Music
Music Curriculum Intent
To provide a wide ranging, thought provoking and enjoyable music education for every student. To enable students to listen to, perform and compose music from a variety of cultures, countries, traditions and historical eras across KS3, KS4 and KS5.
Music Theory
- Listen and read a wide range of repertoire, fluently and with good understanding of musical devices
- Listen to a range of Baroque, classical and romantic, and use key knowledge gained from theory to compare and contrast pieces of music to improve their own compositional skills
- Use cross curricular English writing skills to effectively examine and explain pieces of music
Performance
Students will be able to put their theory knowledge to practice during performance lessons and focus on producing clear and effective communicative skills to allow for excellent performances.
Facilities
Every classroom has a range of musical instruments form string, brass, Percussion and woodwind. Each room is fitted with an interactive white board, networked computer and projector
The department has access to computer rooms and makes regular use of Ipads throughout lessons.
Extra Curricular Opportunities
Students are offered extra curricular clubs, including:
- Band skills
- Song Writing
- Orchestra
School Trips
A number of school visits are arranged throughout the course of the year. Details of trips which have taken place this year or are planned in the future can be viewed in the School Visits, Enrichment area of the website.
Facilities
- Two classrooms fully equipped with keyboards
- Recording Studio
- Practice rooms equipped with piano/drum kits/guitars
- Larger performance room
- Full set of African Djembe drums
- Small iMac suite
Useful Links
- http://www.youtube.com/user/musicblenheim - examples of students work and playlists from our schemes of work
- http://soundcloud.com/musicblenheim - examples of students work and performances from class assessments to performances in concerts
- https://online.surreycc.gov.uk/esuite/esuite.nsf/openonlineform?openagent&fcunid=006DD740AF85249E8025728B005E8EBF – Apply for music lessons at Blenheim online with Surrey Arts
- https://www.rockademy.co.uk - Apply for guitar and drum lessons by contacting Rockademy
KS3 Music
Years 7, 8 and 9
Through listening, performing and composing students learn about different musical styles and genres. They focus on the musical features as well as the historical and cultural context of the music they study.
Classwork and assessment focuses on the use of keyboards/piano, voice, percussion and ukulele.
Year 7
Exploring the elements Music, Instruments of the Orchestra, Notation and composing.
Year 8
Theory, Work Music, Music For A Special Occasion.
Theory, Blues Music, Music Technology, performance and composing
Year 9
Appraising, Film Music, Western Classical Music
What skills students develop
Listening, performing, composing, group work, independent learning, literacy, numeracy, analytical, spiritual, moral, social and cultural.
How students are assessed
- Through solo and group/paired performances and compositions
- Listening tests, tasks and assignments
- Observation of practise in lesson time
- Performances for school events and concerts
Homework
Listening and research activities
Practising performances for assessment
How parents can help
- Listening to music with students
- Attending school concerts
Extra-curricular Activities
Students are offered extra curricular clubs, including:
- Band skills
- Song Writing
- Orchestra
KS4 Music GCSE
Board and Exam Details
EDUQAS Music GCSE
Course Details
Over the duration of the GCSE, (EDQUAS) course students will study pieces of music that cover a variety of musical styles including film music, pop music, world music and classical music. The course will focus on developing performing, composing and listening skills.
Students should be involved in extra-curricular groups as well as concerts and music events; instrumental or vocal lessons are recommended if students choose to study this course.
Instrument lessons are offered by Surrey Arts and Rock academy.
There are 3 units covered at GCSE:
Unit 1: Performing (solo and ensemble)
Unit 2: Composing (writing music)
Unit 3: Listening and appraising: studying different genres of music and answering questions during a listening examination.
This course would be useful if students wish to enter the Performing Arts or music industry, and is essential for continuing the study of music at Sixth Form or University.
What skills students develop
Listening, performing, composing, group work, independent learning, literacy, numeracy, analytical, spiritual, moral, social, cultural and research.
How students are assessed
|
Non exam assessment |
Performance. Recorded in school and moderated by external examiners. |
30% of the qualification |
|
Non exam assessment |
Composition under controlled conditions |
30% of the qualification |
|
Exam (1.25 hrs) |
Knowledge and understanding of music. Listening and writing. |
40% of the qualification |
Homework
Preparation for assessments, assignment work, instrumental practice and studio composition time.
How parents can help
- Encourage students to practise their instruments
- Help students keep track of course deadlines
- Attend events and concerts
Extra-curricular Activities
- Upper School Singers
- Orchestra
- Keyboard Club
- Guitar Club
- Instrumental lessons: Guitar, Piano, Drums, Strings, Brass and Woodwind
