Music

What topics will my child study in year 7 and 8?

All students in years 7 and 8 will explore performing, composing, listening to and analysing music through a variety of styles, genres and traditions. Students study the following topics:

1. Rhythm and melody

2. Class Orchestra

3. Live Lounge

4. Mussorgsky remix

5. Ukulele skills

6. Japanese music

7. West African Drumming

8. Film Music

What topics will my child study in year 9, 10 and 11?

Students follow GCSE (9 - 1) Edexcel Music Specification.

The course consists of three components – Performance, Composition and Listening & Appraising.

As well as developing performance and composition skills, students will study the following topics:

1 .Instrumental Music 1700-1820

2. Vocal Music

3. Music for Stage and Screen

4. Fusions

Do you have a reading list for this subject?

Edexcel GCSE music Study Guide.

How can I help my child to excel in this subject?

In addition to checking the DPR judgements and monitoring homework, regularly test your child’s number skills by doing multiplication tests, checking shopping lists and bills, and applying Maths skills in everyday life.

Are there any online resources?

BBC Bitesize GCSE Music Revision and Tests: www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/music/

Music Theory Lessons and Exercises: www.musictheory.net/lessons

Do you offer any interventions or clubs my child can attend?

The Music department is open throughout the week for a variety of lunch and after-school clubs, including singing aloud, Ukulele club, keyboard club, live band rehearsals.

Additional individual instrumental lessons are also available and subsidised by the school. We ask for a contribution of £80 per term for students in years 7 - 10. We currently offer piano, guitar, drums and woodwind.

Students have the opportunity to perform music in front of their peers, families and the public at concerts, centres, festivals, school plays and at local events within the community.

Are there any important dates for me to be aware of in your subject?

Our high performing students have a chance to perform at the end of term showcases in each term.

How will my child be assessed at the end of the course?

Students will submit NEA which will be internally assessed and externally moderated.

Performance (30%)

Composition (30%)

One examined component (40%)

School Music Development Plan