Key Stage 3

Our course at Key Stage 3 encourages all girls to perform music with confidence, to compose effective and satisfying pieces in group situations, and to listen with understanding to music from a wide range of styles.

The curriculum is divided into sixteen modules. Each unit integrates some study of music by professional composers, with activities designed to put into practice the concepts that are learnt.

Year 7

• Voices • Elements

• Instruments of the orchestra • Pentatonic

• Christmas is coming • ‘I got rhythm’

Year 8

• Ostinato

• Scaling the heights

• Gamelan

• Blues

• Programme Music

Year 9

• Keyboard skills

• Analysis matters

• Variations

• Chords

• ‘Opportunity knocks’

There is also a thriving extra curricular programme, with choirs, orchestras, a jazz band and recorder group being offered with open access to all girls.

Key Stage 3 Strategy

Each music lesson has a clear structure, and as part of the introduction students are made aware of the objectives for that day. Time is then given to the development of individual or group work, and practical lessons conclude with the sharing of girls performances.

Teaching and Learning

In music lessons a wide range of strategies are used to deliver the curriculum In line with National Curriculum recommendations, at least 60% of lessons centre around practically based activities.

Assessment

Assessment in music is made with regular testing of performance skills by the teacher. Compositions are recorded on a termly basis, and these tapes are used for self assessment, teacher assessment and general appraisal purposes. Listening tests are used to gauge the skills of girls in this field, and at the end of each term, an overall formal assessment is given that relates to the new National Curriculum level criteria.

Homework

Homework is set on a fortnightly basis. It is recognised that not all girls have their own instruments to develop practical skills on, but homeworks will usually involve the learning of some new vocabulary, or researching or answering questions about topics under investigation.

How parents can help

For girls who opt for individual tuition, parents can assist by hearing the music their daughters are learning, or by reminding them about practising and when to bring in their instruments. Supporting those who participate in extra curricular groups by attending the school concerts is also very helpful, (and also hopefully enjoyable for you).

For many young people, the thrill of listening to live music is something that stays with them for a lifetime. Helping your daughter to gain this experience, (whether it is a concert given by the latest boy band, or a Sunday matinee at the Festival Hall,) will certainly supplement their musical education in a very attractive way.

Key Stage 4

Do you enjoy playing your instrument?

Do you enjoy making up your own music?

Do you like listening to all types of music? Jazz, Pop, Classical?

Do you wish you knew more about different styles of music?

If any of the above appeal to you, then music may be the subject for you.

The subject is divided into 3 sections -

1. Composing (25%)

For the examination you will need to compose two pieces. These can be in any style and although notation is preferred it is not essential. Throughout the course you will be taught how to compose in many different styles, selecting your two best compositions for submission at the end of the course.

2. Performance (25%)

You are required to perform one solo piece which will be taped in school, marked by the music staff, and then sent to the Board for moderation. For this reason it is necessary for you to be able to play an instrument to a reasonable standard, although it is quite possible for you to begin lessons at the start of the course.

You are also required to perform one piece as part of a group. For this reason, all GCSE candidates will be expected to participate in at least one of the school music clubs (choir, orchestra or jazz band). Therefore if you sing in choirs, play in orchestra or jazz band, or any other ensemble, that can earn you 15% of the total marks!

3. Listening (25%)

You will need to be prepared to listen and recognise a wide variety of musical styles taken from the topic areas of orchestral music, dance music, pop, film music and music for special events. Where possible this will be linked with practical work. You will also need to demonstrate an understanding of conventional notation musical vocabulary, musical traditions, structures, texture and dynamics to name but a few!

4. Integrated Assignment (25%)

In the spring Term of year 11, you will be asked to choose a title from a given list of options based on the listening topics. You will then need to compose a piece based on this title and perform your music onto tape.

Finally, you do not need to be a brilliant musician to take this option, just a committed and enthusiastic performer and a willingness to listen and learn about a wide variety of music.