Music

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Big picture KS3 Scheme of Learning Music

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Big aims Year 7

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Big aims Year 8

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Big aims Year 9

In Years 10 and 11, we follow the Edexcel BTEC Level 2 First Award in Music. This vocational course focuses on the key musical skills of performing and composing alongside aspects of working in the music industry. Students work collectively and independently on their own personal learning journey.

Dependant upon the cohort, we may also offer BTEC Tech Award in Music Practice. This qualification will offer learners the insight into what it is like to work in the Music sector – a vibrant, exciting and competitive industry that offers many different and exciting new work opportunities, whether in composing, performing, or producing music. This course allows learners to explore the sector, and to learn and try out new skills, techniques and styles, allowing them to make an informed decision about their future learning and career.

Instrumental lessons are offered free of charge to any student who wishes to take them as we believe that instrumental tuition is an entitlement. We currently have teachers for violin, cello, flute, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, cornet, trumpet, horn, tuba, piano, guitar, drums and vocal. There are many extra-curricular activities for students to get involved in and we actively encourage students to set up their own groups and bands. We offer clubs for wind band, choir, guitar group, drum group, rock band, song writing, musical theatre and pop vocals. We also encourage students to perform as soloists and in smaller ensembles in order to give them further experience as a performer. We have an annual music showcase as well as collaborative Cepa musical/pantomime, local primary schools and community events. Students are also encouraged to take their graded music exams as appropriate. Practice rooms are made available before and after school and also during breaks and lunch times.

Alumni from the department have historically gone onto work at Sony/EMI, perform professionally in internationally acclaimed folk groups and pop bands, become members of the Army Bands and have furthered their studies at the Royal Northern College of Music, Urdang Academy and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.