Subject:  Music

CURRICULUM INTENT

The curriculum encompasses the three main strands of music - listening and appraising, composing and performing - and aims to inspire and enthuse students through the study of historical and current musical trends. Students will gain a better understanding and appreciation of this art form, as well as develop and build upon a wide range of practical skills.

IMPLEMENTATION

Programmes of Study

Year 7

In Year 7, students will be immersed into practical music-making from the outset, with group composition and performance tasks, as well as whole-class singing. The fundamentals of music theory (the musical elements) will be taught in detail and students will explore the orchestra, gaining a greater understanding of musical instruments. They will also learn to appreciate the music of other cultures by studying the music of East Asia and the birth of The Blues.

Year 8

An exploration of other cultures and art forms will form the basis of musical learning in Year 8, when students study African Music, Musical Theatre and Music for Dance. As well as building upon practical skills and musical knowledge gained in Year 7, there will be much opportunity for cross-curricular learning, as well as a more detailed look into how music is intrinsically linked to Dance and Drama.

Year 9

In Year 9, students will have the opportunity to use a variety of music technology mediums to create their own music. There will be an in-depth look at Popular Music (including Music for Film and Television, Video Game Music, Pop, Rock and Jazz), as well as a study of contrasting Classical Music conventions. The Year 9 curriculum aims to consolidate and challenge previous learning, as well as to embed the core musical understanding needed for GCSE Music.

Click here to view the Year 9 Options information for Music. 

Year 10

Students will follow the Edexcel GCSE specification (1MU0) and will produce one composition and one performance recording, as part of the coursework requirements. Five of the set works will also be studied in Year 10 in a considered order that provides the best opportunity for tiered learning.

Year 11

Students will compose to a given brief from Edexcel, as well as recording a second performance. The remaining three set works will be studied, before a revision of the material learnt in Year 10. Preparation for the listening paper will be the main focus for all lessons, once all coursework has been completed.

IMPACT

Marking and Assessment

Refer to ARR policy (Firefly)

Formal assessments will take place at the end of every scheme of work. There will be regular monitoring of students’ work during lessons, as well as feedback on classroom and home learning tasks. Verbal feedback will be given to guide students in their practical music-making and there will be much opportunity for peer and self-evaluation.

Examinations Edexcel GCSE Music 9-1 (1MU0)

Component 1 - Performing (60 marks/30%)

Students will perform two pieces of music - one as a soloist and one performing as part of an ensemble. The two pieces must last for no less than 4 minutes when combined, with no piece lasting for less than 1 minute.

Component 2 - Composing (60 marks/30%)

Students will compose two pieces of music - one as a free composition and one to a brief set by Edexcel. The two compositions must last for no less than 3 minutes when combined, with no composition lasting for less than 1 minute.

Component 3 - Appraising (80 marks/40%)

Students will complete a listening paper, lasting for 1 hr 45 mins. The paper will feature the set works studied in Years 10 and 11, as well as some unfamiliar works. Students will listen to audio recordings and answer the questions that follow.

Revision Guides / Resources

Edexcel GCSE Music Study Guide by Paul Terry

Edexcel GCSE Music Listening Tests by Simon Rushby

Staff Details

Miss. J Sherwood - Head of Performing Arts

Careers and Progression

Many employers are impressed with qualifications in Music because the subject demands so much discipline, the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, high levels of creativity, listening skills and confidence to name but a few skills and traits.

Following GCSE Music, students often take A levels in Music, Music Technology and Performing Arts. At degree level, the Music courses get even more specialised and you are able to pick a university that lends itself to your particular skillsets and musical interests. Conservatoires offer the highest level of training for performance specialists, while other students may consider broader arts-based courses at Drama and Musical Theatre schools.

Careers in music span a whole host of employment opportunities - teaching, performing, recording artist, songwriter, composing for film and television, composing for video games, orchestrating, conducting, sound engineering, music journalism, music therapy, producing, musical directing, arts administration and arts management (although this is not an exhaustive list).

Music 5 year Curriculum Plan

Updated: 15/09/2022 96 KB

 

Join in!

There are so many ways in which to get involved with music and drama at Archbishop Temple Church of England High School.

Music clubs this year will take place on the following days:

Monday (lunchtime) - CHOIR

Monday (after school) - DRAMA CLUB (In the Drama Studio)

Tuesday (after school) - CONCERT BAND

Wednesday (after school) - JAZZ BAND

Thursday (lunchtime) - MUSIC TECHNOLOGY CLUB (Bring your iPad)

Friday (lunchtime) - MUSIC THEORY CLUB

If you are interested in any of the clubs/activities, please send Miss Sherwood a message on Firefly so that she can plan for the provision.

There are lots of opportunities for your child to get involved in music at Archbishop Temple. If your son or daughter is interested in learning a musical instrument or taking singing lessons, please contact Miss Sherwood, Head of Performing Arts, via the contact form on our school website or complete the form below and return to Miss Sherwood. 

Music Lessons Contract

Updated: 27/04/2023 96 KB