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Music

In Music lessons we learn to perform, compose, notate and appraise music from a variety of genres. Students explore music ICT on our Mac suite through the use of Garageband, Logic Pro X and Sibelius 7.5.

Head of Music Mrs S Meacham
Teachers of Music

Mr T Nichol

Mr Power

Peripatetic Teachers

John Lavelle

Dan Bird

Jane Rose

Ron Atkinson

Adrian Oldland

Julia Black

Lynsey Tibbs

Valeria Blake

 

Music Learning Journey

KS3

Students in Years 7, 8, and 9 have one hour of music tuition a week. The music lessons are practical with a focus on peer and self-evaluation and group work. Units studied include Rhythm and Pulse, Keyboard Skills, The Orchestra, Blues, Gamelan and Songs from the Shows.

Learning styles in Year 9 Music lessons particularly focus on the development of independent learning and incorporate many of the features of the informal learning process which has been pioneered during a pilot project with the County Music Service and the Institute of Education at London University (more information at https://www.musicalfutures.org/).

Year 7 Music Curriculum Plan

Year 8 Music Curriculum Plan

Year 9 Music Curriculum Plan

 

KS4

We study the Edexcel GCSE Music specification. The course has three components: performing, composing and appraising – this includes four areas of study: Instrumental Music 1700 – 1820, Vocal Music, Music for Stage and Screen, Fusions.

Year 10 and 11 Music Curriculum Plan

The course is assessed as follows:
Performing (solo and ensemble) 30% [60 marks].
Students must perform for a minimum of four minutes.

Composing 30% [60 marks].
Students must compose two pieces that together total a minimum of three minutes. One is a free composition and one is a composition to a brief set by the exam board.

Appraising examination 40% [80 marks].

KS5

We study the Edexcel A level Music specification. The course has three components: Performing, Composing and Appraising. This includes the following areas of study: Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Film Music, Popular Music and Jazz, Fusions and New Directions

Year 12 and 13 Music Curriculum Plan

The course is assessed as follows:

Performing 30% [60 marks].
Students must perform a recital of at least 8 minutes as a soloist or as part of an ensemble.

Composing 30% [60 marks].
Free composition – 20% [40 marks]
Free composition: Students must compose either a free composition or a composition linked to a brief set by the exam board lasting a minimum of 4 minutes.

Briefs assessing technique – 10% [20 marks]
Briefs assessing technique: Students will learn how to harmonise a chorale melody in the style of JS Bach. Students will then harmonise one or more chorale melodies in controlled assessment conditions in April/May of the year of certification.

Appraising examination 40% [100 marks].

Useful Links and Resources

FAQs

Does the school offer instrumental/vocal lessons?

Yes. We offer lessons on a wide variety of acoustic and electric instruments. Please see our Music Tuition page. 


Are there extra-curricular music clubs?

Yes. We have a Junior Choir (Years 7 – 9), a Senior Choir (Years 10 – 13), a Soul band, and a Rock club. Students form their own bands and make use of the practice rooms in the department. We also put on a musical show every two years.

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