The Key Stage 3 curriculum closely follows the Model Music Curriculum published by the DfE and, therefore, by the end of Year 9 all students have high levels of knowledge and skills in the following areas:

• Performing – Solo, Ensemble, using their Voice and using various instruments including Keyboards & Percussion, improvising and reading from score notation.
• Composing – in a variety of styles, using improvisation and score notation. This includes important skills in melody, harmony, rhythm and structure.
• Listening – identifying and analysing musical features, and evaluating their link to the context studied.
• Score notation – including treble and bass clef, handwritten and on Sibelius.
• Singing – singing unison, 2 and 3 part songs, with a focus on learning vocal technique and performance skills.

Music Technology – we feel it is important that students all learn modern Music Technology skills. These are incorporated into all units where appropriate and at least one unit per year focusses directly on Music Technology skills. We are lucky to have a Music Technology suite containing 30 student work stations.

All of the skills above are taught through a particular context and our KS3 curriculum is designed so that each year, students study aspects of: music theory, western classical tradition, popular music, music technology and world music.

All students are encouraged to take part in extra-curricular musical activities to enhance their musicianship and for their enjoyment.

The Edexcel GCSE course has something for all types of musicians:

• Students study music from different genres and styles from all parts of the world, under the Areas of Study: Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, Music for Stage & Screen and Fusions. They work towards gaining the knowledge and skills required for the Listening & Appraising examination (40% weighting).
• Students develop their Performance skills on their main instrument directly with their instrumental/vocal teacher, working towards Solo and Ensemble Performance examinations that take place near the end of Year 11 (30% weighting).
• Students build on their Composition ability from Key Stage 3 to compose in a variety of different styles and to set briefs, submitting 2 compositions for assessment at the end of the course (30% weighting).

Students have a lesson studying the listening aspects and set works of the course every week, as well as a lesson on composition. In Year 10, there is an additional lesson each week focussed on music theory, musical elements, exam technique and revision techniques. Students prepare for the performance part of the course with their instrumental/singing teachers. Students are also expected to study independently, practising for the performing unit and preparing work for the written elements.

Students need to be able play an instrument or sing and they will need to be working towards Grade 4 by the time of the performance examination in Year 11. It is preferable for students to have studied some music theory, but this will be taught as part of the course.

All students are encouraged to take part in extra-curricular musical activities to enhance their musicianship and for their enjoyment.

Jazz Band

• All are welcome who play Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone or Clarinet
• Ability level: Grade 4 and above
• Mondays 12:45 – 13:15

Composition Club

• Term 1 – GCSE & A Level atudents
• Terms 2–6 – All are welcome
• Mondays 12:45 – 13:15

A Cappella Choir

• Singers in Year 9-13 with experience
• A variety of challenging repertoire is covered and A Cappella also sing in the cathedral and in concerts
• Tuesdays 12:45 – 13:15

Theory Club

• All students welcome
• Tuesdays 12:45 – 13:15

Junior Choir

• Years 7 and 8
• Students build on their confidence and skills, developing their enthusiasm and standard of singing in unison and in parts
• They contribute to the Carol Service, concerts and various other events
• Wednesdays 12:45 – 13:15

Guitar Ensemble

• All Guitarist welcome
• Wednesdays 12:45 – 13:15

Senior Choir

• Years 9-13
• All Soprano and Alto voices
• Students continue to build on their skills and enjoyment of singing, tackling a variety of repertoire and contributing to the Carol Service, concerts and school events
• Wednesdays 12:45 – 13:15

Baroque Ensemble

• Instrumentalists
• Ability level: Grade 6 and above
• Thursday 12:45 – 13:15

Chamber Orchestra

• All String players welcome
• Ability level: Grade 3 & above
• Fridays 12:45 – 13:15

Wind Band

• All Woodwind, Brass and Percussion players welcome
• Ability level: Grade 3 and above
• Fridays 12:45 – 13:15

Rock/Pop Bands

• All Singers, Guitarists, Bassists, Drummers and Pianists, of any age or ability
• There are various application windows throughout the year – look out for advertisements around the Music Block and in your emails
• Rehearsals take place throughout the week, based on each band’s availability.