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Music


What is the overall aim of what we are learning in Music?

The overall aim of the Music curriculum is to develop students into proficient musicians - both in terms of their theoretical knowledge and practical skills. To do this, students will be exposed to a variety of music from around the world, develop their critical analysis skills of composing, performing and appraising the works of some of the greatest composers in history.

What are students learning in Year 7 & 8?

Students in Year 7 & 8 will learn the basics of music. Initially, our focus will be on understanding and using the elements of music in their practical activities and then applying the same to the theoretical side of the subject by critically analysing musical styles, genres and traditions from the Baroque era to the present day.

Why are they learning these things?

Music is about more than just listening to enjoy it. It is about being involved in the creation of it so that others can listen to and enjoy it. In order to do this, every student will have to understand and appreciate that regardless of their theoretical knowledge or practical ability, they will have a role to play. Music is a community of people and its language is universal, therefore all students will seek to feel at home regardless of the musical genre or convention they are engaged in.

Year 7 - Scheme of Learning Overview
7.1 Elements of Music 
7.2 Singing and Vocal Skills and Knowledge 1
7.3 Baroque Music
7.4 Classical Music and Film Music
7.5 Film Music
7.6 Rock Music
Year 8 - Scheme of Learning Overview
8.1   Singing and Vocal Skills and Knowledge 2
8.2 Hip Hop
8.3 Elements of Music
8.4 Blues Music
8.5 Jazz Music
8.6 Pop and World Music



What are the students learning in Year 9, 10 & 11?

Students in Year 9, 10 & 11 embark on their GCSE Music journey. In the first instance and through the use of interleaved learning and retrieval practice, students will advance their knowledge of the key elements of music. Furthermore, their practical and compositional skills and knowledge will be stretched in preparation for their GCSE Music exam.

Why are they learning these things?

Students will learn these topics, knowledge and practical skills in preparation for their Year 11 Music exams. At this point, students will have become competent musicians, composers and critics prepared for independent work in line with exam requirements.

Year 9 - Scheme of Learning Overview
9.1 Elements of Music 3
9.2 Instrumental Music 1
9.3 Vocal Music and Music for Stage 1
9.4 Compositions with Scales and Tonalities 1
9.5 Vocal Music and Music for Stage
9.6 Developing Instrumental Solo and Ensemble Skills 1
Year 10 - Scheme of Learning Overview
10.1 Developing instrumental, solo and ensemble skills 2
10.2 Vocal Music and Music for Stage 2
10.3 Elements of Music 4
10.4 Compositions with Scales and Tonalities 2
10.5

Musical Genres

10.6 Instrumental Music 2
Year 11 - Scheme of Learning Overview
11.1   Unit 201TA Elements of music
11.2 Unit 201TA Elements of music
11.3 Unit 203TA Controlled Assessment
11.4 Unit 203TA Controlled Assessment
11.5 Unit 206TA Instrumental and Composition Music
11.6 Unit 206TA Instrumental and Composition Music



How can I find out more about what students are learning?

Schemes of Learning Over the course of this academic year, we will be sharing links to our schemes of learning. You can click on these links to see more about what your child is studying.
GCSE Exam Board See the exam board specification below for a full outline of how the course is structured.
 
GCSE Specification RSL               Level 2 Tech Award for Music Practitioners 
Subject Contact The name and email address of the subject leader can be found below. Please feel free to contact them if you have any further questions or would like to learn more about the curriculum students are following.
Subject Leader & email Mr Haresnape               mharesnape@northolthigh.org.uk