Aims
Music offers all students opportunities to experience the use of sound as an expressive medium in performing, singing, improvising, composing and listening. Music is a subject in which all students participate in order to develop their skills and enthusiasm to their full potential as a result of active involvement in performing, composing and listening.
Years 7 - 9
In accordance with National Curriculum requirements all students will have opportunities for composing, performing, listening and appraising. Lessons are organised to offer practical work in these areas, supported by theoretical work to increase understanding. Topics cover a wide variety of musical styles including modules on:
Year 7: Choir of the year; elements of music – pitch & rhythm, instruments of the orchestra, ukulele, African drumming.
Year 8: blues, samba, drum kit, Britpop, song writing
Year 9: reggae, chasing cars, performance skills, film music, music through time, musicals
Students work individually, in pairs and in larger groups as appropriate, solving problems, communicating ideas and performing their work.
All topics include literacy and numeracy.
Years 10 - 11
The Edexcel 2016 Syllabus is currently followed at GCSE. There are three course components:
- Performing (controlled assignment) - 30%
- Composition (controlled assignment) - 30%
- Listening and appraising (written examination paper). Based on 8 set works - 40%
These are approached through areas of study:
- Instrumental Music 1700-1820
- Vocal Music
- Music for Stage and Screen
- Fusions
The final exam consists of 8 listening questions and an essay question. Students must be able to play an instrument well or sing before they begin GCSE music..
Sixth Form
We currently follow the Edexcel syllabus for AS and A Level music. There are three course components for both AS level and A level music:
AS music
- A six minute performance at grade 5 standard or above (controlled assignment) - 30%
- One composition (controlled assignment) - 30%
- Listening and appraising (written examination paper) - based on ten set works. This exam includes listening questions, essay questions, an analysis exercise and a harmony exercise
A2 music
- A thirteen minute performance at grade 6 standard or above (controlled assignment) - 30%
- One composition (controlled assignment) and one technical study (3 hour controlled assignment) - 30%
- Listening and appraising (written examination paper) - based on set works. This exam includes listening questions on unknown pieces, and several essay questions based on the set works
Additional Information
Extra-Curricular
There are several music clubs and activities available to students, both at lunchtime and after school – the current timetable can be found Extra Curricular Activities. These are open to students of all abilities. Please see a member of staff from the Music department for more information.
Instrumental Lessons
We are fortunate to have a strong peripatetic teaching team who visit weekly and offer instrumental lessons on a range of instruments including; piano, keyboard, guitar, ukulele, drum kit, clarinet, violin, flute and singing. More information, including details on cost and how to sign up for instrumental lessons, can be found by clicking on the ‘Instrumental Lesson’ tab on this page.
