Music
KEY STAGE 3 CURRICULUM
All pupils study Music at Key Stage 3, after which it becomes an optional subject at GCSE. The implementation of the curriculum must take account of a range of contextual factors that influence its design and delivery, including:
· National frameworks such as the National Curriculum
· The varied prior learning and musical potential of pupils: some arrive with significant musical experience and require substantial challenge, while others begin learning an instrument on entry and progress rapidly
· A large proportion of pupils entering Year 7 with limited musical knowledge; expected primary-level progress as outlined in the Model Music Curriculum is uncommon, but pupils’ general ability means progress across KS3 can be substantial
· The diverse cultural heritages represented within the school
· The wider academic and cultural ethos of the school
· The resources available to support teaching and learning
· The need to plan, deliver and assess the curriculum in a way that is manageable and sustainable for staff
· The school’s assessment framework, including formal examinations
· The selection of repertoire that both engages and challenges pupils
Key Stage 3 Pupils receive two lessons over a two-week timetable in Years 7–9. The range of musical experience on entry is wide, and teaching is designed to support rapid progress from varied starting points.
Key Stage 4 Pupils receive five lessons over two weeks. The Eduqas GCSE Music course is followed, comprising Performing (30%), Composing (30%) and Listening (40%).
Click here for - Music Department Handbook.
Click here for - Music Department Development Plan
Year 7 -
Autumn
1. Making music together
2. Taiko
3. Gamelan
Spring
4. Keyboard fundamentals
5. Fundamental drum grooves
Summer
6. Orchestral melodies
7. Minimalist Composition
Year 8
Autumn
- Atmospheric Music
- Djembe drumming and rhythms from the region of West Africa
Spring
- Folk Songs
- EDM Remixing
Summer
- The 12-Bar Blues
- Minor/Major and developing keyboard skills
Year 9
Autumn
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Harmonic progressions and basslines
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Film Music
Spring
3. Understanding Samba
4. Working out pop hooks and riffs by ear
Summer
5. Approaches to contemporary composition
6. The sound of 90’s grunge
Key Stage 4 Curriculum
GCSE Music Option Subject
COURSE CONTACT: Mr D Nock - HEAD OF MUSIC
Exam board website: https://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/music/gcse/eduqas-gcse-music-spec-from-2016-d.pdf
Course Content
Key Stage 4 interleaves topics to keep music learning fresh and engaging, supporting knowledge retention while developing performance, composition and listening skills across a range of musical styles.
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Autumn Term |
Spring Term |
Summer Term |
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Year 10 |
1. Introduction to Film Music 2. Fundamentals of Composition 1 3. Introduction to Pop Music 4. Film music developing ideas and understanding 5. Fundamentals of Composition 2 6. Developing understanding of pop music: rock, blues and rock n roll
*A recording will take place during the term of a piece that the student has been studying with their peripatetic teacher. |
7. Set work ‘Africa’ 8. Extending understanding of pop music: Pop ballads and modern pop 9. The Western Classical Tradition (1600-1910) 10. Set work ‘Badinerie’ 11. Free Composition: Creative starting points
*A recording will take place during the term of a piece that the student has been studying with their peripatetic teacher. |
12. Fusions and Bhangra 13. Free Composition: Extending ideas 14. Extending understanding in Film Music 15. Blues and Jazz 16. Examination preparation |
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Year 11 |
Examinations Solo performance submission Free Brief composition submission Music Mock Paper
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7. Composing to a brief: Extending ideas 8. Ensemble Performance 9. Listening: Dictation 10. Understanding metre, rhythm, dynamics and articulation Examinations Ensemble performance submission Set Brief composition submission
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11. Recap: Badinerie 12. Recap: Africa 13. Exam preparation using past papers
Examination Listening and appraising exam |
Why Study This Course?
This course provides opportunity to progress onto other music related courses such as A Level Music, a degree and a career as music profession.
Extra-Curricular Music Instrumental and Vocal Music Tuition
Enrichment
Music enrichment clubs allow students to develop their musical skills beyond the classroom. They build confidence, creativity and teamwork through regular rehearsals and performances, while fostering a lifelong enjoyment of music and a strong sense of belonging within the school community.
Steel Band Club Mr Clarke Open to all TBC Hall
Percussion Club Mr Turner Open to all Tuesday 3:20 – 4:20 R12
Choir Club Ms Francis Open to all Thursday 8:30 – 9:10 Hall
Guitar Club Mr Elwell Open to all Wednesday 3:20 – 4:20 R12
GCSE coursework club Mr Nock KS4 Thursday 3:20 - 4:20 R12
Instrumental and Vocal Tuition
Peripatetic music lessons are designed to support students in developing specialist skills on an instrument of their choosing, while also nurturing a lifelong love of music. Lessons will take place during the school day, at break time, or during lunch, with lesson times rotating to minimise disruption to the same curriculum lessons each week.
Students will receive 33 x 20-minute across the academic year. All lessons will work towards graded qualifications, providing students with clear progression routes, meaningful targets, and opportunities to celebrate their achievements through performance and accreditation.
Annual lesson costs are as follows:
• Piano and Keyboard - £605
• Brass (Baritone, Cornet, Euphonium, Flugel Horn, Tenor Horn, French Horn, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba) - £605
• Upper Strings (Violin and Viola) - £605
• Lower Strings (Cello and Double Bass) - £605
• Woodwind (Flute, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone, Oboe, Recorder) - £605
• Vocal lessons - £462
• Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, or Bass Guitar - £374
• Percussion (Drum Kit or Xylophone) - £242
Events The department runs a number of concerts and events throughout the year. Pupils should attend as required. Examinations Pupils are encouraged to take examinations in music. They are useful in providing a goal to work towards and indicate the standard attained. Parents/carers will be consulted when we believe it would be a good idea to enter. The decision of whether to go ahead will involve the pupil, parent/carer and teacher. Notice Three months’ notice is required to cancel lessons. This gives warning to the teacher and rearrange timetables. Parents/carers should write to the Head of Music (dnock @hillcrest.bham.sch.uk) if they would like to start the three month’s notice.
Music Reading List
Music Careers in the Curriculum Priorities'
Music intent:
Career intent statement for Music:
1 – Identify and demonstrate different employability skills
2 – Develop an understanding of career based roles and responsibilities within our subjects
3 – To create a careers display advertising jobs within our subject
4 – To engage pupils with professionals in our industry