated with records of their progress in and out of lessons. They will also be expected to develop their knowledge of music theory and prepare for the end of term listening exam. Students may wish to hire a musical instrument from a local Music Service or music shops so that they can continue their practice outside school.
