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Music

Our curriculum is designed to nurture the artistic talents and passions of students, providing them with a comprehensive education in the captivating world of performing arts. Through a diverse range of disciplines such as drama, dance, music, and more, students will explore their artistic potential, develop essential skills, and gain a profound appreciation for the performing arts. Our curriculum combines theory and practical application, empowering students to express themselves, collaborate with others, and engage audiences through captivating performances.

With expert teaching all students will receive expert guidance and mentorship to sharpen their techniques, ignite their imagination, and discover their unique artistic voice.

What makes a good student of Performing Arts?

Demonstrates a genuine passion and dedication for the performing arts.
Possesses excellent discipline and commitment to honing their skills.
Shows versatility and a willingness to explore different performing arts disciplines.
Exhibits strong teamwork and collaboration skills, valuing the contributions of fellow performers.
Displays stage presence, confidence, and the ability to engage and captivate an audience.
Demonstrates effective communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal, in their performances.
Exhibits a strong work ethic and takes initiative in rehearsing and perfecting their craft.
Shows resilience and adaptability in handling challenges and constructive criticism.
Has a strong sense of creativity and originality, bringing their unique interpretations to performances.
Demonstrates an understanding and appreciation for the historical and cultural aspects of the performing arts.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum

Curriculum Journey

Year 7 students will learn about the following:

Singing Skills
Primary Triads - learning to play the Keyboard
Baroque Period (Pachelbel's Canon)
Classical Period (Mozart Clarinet and Rondo)
Pop Music (Castle on the Hill)

Year 8 will learn about the following:

Classic 12 Bar Blues
Latin American Jazz (Oye)
Introduction to Music Technology Basics
The Delta Blues
Introduction to Hip Hop (The Magic Number)

Year 9 students will learn about the following:

Funk Jazz (Chameleon)
Music Technology
Film Music (Composition)
Pop Music (Stormzy)
End of Year Project

Teaching Hours: 2 hours per fortnight

Key Stage 4 Curriculum

Exam Board - Year 11 OCR/ Year 10 Edexcel

What is the Course?

Our GCSE in Music provides an accessible and creative musical education, integrating the three main components : performing, composing and appraising.

What will I be taught?

You will be taught the three main areas of performing, composing and appraising. You will study eight set works, from different periods and genres of Music. You will need to study these eight pieces of music in depth and this will form the main part of your written exam.

Is there a practical element to the course?

A lot of learning is through practical activities. You will need to perform on a regular basis in front of the class.

What skills will I learn?

As a modern musician, you will learn how to manage your time effectively and how to plan for rehearsal sessions. You will learn how to work as part of a team, as well as being self-led on occasions. You will have the skills to compose to a set brief, and also to be able to prepare and perform in front of others.

What would be expected of me?

To gain the upper grades it is essential that you have private music lessons to help you prepare. You also need to be a member of at least one of the extra-curricular music groups.

How will I be assessed?

There is a written exam at the end of the course, worth 40% of the grade. You will also be assessed internally on your performing skills (30%) and your composition tasks (30%). You will complete this work in lesson time.

Is there coursework involved in this course?

Yes - both performing and composition is coursework based and is completed and assessed in school.

What course or employment can I progress to at the end of the course?

The course will support learners to progress to employment in a wide range of job roles across the music industry, for example in performance, production, technical support, stage operations, venue crew, music promotion and retail/sales. The qualification allows progression to a range of Post 16 qualifications at level 2 or 3 for students who wish to continue with their study of music and to take up a career in the sector.

Key Stage 5 Curriculum

BTEC – Level 3 - Extended Certificate in Performing Arts

The BTEC Level 3 in Performing Arts is a vocational qualification with a focus on developing practical skills and techniques in a range of performing arts disciplines and critical analysis skills and contextual understanding of practitioners' work. Learners will gain a taste and an appreciation of performing arts, through knowledge and experience of the performance process. Learners will also have the opportunity to develop a range of skills, techniques and personal attributes which will be valuable across all areas of future study and work.

Course Details

Unit 1: Investigating Practitioners’ Work
Unit 2: Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance
Unit 3: Group Performance Workshop
Optional Unit: Catered for class

How the course is delivered

The course is unit based and each unit is given a credit value depending on the guided learning hours. At the start of each unit, you will receive an assignment brief detailing the tasks and criteria to be met. At the end of each unit, you will be given a grade of pass, merit or distinction.

Entry Requirements

Minimum of five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English Literature or Language and Maths. Subject specific results will also be considered when choosing this course, students should have taken either one or more of the following Dance, Drama and Music.

Teaching Hours: 8 hours per fortnight

Enrichment and Extra-Curricular

To extend learning beyond the classroom, you should consider doing some of the following tasks:

Joining a local theatre group will provide you with opportunities to participate in productions, enhance your performing skills and gain experience in performing in front of an audience.
Enrol in a dance group outside of school to allow you to explore different styles, improve your technique and participate in live performances.
Learn a new musical instrument either through organised music lessons or teach yourself through online resources such as YouTube.
Visit a theatre to see a play, dance show or musical performance to expose you to a variety of performances and styles.

You can also extend your learning through reading. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

Book title	Book author
Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night time	Mark Haddon
War Horse	Michael Morpugo
To Kill A Mockingbird	Harper Lee
Noughts and Crosses	Malorie Blackman
Perks of being a Wallflower	Stephen Chbosky
Daisy Jones and the Six	Taylor Jenkins Reid
Hope in a Ballet Shoe	Michaela DePrince
Sing like no ones listening	Vanessa Jones
Jennifer Lawrence: Girl on Fire	Nadia Cohen
Life in Motion - An unlikely Ballerina	Misty Copeland