Our curriculum is designed not only to make sure that students are prepared for GCSE and A level music but also to give an enjoyable and well-rounded musical experience. Students can gain invaluable skills through the study of music, enriching their lives and cultural experiences, developing a listening ear and finding joy in a creative subject. From KS3 we aim to make music an enjoyable subject where students can express and explore their creativity. This involves a range of practical work, having the opportunity to play different styles of music and instruments, as well as developing key musical skills such as being able to listen to and analyse key aspects of music using technical musical language. Students also have the opportunity to compose their own music throughout all key stages so that they are able to explore and develop their creative skills. Through this exploration, at KS4 and KS5 students have all the necessary skills required to succeed at GCSE and A Level music including performance, composing and analysing confidently. Alongside these subject specific skills, students gain confidence, develop leadership skills, problem solving abilities and resilience. They develop an awareness of their own strengths and areas for improvement; allowing them to make excellent progress.
KS3
The Key Stage 3 curriculum is designed to embody cultural capital, giving all students regardless of background a wide range of musical skills to nurture musical appreciation, cultural awareness and understanding of the various genres to be studied which are in turn linked to the GCSE 9-1 specification. Pupils have the opportunity to play a range of different instruments including keyboards, ukuleles and percussion instruments and have the opportunity to develop these skills through different genres and styles in the different units of work that are studied. Continuity is maintained throughout the year groups as work becomes more challenging utilising the skills developed from previous units of work. High expectations throughout ensure musical progress, personal development and achievement.
KS4
Our focus is on nurturing a love of, and passion for music through performance, composition/analysis and listening and appraising disciplines. Students have a free choice of Solo and Ensemble performance with an expectation of performance level Grade 4 and above. There are many opportunities to perform both within the class environment and outside venues to build confidence and performance technique. Students compose two pieces of music, one of which is free choice, the other to a given brief set by the examination board. Students are encouraged to experiment with various musical structures and musical elements to give them a firm foundation from which to compose to their full potential. We prepare students to realise their full potential in all aspects of their music studies. Students also gain a deeper understanding of the elements of music and how these fit into a wide range of genres including Western Classical, popular music, traditional music and more.
KS5
Our A Level Music course offers students an exciting opportunity to explore music from both a creative and academic perspective. Throughout the course, students will:
Our music curriculum emphasizes creativity, collaboration, cultural understanding, and personal expression through performing, composing, and listening to music. This aligns with Catholic Social Teaching in several meaningful ways:
Music education helps form well-rounded, compassionate individuals who are capable of appreciating beauty, working collaboratively, and respecting others — core aims shared with Catholic Social Teaching.
Music is a subject that should be accessible to all and as a department we work hard to make sure the subject is as inclusive as possible. We have set out to create a curriculum that is inclusive of different needs whilst still expecting high standards of pupils. This means identifying what potential barriers there are to learning and identifying effective scaffolding methods that can be used so that pupils are able to overcome these.
We also recognise that the practical nature of music can mean that some pupils with previous musical experiences excel even when they may be struggling in other subjects. It is important to give these pupils the opportunity to show their musical skills and give them confidence that can be transferred into other subjects. However, this does not mean that music is just for pupils who may already play an instrument. It is equally as important to develop the musical skills of those who may have little or no prior experience of music before KS3. The curriculum is designed so that it can be accessible to all abilities whilst still challenging to stretch all pupils in the classroom.
We work closely with the school SENCO as well as classroom teaching assistants to develop appropriate support for all SEND pupils. We use Provision Mapper to view the specific needs for each student and we will keep adjusting the curriculum, resources and teaching methods to meet the needs of each pupil. We also keep a dialogue with parents so that pupils can be supported at home and can be made aware of any circumstances that may make it more difficult for pupils to access the lesson as well as what we can do to support individual pupils.
Examples of how the music curriculum is made accessible to all pupils include:
KS2 to 3
Year 4/5 days – Music/Drama lead sessions. Instrumental/Vocal sessions to assist assessment of performance experience and skills from primary school years.
KS 3 to 4
Amasing Project Storyhouse Theatre Chester – Invaluable performance experience in a professional environment with hundreds of other primary school children and professional musicians and singers
KS 4 to 5
Students have access to practice rooms and to the music room during breaks, lunchtimes and frees. They are able to rehearse, form bands and explore their musical abilities.
Throughout the music curriculum in KS3 and 4 we integrate elements of PSHE in a number of ways. We study a wide range of styles from different countries and eras. Therefore, it is vital to understand the social context of this music and how it came about. An example of this is the Blues topic which is studied in KS3 at year 8 and also in GCSE. We sensitively address issues such as historic slavery, segregation and racism in the United States. Topics like this allow pupils to talk about sensitive issues and gain essential knowledge about important social issues and how they relate to their own lives.
We also emphasise how music can be important in giving pupils skills such as confidence and respect. Performing in front of others can allow pupils to gain vital confidence and performing skills which are vital for their personal development. Pupils will also learn how to be a respectful audience. Pupils who learn an instrument learn the important skills of dedication and resilience in perfecting a skill that is challenging as well as learning to be self-critical of their work and learn from their mistakes.
Throughout KS3 and KS4 and into KS5 we emphasise the range of future job opportunities in music and the arts. We make sure that pupils are aware that there are a variety of careers related to music and performing arts that may not be immediately obvious such as a musician in the army, a sound engineer or events organiser as well as the more well-known musical careers. Music also teaches skills that are recognised by any employers such as hard work, passion, dedication and resilience and can be looked on favourably by employers.
