Music
Why is the subject important?
“Music education can help spark a child’s imagination or ignite a lifetime of passion. When you provide a child with new worlds to explore and challenges to tackle, the possibilities are endless. Music education should not be a privilege for a lucky few; it should be a part of every child’s world of possibility.” Hillary Clinton
All students should have the opportunity to access a well-rounded musical education. Many studies show a correlation between musical training and academic success. Learning to play an instrument stimulates the brain, improving functions like memory and abstract reasoning skills, which are essential for maths and science. It also builds skills in leadership and team building, as well as showing you the rewards of working with others.
Students will have the opportunity to sing and perform on a range of instruments, as well as learn how to participate in ensemble performances that help build the ‘whole student’. They will develop a critical engagement with music, allowing them to contextualise, analyse and listen (aural perception) with discrimination to a range of musical genres and artists.
Year 7
What will I be learning?
- Introduction to the musical elements
- African Drumming
- Keyboard Skills
- Traditional Composition
- Voice
Each year at KS3 will end with a composition project that allows students to consolidate their learning from the year and apply skills and techniques to a final performance.
Career Links
- Musician
- Instrument Technician
- Music Tutor
- Composer
- Musical Theatre Actor/Actress
- Events Co-ordinator
How will I be assessed?
Practical performances individually, in small groups or as a whole class assessed against performing, composing and rehearsal skills.
Listening questions.
Which websites should I use to support my learning?
https://www.musictheory.net/exercises
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zmsvr82
https://classroom.thenational.academy/subjects-by-key-stage/key-stage-3/subjects/music
Year 8
What will I be studying?
- Film Music
- Rap & Songwriting
- Blues
- Hooks and Riffs
- Reggae
Each year at KS3 will end with a composition project that allows students to consolidate their learning from the year and apply skills and techniques to a final performance.
Career Links
- Music Editor
- Lyricist
- Session Musician
- Sound Technician
- Music Historian
- Stage Manager
How will I be assessed?
Practical performances individually, in small groups or as a whole class assessed against performing, composing and rehearsal skills.
Listening questions
Which websites should I use to support my learning?
https://www.musictheory.net/exercises
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zmsvr82
https://classroom.thenational.academy/subjects-by-key-stage/key-stage-3/subjects/music
Year 9
What will I be studying?
- The Music Industry
- Guitar – Chords
- Film Music Composition
- Cover Songs
- 4 Chord Songs (Band Project)
Each year at KS3 will end with a composition project that allows students to consolidate their learning from the year and apply skills and techniques to a final performance.
Career Links
- Social Media Manager
- Teacher
- Film Music Composer
- Radio Presenter
- Band Manager
- Finance Officer
How will I be assessed?
Practical performances individually, in small groups or as a whole class assessed against performing, composing and rehearsal skills.
Listening questions
Which websites should I use to support my learning?
https://www.musictheory.net/exercises
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zmsvr82
https://classroom.thenational.academy/subjects-by-key-stage/key-stage-3/subjects/music
