In Music, our curriculum is designed to develop three main skills: performing, composing and analysing music. Throughout Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4, students are introduced to a wide variety of musical genres from different cultures and historical periods, increasing their cultural, social and analytical understanding. From the outset, students learn about musical theory concepts, which are then developed and applied during practical tasks. Musical terminology is taught at Key Stage 3 and students are encouraged to discuss their ideas using the correct musical terms in preparation for the GCSE course. Our curriculum promotes challenge and supports students to develop life skills such as perseverance, teamwork, organisational skills, problem solving as well as build their confidence and sense of achievement.
Students’ knowledge is regularly assessed through questioning and class discussions. This helps retention of information and allows teachers to address any misconceptions quickly. Verbal feedback is used regularly and consistently to support pupil progress. Formative assessments take place at the end of each topic, once students have had an opportunity to implement the verbal feedback given.
We believe that music should be inclusive both within the curriculum but also through extra-curricular provision. We have many opportunities for students to enrich their musicality, including clubs such as FCC Singers, Boys Choir and Ukulele Club, which are open to everyone and FCC Concert Band, which is available to all instrumentalists who want to further develop their ensemble skills. Concerts are organised throughout the year within the community as well as within school, providing students with an opportunity to perform in front of outside audiences, friends, family and fellow students. Biannually, the music, drama and dance departments join forces to stage a school musical. Previous shows have included: Annie, Grease and Back to the 80s and Popstar – The 90s Musical. Once again, this is open for everyone to get involved in, both on stage and behind the scenes.
Students can also access individual instrumental lessons with our peripatetic staff.
Instrument
|
Teacher |
Violin |
Mr Augar |
Cello/ Double Bass |
Mrs Parkin |
Trombone |
Mr King |
Horn |
Mr King |
Trumpet |
Mr King |
Flute |
Ms Livsey |
Clarinet |
Ms Livsey |
Saxophone |
Ms Livsey |
Bassoon |
TBC |
Piano |
Mrs Chapman |
Singing |
Miss Bosley |
Acoustic Guitar/ Bass Guitar/ Electric Guitar |
Mr Barlow |
Classical Guitar |
Mr Jack |
Drum Kit |
Mr Ranscombe |
Music Theory (Grade 1 and Grade 5) |
Mrs Knowles |
Although it is important that music is accessible to everyone, it is also important that the more able and ambitious students are challenged. Students have numerous opportunities to perform, including Teatime Concerts, the Christmas Concert and Summer Showcase as well as assemblies throughout the year. There are also student leadership opportunities available, for example mentoring year 7 musicians, and running ukulele club.
Key Stage 3
Our KS3 curriculum has been designed to provide a breadth of knowledge and cultural capital. We want students to appreciate different styles of music and gain a lifelong interest. Each year group studies four different topics, which are approximately nine lessons in length, allowing each topic to be studied in more detail. The sequence of topics has been designed so that performance and compositional skills can be revisited and extended as each year group progresses, aiming to give all students the musical understanding necessary to prepare them for the start of the Key Stage 4 curriculum.
Year 7 |
Year 8 |
Year 9 |
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Key Stage 4
The teaching of the Key Stage 4 curriculum begins explicitly at the beginning of year 10. Currently, students have the option to either study GCSE Music, where we follow the Eduqas syllabus or study a vocational qualification, where we follow the BTEC First Award in Music syllabus. This gives students of all abilities the opportunity to pursue music further.
Eduqas GCSE Music
At GCSE students have the opportunity to further explore and develop their musical skills. During the course there is more emphasis on individual study, with a large coursework element consisting of performance and composition. By the end of year 11 students should aim to be at least grade 3 standard on an instrument or voice. Once again, students' study and analyse a wide variety of genres, following four areas of study: Musical Forms and Devices, Music for Ensemble, Film Music and Popular Music.
In addition, there are extra music theory lessons available for students to gain ABRSM Grade 5 Theory if desired. This helps to improve their understanding of more complex harmonic ideas but also allows them to access the higher instrumental grades in the future.
BTEC First Award in Music
The BTEC course allows students to engage with the music industry and develop relevant and practical skills, including events management, applying their knowledge to practical industry related contexts. Students complete one external exam and three portfolios of work throughout the course. Currently, the four units studied are: Unit 1 – The music industry, Unit 2 – Managing a Music Product, Unit 4 – Introduction to Composition and Unit 7 – Introduction to Music Sequencing. However, units may be changed to suit the strengths of the cohort.