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Music

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Curriculum Intent

In studying Music, learners gain a variety of practical and creative thinking skills that prepare them for life-long learning. Learners are challenged and encouraged to integrate the doing, the thinking and the feeling to grow in confidence, resilience and self-esteem.

Music is a unique art form with its own history, knowledge, values and cultural contexts that help our learners to gain an understanding of the world they inhabit. Through music, students learn how to respect others, develop their understanding of the Gospel Values, explore their own identify and express their responses. Learners are encouraged to reflect upon the work of the department and act as ambassadors in the wider community.

Our co-curricular offer supports our students in their musical learning and provides our learners with opportunities beyond the classroom. Vocal and instrumental ensembles on offer to students include: Lower School Voices, Contemporary Vocal Group, Senior Choir, String Sinfonia, Brass Ensemble, Flute Salad and Orchestra.

We also offer instrumental lessons to our students in:

  • Violin
  • Viola
  • Cello
  • Guitar (electric and acoustic)
  • Bass guitar
  • Flute
  • Clarinet
  • Saxophone
  • Trumpet
  • Trombone
  • Voice
  • Drum kit
  • Piano

Key Stage 3

The KS3 Music curriculum provides learners with the opportunity to explore music in a way that is meaningful to them. Throughout KS3, learners experience a wide variety of musical genres and instruments through performance, composition and listening across a range of instruments including (but not limited to) djembes, ukuleles, keyboards and computer software.

 

The KS3 curriculum is carefully sequenced to allow for progression and equip all learners for GCSE Music. Each year focuses on three key skills, each selected and refined to provide students with a broad understanding of music and how music fits in with the world around them. These skills are revisited and built on as learners progress through Years 7-9. Pupils are encouraged to find their place within each musical style and develop their own musical voices. These include:

 

  1. Creating Musical Ensemble
  2. Composing Musical Lines
  3. Exploring Musical Devices
  4. Establishing Foundations
  5. Breaking the Boundaries
  6. Music as Social Justice
  7. Exploring Musical Effect
  8. Developing Musical Ideas
  9. My Musical Self

 

Key Stage 3 Music Curriculum Map

Key Stage 4

Course Code: GCSE Music Edexcel 1MU0
Exam Board Specification: http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/music-2016.html

 

GCSE Music at St Gregory’s follows the Eduqas examination board, which is split into three components:

 

  1. Performing (30%)
  2. Composing (30%)
  3. Appraising (40%)

 

The course offers learners the chance to explore a wide variety of different genres of music in an engaging and practical way, culminating in a coursework portfolio of two performances and two compositions, in addition to a written exam. The course explores a selection of pieces from a variety of areas of study. These areas include:

 

  • 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

Learners will learn key features of these styles by listening to, performing and composing a variety of musical pieces within these areas of study. Throughout the course, learners will broaden their skill set through trips, workshops and both internal and external performance opportunities.

Our detailed curriculum map outlines the knowledge studied.

 

Key Stage 4 Music Curriculum Map

Key Stage 5

A Level Music at St Gregory’s follows the Eduqas examination board, which is split into three components:

  1. Performing (25% or 30%)
  2. Composing (25% or 30%)
  3. Appraising (40%)

The A Level Music course enables learners to develop as effective, independent and critical thinkers in addition to making links between the integrated activities of performing, composing and appraising. Learners value the knowledge and understanding gained in this course to communicate effectively as musicians.

The course offers learners the opportunity to pursue their own musical interests. Learners develop skills in the three distinct disciplines of performing, composing and appraising, whilst having flexibility to specialise in either performing or composing. Learners may choose to apportion 10% of their assessment to either performing or composing as an in-depth study.

A Level Music at St Gregory’s is designed to offer contrast and breadth as well as depth of study, where learners engage in both classical and popular music. All learners will study the development of the symphony in the analysis of landmark orchestral repertoire, which is important in developing knowledge and understanding of musical elements and language in context. Learners will use the musical language of this period to compose one piece of music to a brief. Learners will also study music from Musical Theatre and Jazz and the early twentieth century.

Our detailed curriculum map outlines the knowledge studied.

 

Key Stage 5 Music Curriculum Map

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