Music

The Music Department benefits from a wide range of expertise from 2 full time members of staff and a team of visiting peripatetic music tutors who encourage music to be learnt by all students regardless of ability.

KS3

At the core of the KS3 curriculum is enjoyment and creativity. We intend to broaden the musical and cultural understanding of all pupils, allowing them opportunities to express themselves through musical creation and gain a better understanding of themselves and the wider world around them. We aim to engage and inspire students with predominantly practical lessons, with opportunities to work independently and in pairs or groups.

At key stage 3, it is the intention of the music department to provide a wealth of opportunities for all pupils to experience a range of music from a variety of genres and cultures. We aim to allow pupils to develop skills in performance, by using a wide variety of instruments, creative composing in a range of styles, listening experiences from various musical traditions and acquire the basic theoretical skills required to prepare students to further study in KS4.

Pupils will study a range of different musical styles including classical, world music, video game music, film music, popular music and dance. We encourage them to compose and perform in a wide variety of these styles.

KS4

At KS4 our students gain a Vocational Award in Performing Arts following a music pathway. This qualification will develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the performing arts sector and provide them with opportunities to develop associated practical skills. It covers performing, creating and performance arts in practice.

Unit 1 in performing enables learners to gain a holistic knowledge and understanding of the skills and techniques needed to reproduce an existing piece of music.

Unit 2 in composing enables learners to gain, develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the skills and techniques needed to create and refine original work in the performing arts.

Unit 3 introduces learners to areas of the performing arts that need to be considered when responding to an industry commission