Music
Music Staff
| Mr K Walden | Head of Performing Arts |
| Miss M Bilsland |
KS3
Our curriculum at Key Stage 3 focuses on pupils gaining a practical experience of music, is one that leads pupils to access a broad range of musical genres and styles and is one that provides pupils with an understanding of the fundamental building blocks that underpin the music they may play, hear or create. It is one that encourages pupils to gain a range of skills, knowledge and understanding that provide a strong foundation for study of Music at GCSE level and beyond, as well as fostering an interest and enthusiasm for the subject that stays with them for life.
Pupils in Key Stage 3 have the opportunity to develop their musicianship in performing, composing, listening and appraising in a wide range of topic areas. Pupils are able to develop their skills using their voice, keyboards, guitars, African drums and through the use of GarageBand in our Mac suite.
Year 7 focus on the elements of music through work on Rhythm, Pitch and Melody, Minimalism and the music of Africa.
Year 8 further reinforce their understanding of Rhythm and Pitch, work on Form and Structure (Binary, Ternary and Rondo), Music and Media (Advert Music), and Rock and Roll.
Year 9 further extend their musical knowledge and understanding in their study of Music and Media (Film Music), Form and Structure (Ground Bass), Remixing Pachelbel’s Canon and units on Reggae and a self-directed investigation into an artist, band or genre of Popular Music.
KS4
Our curriculum at Key Stage 4 builds on the learning experienced during Key Stage 3. Lessons are focused on delivering the content required for our chosen GCSE specification, Edexcel GCSE Music, but also provide pupils with a clear foundation in the knowledge and skills required for them to be successful lifelong-learners of the subject.
The GCSE is split into 3 main areas; Performing (30%), Composing (30%) and Listening and Appraising (40%). Although assessed as discrete units the curriculum makes strong connections between these areas as awareness and understanding of all are vital in achieving success at GCSE level.
Pupils undertake work in analysis of set works and develop their understanding of these through wider contextual listening. Pupils complete individual composition work where they are encouraged to develop their own creative voice. Pupils also enjoy a range of performance opportunities to develop their proficiency as a performer, whatever their instrument or voice of specialism.
More detailed information about the specific demands of the curriculum can be found in the exam specification (please see the link below)
KS5
Our curriculum at Key Stage 5 builds on the learning experienced during Key Stage 4, although not all learners have in the past studied GCSE Music, coming onto the course from a pathway of high quality performing work and graded music theory exams. Lessons are focused on delivering the content required for our chosen GCE specification, Edexcel GCE Music, but also provide pupils with a clear foundation in the knowledge and skills required for them to be successful lifelong-learners of the subject.
The GCE is split into 3 main areas; Performing (30%), Composing (30%) and Listening and Appraising (40%). Although assessed as discrete units the curriculum makes strong connections between these areas as awareness and understanding of all are vital in achieving success at GCE level.
Pupils undertake work in analysis of set works and develop breadth of understanding and awareness of many musical genres and periods through wider contextual listening. Pupils complete individual composition work where they are encouraged to develop their own creative voice whilst also learning and demonstrating understanding of the fundamentals of the Western Classical tradition in harmony work. Pupils also enjoy a range of performance opportunities to develop their proficiency as a performer, whatever their instrument or voice of specialism.
More detailed information about the specific demands of the curriculum can be found in the exam specification (please see the link below)
Extra-Curricular Opportunities
There are a range of extra-curricular activities that are open to all pupils in school; we encourage all pupils, regardless of year group or ‘ability’ to engage and take part and the experience is one that is highly rewarding and enriching for our pupils.
Our annual school production is very popular and typically around 100 pupils are involved as performers on stage, as technical support off-stage and behind the scenes. We are very proud that the music is always performed by pupils in school and this often presents a real challenge to our students that they respond extremely well to.
We have a 4-part choir which performs a wide range of repertoire. We always perform at our annual Carol Service at Pershore Abbey. Historically, we have been involved with external agencies which has resulted in the school performing at both Worcester Cathedral and the Royal Albert Hall, performing repertoire such as the Mozart Requiem, Faure Requiem and Karl Jenkins’ Armed Man. This has proved inspiring and exciting, and for many pupils presents them with their first opportunity of performing alongside professional orchestras and working with nationally renowned conductors.
We have been fortunate to perform at Mellofest, an annual music festival that takes place at Hanley Swan. Both the choir and school production ensembles have performed at this festival and this is a real highlight for many pupils as they enjoy not only performing themselves, but relish the opportunity to hear other professional quality performers in a ‘mellow’ festival atmosphere.