Outline
Music is delivered to students through two one-hour lessons over the two-week timetable. Students are initially assessed when they first enter year 7 through a baseline assessment in order to provide accurate data on each student’s musical abilities.
Students are taught the skills required to read traditional musical notation and learn about the key components that make up any piece of music before building upon this knowledge by learning practical music skills.
Through listening, composition and performing, students are assessed throughout each term through the completion of differentiated project tasks. The appraisal and reflection of music are a continuous focus and students are encouraged to listen to a wide range of music on a regular basis, both inside the classroom and at home.
Content
| Year 7 | During the autumn term year 7 focus on developing their theoretical knowledge and ability to read musical notation through practical tasks on the keyboard and theory games. Throughout the spring and summer terms, all students will learn and refine world music performance pieces and compositions and build upon their understanding and musicianship in music theory. |
| Year 8 | During the autumn term year 8 focus on furthering their understanding of theoretical knowledge and ability to write musical notation through practical composing tasks on the keyboard. Throughout the spring and summer terms, all students will learn and refine their performance skills through singing in harmony and will study blues and Jazz music. During all tasks students will continue to build upon their understanding and musicianship in music theory. |
| Year 9 | During the autumn term year 9 focus on deepening their understanding of musical theory and ability to read musical notation through practical tasks on the keyboard and theory games. Throughout the spring and summer terms, all students will focus on popular music where they will learn and refine performance pieces and create their own compositions. Students complete a ‘Battle of the Bands’ project which incorporates all skills covered throughout KS3. |
Assessment (including homework)
| Year 7 | Students are continuously assessed on their practical skill development throughout lessons. Peer and self assessment are integral to every lesson. Formal assessment takes place during the spring and summer terms in the form of two projects which draw upon the keys skills learnt in the term. All students sit a music examination during the summer term. |
| Year 8 | Students are continuously assessed on their practical skill development throughout lessons. Peer and self assessment are integral to every lesson. Formal assessment takes place during the autumn and summer terms in the form of two projects which draw upon the keys skills learnt in the term. All students sit a music examination during the summer term. |
| Year 9 | Students are continuously assessed on their practical skill development throughout lessons. Peer and self assessment are integral to every lesson. Formal assessment takes place during the autumn and spring terms in the form of two projects which draw upon the keys skills learnt in the term. All students sit a music examination during the summer term. |
How to support your daughter
Encourage your daughter to listen to a wide range of musical genres and practice music at home.
If a musical instrument is available, it will help her to improve her practical understanding of music.
Being able to research and select information from the internet is also important when written homework is set.