Music
Vision Statement
To provide all students with a wide range of musical experiences, skills and knowledge in both curricular and extra-curricular activities. All students are encouraged to get involved in Music regardless of their ability, background or talent. We also focus on skills-based learning to ensure students have transferrable skills to support them across the wider curriculum, including team work, communication, confidence and leadership. We aim to make music engaging and enjoyable for all students.
Aims
In Music we aim to provide a stimulating and musical learning environment where students receive high quality experiences and enrichment opportunities. We want students to develop an appreciation and enjoyment of music through active participation in a full range of activities both within and outside the classroom.
We therefore aim to ensure that all students:
- perform, listen to, review and evaluate music across a range of historical periods, genres, styles and traditions, including the works of the great composers and musicians
- learn to sing and to use their voices, to create and compose music on their own and with others, have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument, use technology appropriately and have the opportunity to progress to the next level of musical excellence
- understand and explore how music is created, produced and communicated, including through the inter-related dimensions: pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture, structure and appropriate musical notations
- participate in enrichment activities and performances throughout the school year, including liturgical celebrations, performing arts activities and school productions.
Curriculum Content
Key Stage 3
In Key stage 3 all students are timetabled for a lesson of Music each week. Building upon Key Stage 2, the emphasis is on practical skills in music-making, with the opportunity to become familiar with different instruments and musical styles. Students’ will be encouraged to compose and perform music using their creativity and imagination across a broad range of topics and projects. Listening skills will be taught so that students have the capability to talk and write about Music in an intelligent and thoughtful way.
Key Stage 4
Students follow the BTEC Level 1/2 First Award in Music
The rationale for all qualifications in the BTEC First suite in Music is to:
- inspire and enthuse learners to consider a career in the music industry, rather than to participate in music only recreationally
- give learners the opportunity to gain a broad knowledge and understanding of, and develop skills in, the music industry, e.g. the live sound industry, solo or group professional performance, or music promotion and publishing
- support progression to a more specialised level 3 vocational or academic music course or an apprenticeship
- give learners the potential opportunity to enter employment within a wide range of junior job roles across the music industry, for example runner, roadie (backline technical support), stage crew, venue staff, music promotion, and retail and sales roles.
Edexcel BTEC Level 1/2 First Award in Music - Specification