Music Curriculum

KS3

Year 7

In year 7 pupils looks at the building blocks of music. They study rhythm and melody and the importance of listening when performing with others. Pupils experience music through singing, keyboard, instrumental work and using ICT. Genres studied include Brazilian samba music, Rap, Pop songs, Elizabethan Pavanes and music from China.

Year 8

In year 8 pupils develop their performance and composition skills. They study the different contexts in which music is used, and how music is adapted to suit these needs.  Pupils experience music through singing, keyboard, instrumental work and using ICT. Genres studied include film music, African celebration music, arranging music and pop music.

Year 9

In year 9 pupils continue to develop their performance and composition skills. They are given the independence to choose the instrumentation they will use for their practical tasks. They study popular styles of music and focus on forming their own working groups.  Pupils experience music through singing, keyboard, instrumental work and using ICT. Genres studied include Blues music, Reggae and the Pop industry.

KS4

All pupils who choose music at Key Stage 4 are entered for the BTEC extended certificate in music. Higher ability pupils will also be entered for OCR GCSE music. The course is a combined BTEC/GCSE with pupils following the same course in year 10. In year 11 the course is adapted to suit the pupil depending on whether the GCSE examination is being taken.

Home Learning

Pupils are set home learning once a fortnight in key stage 3in line with the college’s home-learning timetable. Pupils are provided with a home learning book which covers the whole of the year. Tasks are based on research, theory, listening and evaluation. A copy of the booklet and music needed for tasks can be found on the College VLE and on the College shared area.

Extra-curricular provision

There are many musical activities at St. Thomas More RC College. These include;

• Choir – Monday and Friday lunch
• Band – Wednesday lunch
• String group – Monday lunch
• Woodwind group – Tuesday lunch
• Guitar group- Friday lunch
• STM singers – Thursday after school
• Early bird keyboard club – Monday and Wednesday 8-8.30

These activities take place every week and are run either by Mrs McDonald or Tameside Music Service staff.

Samba Band, School production are extra activities that run at certain times of the year.

Staff names and Responsibilities

Mr. M. McDonald Curriculum Leader of Music

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