Curriculum

Music

Subject Vision and Intent

In KS3, Music is taught in a rotation within the Performing Arts Faculty alongside Drama and Dance. Because of this time restriction we prioritise the elements in the National Curriculum that students cannot access themselves, ensemble performance and composition, with directions for further independent learning to cover the remainder of the syllabus. This enables pupils with all previous levels of experience to participate and excel in practical music. These taught units are complete projects in themselves but are also intended as starting points for extended work with students encouraged to attend out of hours and/or work at home to continue with their personal musical exploration and amusement. The facilities are available for students to rehearse and record work regardless of their place in the Performing Arts rotation or GCSE choices.

The department promotes a supportive atmosphere for students to perform to their peers and adults in and out of the school. All members of the school community can learn from each other and are encouraged to draw on and promote their own experiences and cultural heritage. 

 

Five-Year Plan

Term Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11

Autumn Term 1  

Introduction to performance:


• Chords and improvisation
• Melody construction
• Ensemble awareness
• Listening and appraisal

Group performances – one from a popular music tradition and one from a less familiar genre.
• Focus on whole class performances.
• Rehearsal techniques
• Directing an ensemble
• Vocal/instrumental skills
• Recording, editing and mixing performances
• Audience awareness

Small group/individual performance
• GCSE style project
• Advanced performance techniques
• Reflection and improvement

   
Autumn Term 2 Composing in context:
• Working to a brief
• Rhythms of the world
• Technology in composition
Composing to a brief
• Stylistic or contextual brief
• Using ICT to aid composition
• Communication and expression.
Spring Term 1

Introduction to performance:


• Chords and improvisation
• Melody construction
• Ensemble awareness
• Listening and appraisal

Small group/individual performance
• GCSE style project
• Advanced performance techniques
• Reflection and improvement
Spring Term 2 Composing in context:
• Working to a brief
• Rhythms of the world
• Technology in composition
Composing to a brief
• Stylistic or contextual brief
• Using ICT to aid composition
• Communication and expression.
Summer Term 1

Introduction to performance:


• Chords and improvisation
• Melody construction
• Ensemble awareness
• Listening and appraisal

Small group/individual performance
• GCSE style project
• Advanced performance techniques
• Reflection and improvement
Summer Term 2  

Composing to a brief
• Stylistic or contextual brief
• Using ICT to aid composition
• Communication and expression.

 

Key Stage 4 (Proposed)

GCSE Music

Exam Board OCR

Examinations

GCSE Music consists of 3 components:

Component 01/02: Integrated portfolio


Students develop their understanding of performance and composition through exploration of their own instrument within styles and genres of their choosing. They demonstrate their playing skills and abilities by practising and performing a piece musically, accurately and with appropriate interpretation. In the composition element of this component, they demonstrate knowledge of composition techniques, use of musical elements and resources, including specific instrumental and technology techniques.


Component 03/04: Practical component


Students develop their skills and understanding of performance and composition. The focus of the performance aspect of this component is on the demands of performing with an ensemble. Students are also required to compose a piece of music appropriate for one of the areas of study in response to a set brief.
Component 05: Listening and appraising
This component focuses on areas of study 2, 3, 4, and 5. Students demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of musical elements, contexts and language.

Component 05: Listening and appraising

This component focuses on areas of study 2, 3, 4, and 5. Students demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of musical elements, contexts and language.

Key Topics

There are five areas of study:

  • Area of study 1: My music
  • Area of study 2: The concerto through time
  • Area of study 3: Rhythms of the world
  • Area of study 4: Film music
  • Area of study 5: Conventions of pop

Hodge Hill Girls School
Bromford Road
Birmingham
B36 8EY

0121 464 3094