Music
In KS3 Music you will find out more about different forms of music from pop, jazz, contemporary to music for theatre or media.
You will learn how to appraise the different types of music as well learn how music has changed over time.
You will develop lots of skills studying this subject from production to performance and composition.
You will also gain lots of transferable skills in administration, team work, organisation and planning.
Music students take an active part in the busy musical life of the school, performing in concerts, school musicals, Masses, competitions, festivals and tours.
Check out this track composed by Callum in Y.7!
Curriculum
| Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aut.1 | Building Bricks: Elements of Music and Graphic Scores | Music and Purpose: Music for Special Occasions | Music and Image: Programme Music |
| Aut.2 | Building Bricks: Instruments of the Orchestra, History of Western Classical Music and Introduction to the Ukulele | Music and Purpose: Music and advertising | Music and Image: Film Music |
| Spr.1 | I’ve Got Rhythm: Body Percussion and Chair Drumming | The development of Pop Music: Blues and Rock n’ Roll | Popular Song: Ensemble performance |
| Spr.2 | I’ve Got Rhythm: Djembe Drumming | The development of Pop Music: Four Chord Song | Popular Song: Song Writing |
| Sum.1 | Medieval Music and its Catholic links and Western Classical notation |
20th Century Art Music: Serialism | Music from the Americas: Samba and Salsa |
| Sum.2 | Developing the Voice | 20th Century Art Music: Minimalism | Music from the Americas: Latin American Inspired Music |
Where will this subject lead me?
GCSE Music
Music is a 'preference' subject at KS4. The course is split into three main elements; performing, composing and appraising set works. GCSE Music students are eligible for a subsidised weekly instrumental lesson from a visiting specialist teacher. For more info., visit our KS4 Music page.
Career Pathways
Music can lead into careers in performance, education, creative media and computer games.
Music is seen by employers as a subject that fosters a number of valuable transferrable skills: teamwork, communication, responsibility, self-motivation, discipline, time management, using initiative and creative thinking to name but a few. Music GCSE is considered an interesting subject to see on a job application and could lead to a wide range of opportunities unrelated to music.
If you wish to specialise, the music business is one of the biggest in the UK with a wide variety of opportunities. You may wish to take the study of music further to A Level or beyond and music GCSE is excellent preparation. Specialist careers include music therapist, teacher, production promotor, recording engineer, composer, publisher, music manager and performer.
- BBC Bitesize website: videos of young people who are working in jobs that use Music
- Careers Pilot: example careers that this subject can lead to
- Creative Industries: explore a wide selection of creative careers
- Apprenticeship courses: Info on what an apprenticeship is and courses available