Music

CURRICULUM INTENT

The Music Curriculum at Archbishop Temple is creative, challenging and inspiring; nurturing our pupils’ love of music as we explore the interrelated strands of Performance, Composition, Understanding, Listening to and Appraising music together. Pupils at Archbishop Temple will experience music lessons with a focus on developing imagination and creativity, alongside techniques to enable them to perform with accuracy and expression. Each child has the opportunity to let their own unique light shine as they use their voices, explore how music is created, play together and learn to extend and develop their musical ideas through composition and improvisation.

We are able to reach out to God through worship and are called through faith to “Sing and make joyous music with all you’ve got inside. Compose new melodies that release new praises to the Lord. Play his praises on instruments with the anointing and skill he gives you. Sing and shout with passion; make a spectacular sound of joy.” (Psalms 33:2b-3 TPT) Throughout both Key Stages, students are taught to internalise the fundamental building blocks of music: melody; articulation; dynamics; texture; structure and form; harmony; instrumentation/sonority; rhythm; and, tempo, through a range of dynamic activities designed to deepen their understanding of music within a supportive environment.

IMPLEMENTATION

Programmes of Study

Key Stage 3

Throughout Key Stage 3, pupils will complete three (four in Year 7) longer extended projects on keyboard, drums and music technology (Year 7 also complete an extended composition project). These projects are designed to introduce and build on specific techniques and skills required for performance and composition in music year by year. Pupils will learn about the context and musical building blocks of the music they are studying. The longer topics are interspersed with mini topics, covering a wide range of musical styles and traditions.

Key Stage 4

Pupils will follow the Eduqas Music specification, with an integrated approach to the three disciplines of performing, composing and appraising through the four interrelated areas of study.

In Year 10, pupils will explore various compositional devices while exploring the areas of study to help them organise and develop their musical ideas and lead into them completing their free composition. They will rehearse their performance assessments to build their confidence and be given feedback to develop their ability to play with fluency and control. Alongside this, pupils will be introduced to the two set works set by the exam board and develop their knowledge and understanding of musical elements, contexts and language in preparation for the written examination.

In Year 11, pupils will rehearse for and complete their performance assessments and complete their second composition to a set brief set by the exam board. Pupils will further develop their mastery and understanding of musical elements, contexts and language as well as deepening their knowledge of the two set works in preparation for the written examination.

IMPACT

Marking and Assessment

Pupils will complete an assessment at the end of each longer topic, giving them the opportunity to demonstrate their proficiency in the specific techniques we have been practising and giving us a picture of what to refine further when we revisit that instrument. Throughout their music lessons, pupils will be given verbal feedback alongside pair and peer support and discussion, giving them opportunities to use musical vocabulary, discuss technique and explore how to extend and develop their musical ideas.

Examinations

Pupils will follow the Eduqas Music specification.

Component 1: Performing (30%)

Total duration of performances: 4-6 minutes

Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated

A minimum of two pieces, one of which must be an ensemble performance of at least one minute duration. The other piece(s) may be either solo and/or ensemble.

One of the pieces performed must link to an area of study of the learner’s choice.

Component 2: Composing (30%)

Total duration of compositions: 3-6 minutes

Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated

Two compositions, one of which must be in response to a brief set by the exam board. Learners will choose one brief from a choice of four, each one linked to a different area of study. The briefs will be released during the first week of September in the academic year in which the assessment is to be taken.

The second composition is a free composition for which learners set their own brief.

Component 3: Appraising (40%)

Written examination: 1 hour 15 minutes (approximately)

This component is assessed via a listening examination.

Eight questions in total, two on each of the four areas of study.

Area of study 1: Musical Forms and Devices

Area of study 2: Music for Ensemble

Area of study 3: Film Music

Area of study 4: Popular Music

Two of the eight questions are based on extracts from two pieces of music set by the exam board. The other six questions are based on unfamiliar musical extracts.

Revision Guides / Resources

GCSE WJEC/Eduqas Music Complete Revision & Practice

Focus on Sound

Staff Details

Mrs S Farnworth

Careers and Progression

GCSE Music is a natural choice for those who want to have a career as a performer, but did you know that the Creative Industries are one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK? Creative Industries contributed £124.6 million to our economy in 2022 [source: Department for Business and Trade, great.gov.uk]. Music is an essential part of much of the media we see each day, such as video games, marketing, advertising, television and film production. As the industry experiences rapid growth we need skilled and creative people working in a number of different roles, such as: composers, sound engineers, live event technicians, songwriters, DJs, orchestral musicians, conductors, session musicians and instrumental teachers to name a few possible careers.

If you wish to continue to study Music after your GCSE, colleges offer courses such as Music Performance and Production, Musical Theatre or Performing and Production Arts alongside A Level options in Music and Music Technology. There are a wealth of courses at university, ranging from traditional Music courses to Songwriting, Production and even Music Industry Management.

Even if you don’t want to work in the creative industries in the future, having a GCSE Music qualification on your application for college or university can help you to stand out from your peers. A GCSE Music qualification shows future prospective employers that you can come up with your own ideas and complete creative projects to deadlines, that you have the confidence to perform by yourself and with others, that you can learn and use subject-specific vocabulary, and that you can present information in a number of different ways. If you enjoy music, it’s a great option to study at GCSE!

Music 5 year Curriculum Plan