Music
Welcome
All pupils study Music at Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9) and have the opportunity to continue it at GCSE.
Year 7
Introduction to the Ukulele
Find Your Voice
World Percussion
Gospel Music
Year 8
Blues
Film Music
Music and War
Song Writing
KS3 Information
At Key Stage 3 pupils are taught in their form groups and receive one lesson of Music every week. They study the various topics below, incorporating performing, composing, listening and appraising. Activities vary from whole class work (such as a class performance) and smaller group work to paired and individual work.
KS4 Information
GCSE Music
Performance
- 30% of the total marks
- Non-exam assessment
- Solo performance/s
- Ensemble performance/s
- Minimum of 4 minutes for all performances combined
- Teacher records and assesses final performances in Year 11
Composition
- 30% of the total marks
- Non-exam assessment
- 2 pieces to be composed:
- One free composition (can be completed in Year 10 or Year 11)
- One composition to a brief given by the exam board in September of Year 11
- Combined composition time must last three minutes minimum
- Teacher assesses both compositions
Listening to and Appraising Music
- 40% of the total marks
- 1 hour and 30 minutes written paper, with CD
- Taken at the end of Year 11
- Aural recognition and context unheard/unfamiliar music within the 4 Areas of Study:
- AoS1 - Western classical tradition 1650-1710
- AoS2 - Popular music
- AoS3 - Traditional music
- AoS4 - Western classical tradition since 1910
Study Pieces
- AoS1 - Haydn Symphony 101 in D Major The Clock, movt.2
- AoS2 - The Beatles: Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
- With a Little Help From my Friends
- Within You, Without You
- Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds
Next Steps
Progression to AS Level Music or Music Technology or Diploma in Creative Arts
Extra-Curricular Groups
We have a thriving extra-curricular life in the department with the following groups:
Band (for brass, woodwind, strings, percussion/drum kit, ukuleles and guitars)
Jazz Rock Band (for electric guitars, bass guitar, drum kit/percussion, piano/keyboards, brass and woodwind from around Grade 4 standard and above)
Pop Rock Choir (for anyone who enjoys singing – no audition required!)
Lads’ Choir (for singers and instrumentalists)
