Music

The fundamental aim of the music curriculum at every key stage is to engage all students in practical music making. Every lesson is designed to enable students to experience musical sound by using a range of instruments and music technology, as well as listening to and responding to different musical styles. Through the study of and exposure to a variety of classical, popular and traditional music styles, students are able to develop and build upon the musical skills that they have acquired previously in three main strands: performing, composing and listening.

In every unit, students undertake tasks to listen to and respond to music, perform and compose both individually and as part of a group, but ultimately the learning focuses on allowing students to explore their creativity in ways that are best suited to their needs and abilities. In their classroom music lessons, students also explore the conventions and cultural contexts associated with different musical styles and build skills so that they can apply this in their own work.

Learners at Key Stage 4 are offered individual and small group instrumental lessons with a specialist teacher to help them develop their technical control, expression, interpretation of the music and accuracy in performance. The curriculum at Key Stage 3 and 4 is designed to ensure students are able to make progress but also to fully prepare them with the skills they require should they opt to study Music to a higher level.