Music

Our vision for Remarkable experiences in Music is to equip students to be able to access the creativity of music by developing performance, compositional, and listening and analytical skills and knowledge from the foundations of the formal elements in music. We develop our students to be confident, independent learners with the confidence, imagination and creativity to think differently.

Developing Moral Capital

Students respect others when performing regardless of ability, showing appreciation to performers clapping at appropriate times and offering constructive criticism. They listen with respect and focus. We learn how to use technology appropriately in order to develop skills and not cut corners. As they progress through the Key Stages, students take greater responsibility for their personal musical development and learning; they develop a good ethos and practice routine. Organising and managing their independent study time both academically and practically.  students are encouraged to be independent as well as collaborative with each other and crucially, respecting the ability of others whilst understanding one’s own areas of strength and development.

Developing Social Capital

In individual and group/class lessons students further develop instrumental and vocal skills either with a tutor and/or independently (In and out of class) students develop positive relationships with peers, teachers and tutors through exploration of music. Students learn how music often reflects social change through time, also in art and the development of new technologies. As they move into Key Stage 5, through extended and deeper analysis, students explore the links between art forms, music and society as well as the development of technologies that have contributed to the way music has been created, performed and listened to. Students lead groups and act as positive role models and ambassadors for the school and department. 

Developing Cultural Capital

From Key Stage 3 through to GCSE, students study a wide variety of music styles, traditions and genres from Western AOS-classical (Baroque, Classical & Romantic periods). AOS- Rhythms from around the world. AOS-Film music AOS- conventions of pop. They contribute to the culture of the music department ethos. Students prepare well for performances, attending practice sessions after school and at lunchtimes (demonstrating independent learning). They are  able to extend transferable musical skills in performing, composing and listening.

Developing Knowledge Capital

Through developing aural skills, dictation, reading a variety of notations, including tab, lead sheets and traditional staff notation, our students learn to appraise music using the key vocabulary linking to the elements of music. Learning to compose music through improvisations and use of notations.  Students develop an understanding of musical theory. At each qualification level, there is greater depth and complexity in their development of key musical skills: performing composing and listening, appraising and analysing. As they progress through the Key Stages, their knowledge and proficiency will progress, as will their ability to attain practical grades in their chosen instrument. 

Developing Community Capital

Extracurricular clubs across the Creative and Performing Arts allow students to work with  students from diverse backgrounds. By doing so students learn to accept and respect cultural differences. Students develop the ability to tell between right and wrong through discussion and debate in class, particularly when exploring the experiences of different artists and communities over time.  We encourage purposeful participation in activities and events throughout the year to ensure our students are active and cognisant of their place in the community and feel able to use their voice for the good of themselves and others.

Curriculum Roadmaps - KS3

Curriculum Roadmaps - KS4

Curriculum Roadmaps - KS5

Key Stage 3

In Music at Key stage 3, we aim to give students the best possible grounding in the elements of Music. This includes both written and practical work. They will have the opportunity to learn to play a number of instruments, including keyboard, Guitar and Ukulele. Students learn to read music and begin to appreciate how the history of music directly affects the music that they listen to. Our Scheme of work is appealing to many different tastes and covers genres such as Pop, Blues and Jazz, World music, Rock, Classical, Film and Computer game music. We give the students the foundation they need to build on their musical knowledge so that if they wish to progress to GCSE and then A Level music, they will have the building blocks to help them succeed. 

Key Stage 4

Students will study towards a GSCE in Music for 2.5 hours a week. This course requires students to perform two pieces of music on an instrument or with their voice. They must also compose two original compositions, one in a style of their choosing and one in a style studied during the course. This could be Game and Film music, Rock and Pop, Classical Music through time and World Music. Students will sit an hour and a half long listening and appraising exam at the end of the course. This exam will feature music from the styles studied during the course and will ask questions based around the elements of music including Melody, Rhythm, Sonority, Texture and Harmony.

The subjects in which this course will cover are as followed;

This course is suitable for students who have an interest in composing music, have a good musical ear, or can play an instrument/sing at a reasonable standard. 

Key Stage 5

A Level Music builds on the knowledge and skills gained from GCSE Music as well as musical experience gained outside the classroom. It recognises the interdependence of different aspects of musical activity such as performing, composition and listening. It encourages students to develop a wide range of transferable skills such as critical thinking, research, communication and team—work.

Students will be assessed through terminal examinations that demonstrate their practical and theoretical knowledge. 

Extra-curricular lessons 

Peripatetic Instrumental and Vocal lessons

At both Frinton and Thorpe Campus' students are able to access extra-curricular lessons on a variety of instruments.

The cost is £75 per term (10 lessons), and lessons take place once a week. Each lesson lasts for 15 minutes, unless you opt for a double lesson. The lessons take place during the school day and lesson times change each week to ensure that subjects are impacted as little as possible. You may be eligable for a voucher which can reduce the price in some instances. This is detailed on the tuition letter.

The instruments we currently have on offer are:

Thorpe

Frinton

If there is another instrument you are interested in please complete the form, which can be obtained from a music teacher, and we will do our best to source a tutor for you. 

Please ensure forms are filled in and payment is made by the 26th April 2019 for lessons to commence in the Summer term (May 2019)