Music
Years 7-9
Introduction and Overview
KS3 Music at Church Stretton School is an active subject that develops students ability to compose and perform a variety of musical styles from around the world through a practical and engaging curriculum which sees students working both independently and in larger groups and ensembles.
Students in years 7, 8 and 9 receive 2 lessons of music per fortnight and explore a wide variety of topics, skills and musical genres. Students have the opportunity to use a variety of instruments in their music making and have access to professional recording equipment and other music technology.
Topics in each year include:
Y7 - Elements of Music, Rhythmand Pulse, Form and Structure, Folk Music and Exploring scales
Y8 - African Music, Reggae Music, Jazz Improvisation and Indian Music
Y9 - Musicals, Soundtracks, Rock'n'Roll, Minimalism, Popular Song and Samba
There is a wide variety of extra-curricular opportunities in music at Church Stretton School such as an annual school plays and showcases that all students are encouraged to participate in. There are a number of groups and ensembles where students can develop their confidence to perform their work to audiences at showcases and festivals.
How to support your child
We are sure that you already do many of these things to support your child but here is a useful reminder for you to refer to:
- Encourage wider reading
- Ask them what they have learnt today
- Help them to structure revision for tests and assessments
- Make good use of BBC Bitesize
- Participate in lunchtime clubs and activities.
- Play a musical instrument at home.
- Listen to a wide variety of musical genres.
Curriculum Overview
Knowledge Organiser
Web Links
Music at School - http://www.musicatschool.co.uk/
Additional Reading
Years 10-11
Introduction and Overview
GCSE Music at Church Stretton School is an active and exploratory course that extends the learning undertaken at KS3 and develops the musicality and skill in students’ chosen instrument. GCSE music motivates and stretches students of all abilities and equips them with the skills and experience for further study.
Students develop their understanding and skill of composition, performance and appraisal in music learning about different styles and genres in music. Formal assessment is carried out through a combination of the class teacher, externally assessed compositions and and through a final listening examination. Students undertake the programme of study for AQA GCSE Drama and are assessed through 4 components.
Component 1: Understanding Music (40%)
Component 2: Performing Music (30%)
Component 3: Composing Music (30%)
Students study a range of cultural, contemporary and traditional musical styles that encourages them to develop their musicality and performance skill. They also have the opportunity to explore technology for composition and recording.
What’s it worth? 1 GCSE
Why do it?
- Music GCSE builds on the strengths developed at Key Stage 3 in performing, composing and listening and analysis.
- You will develop an appreciation of music from other cultures and different styles of music from around the world.
- You will have the opportunity to create your own music using ICT and live instruments culminating in the recording of your own compositions and performances.
- If you are studying an instrument already then GCSE Music is the perfect course for you as it allows you to use your chosen instrument for your coursework.
With a mix of performing, composing and developing your understanding of music, the GCSE music course offered produces students with a wide range of skills that can be taken far beyond the reach of the Music Room door. The scheme contains a blend of team work and independence covering all 3 aspects of musical learning. The skills learnt in years 7-9 are a solid foundation for GCSE. They are developed through the creation of new material, refining performance practice and constructing responses to music throughout history, in a variety of styles and from different parts of the world.
What do you need?
You need to be able to play an instrument or sing to approximately grade 2 ABRSM equivalent. You need to be receiving regular lessons on your chosen instrument. These can be arranged through school. A true interest in, and an enjoyment of all music is a must. This course demands that you practise your instrument regularly and hone your composition skills through independent study. The course offers students a selection of opportunities across a wide range of musical disciplines, both traditional and contemporary.
For further details see: Mr Mould
Subject Exam Board Internal Exam Paper
Music AQA 30% Composition 40% Terminal Exam
30% Performance Understanding Music
How to support your child
We are sure that you already do many of these things to support your child but here is a useful reminder for you to refer to:
- Encourage wider reading
- Ask them what they have learnt today
- Help them to structure revision for tests and assessments
- Make good use of BBC Bitesize GCSE Music
- Practice playing a musical instrument at home
- Join a group, band or ensemble that participates in public performances
- Listen to a wide variety of musical genres and styles from different time periods and cultures
Curriculum Overview
Knowledge Organiser
Web Links
BBC GCSE Bitesize - http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zpf3cdm
Past exam papers - http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/music/gcse/music-4270/past-papers-and-mark-schemes
Additional Reading
New GCSE Music AQA Complete Revision & Practice (with Audio CD) - for the Grade 9-1 Course – CGP Books
