Music at Key Stage 3 concentrates on developing student’s self-worth, creative thinking, and performance skills through a cross-curricular approach with close links to ICT, DT, Art, PSHE and History.
Music is taught weekly in all year groups up to Key Stage 3, with choir sessions offered in the mornings for all pupils and music activities running on Friday afternoons. A BTEC Award in Music Practice is offered as an option for KS4 pupils. The Performing Arts building is split between music and drama and is equipped with a range of instruments including pianos, acoustic guitars, bass guitars, ukuleles, an acoustic and electronic drum kit and a range of additional rhythmic instruments, as well as a bookable ‘music practice room’. Pupils will develop fundamental skills on each of these instruments throughout their time in KS2 and KS3, learning 1 or 2 different instruments each academic year. We also have a range of live performance equipment and technology such as vocal microphones and a class set of iPads which pupils are taught to use through performances, compositions, and recordings. Our KS4 pupils also have access to brand new Mac PCs to complete the composition and recording elements of the BTEC Music Practice course.
Pupils are given the opportunity to explore and appreciate different musical styles and a range of instruments, along with the theory of music through active lessons. They are guided to perform, be creative and compose through a variety of engaging projects set by the Department. They will develop skills in performing and composing as well as valuing diversity in music and exploring opportunities to express themselves. They are taught to sing, play and create as part of a group as well as an individual, learning to think and discover like a musician.
We follow the syllabus for the Pearson BTEC Tech Award in Music Practice. This qualification is split into three components. The first assignment will be completed in Year 10 and the second and third are completed and submitted in Year 11.
How is it assessed?
• Component 1: Exploring Music Products and Styles (30% of BTEC)
• Component 2: Music Skills Development (30% of BTEC)
• Component 3: Responding to a Music Brief (40% of BTEC)
The course is split into three components in which students have to research a range of music genres and artists, consider their work and compose their own music inspired by what they have learned. They then have to evaluate their own practical skills and develop an area of their own performance through practical workshops and rehearsals. They have to log their progress and evaluate their success in the form of a presentation. Finally, they respond to a set brief provided by the exam board and create their own cover version of an existing song, changing the style of the music completely.
Pupils taking the BTEC Music course will have the opportunity to watch live music performances through a mix of both day and overnight school trips.
Independent Learning Activities
