They are taught the skills required to read traditional musical notation and learn about the key components that that make up any piece of music before learning practical music skills. Through Listening, Composition and Performing students are assessed throughout each term by completing differentiated project tasks. The appraisal and reflection of music is a continuous focus and students are encouraged to listen to a wide range of music both inside the classroom and at home
Year 7
Autumn Term
Theory
Basic Notation theory
Performance
Introduction to Keyboard skills
Spring Term
Theory
Treble Clef Notation.
Composition
Basic Composition skills
Introduction to concept of structure
Summer Term
World Music
Listening tasks
Performance
African Drumming
Introduction to Blues
Year 8
Autumn Term
Theory
Bass Clef Notation
Performance
More advanced Keyboard skills (Introducing Left Hand skills)
Spring Term
Composition
Sequential Composition
Performance
Introduce 12 bar Blues structure
Summer Term
Performance
Group Performance tasks
Introduction to musical texture through Harmony
World Music
Listening Tasks
African Drumming
Year 9
Autumn Term
Performance
Advanced Keyboard skills
Listening and Composition
Group compositional arrangements and performance
Spring Term
Theory
Chord Notation Primary Triads
Notated Composition
8 bar melody composition ( with optional Triad accompaniment)
Summer Term
Performance and Listening
4 chord performance songs
Battle of the Bands
Assessment at Key stage 3
- Start of Year baseline assessment
- Peer and self- assessment built into lesson formats
- End of module assessment tasks
- End of year examination
How can parents help support their child’s learning?
Listen to a wide variety of music, attend musical events and participate in concerts. Learn a musical instrument. Research and select information from the internet
Enrichment opportunities
The music department runs a number of extra-curricular clubs including Keyboard Skills and Choirs and students can also sign up for Individual Instrumental tuition. There are a number of performance opportunities during the year e,g Assembly performances and Concerts
