Year 7

Aims of Course
There are four main categories in the study of Music: programmes of work cover the four areas and inevitably there is overlap. The areas are Listening, Performing, Composing and Knowledge/Appraising.

Learning experiences are through performing own and others' music, usually through the medium of electronic keyboard. Knowledge is addressed through the activities above plus more formal class teaching and research projects. Listening overarches all activities, and is specifically addressed through assignments designed to develop critical listening faculties. Learning is also aided and extended through the use of sound recordings, and video and filmstrip material.

In addition to classroom music, students have access to tuition on a range of orchestral instruments through the school's own scheme, and to various extra-curricular activities and school productions.

Assessment and reporting is in line with the school's policy; additionally, students on the instrumental scheme receive specialised reports towards the end of each academic year.

Assessment
Students are assessed against the level descriptors of the National Curriculum on key pieces of work during the year.

An average Year 7 student should achieve Level 4. Level 5 indicates above average attainment.

Homework/Independent Study
Homework/Independent Study is set every week. Tasks vary but include writing, spelling, research and reading.

Equipment Required
Students need to have writing equipment, preferably a pen that will encourage neat, joined handwriting. A ruler and colouring equipment are also essential. A pocket dictionary and/or thesaurus is also a useful item.

How Parents/Carers can help

• Parents/Carers can help by checking through written tasks, testing spellings and listening to or encouraging their child to read.

Contact: Subject Leader – Mrs A McGuinness

Year 7

Learning Programme
Composing - straightforward guided assignments emphasising pattern and timbre

Performing - individual, group and class assignments using own and others; material

Listening - music from each topic studied and listening to their own and others work.

Knowledge - layout of keyboard, notes on the stave, Scales & Melodies, Ostinato, Indian Music and the Orchestra.

Year 8

Learning Programme
Composing - assignments of greater length/complexity using existing music as models

Performing - group arrangements using varying instrumentation. Presentation of own compositions.

Listening - music from each topic studied and listening to their own and others work.

Knowledge - Theme + variations, songs from musicals, gamelan music and 12 Bar Blues. Composing - straightforward guided assignments emphasising pattern and timbre

Year 9

Learning Programme
Composing - 12 bar Blues. Rap. Other music in popular styles.

Performing - see composing. Selected music from different historical periods.

Listening - idioms of popular styles. Past GCSE papers, of music in historical context

Knowledge - origins and development of Blues. Trends in 20th century popular music.