The team and facilities:

The music department is situated within a purpose-built Creative Arts block, with one main teaching room and 3 practice rooms. The largest practice room benefits from a set of guitars, an electric piano and a drum kit. The remaining two practice rooms both have an electric piano. In addition, the music department has a wide range of instruments available for whole class teaching, including a full samba kit, African djembe drums, ukuleles, xylophones and keyboards at each desk.

Within the department, there are two specialist class teachers who deliver a variety of clubs, and instrument lessons throughout the school year. Students will have the opportunity to experience different cultures, technologies and instruments.

KEY STAGE 3

Students have the opportunity to study a range of topics, with an emphasis on learning a number of different instruments and providing students with the opportunity to gain an appreciation of other cultures and the history of music. Students learn about the elements of music through their practical lessons and will learn how to play Brazilian samba drumming, African djembe drumming, the ukulele, the keyboard and the xylophone. An emphasis is also placed on students singing throughout the music curriculum, with the opportunity to perform as part of a band whilst learning pop and blues music. Students will also learn instruments of the orchestra and basic music theory.

KEY STAGE 4

At KS4, students are currently following the Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Music. They will complete two mandatory units and two optional units as part of their course. Through these units, students will have the opportunity to explore various roles within the Music industry, they will compose their own original songs and learn about the management and marketing aspects of Music production. Students will also learn studio techniques including recording in live audio and midi.  Students will sit a 1-hour exam which is based on the Music industry.

Please see links below for the Music Curriculum Intent and easy read curriculum map, which explains what your child is learning and when throughout the year.