Music

Aims and Rationale


Rationale

Like the other subjects in the Faculty of Arts, the Music curriculum has been mapped into three areas:

Constructive (Heart)

Technical (Hands)

Expressive (Head)


Aims

The John Wallis Church of England History curriculum aims to ensure that all pupils:

  • know and understand the history of these islands as a coherent, chronological narrative, from the earliest times to the present day: how people’s lives have shaped this nation and how Britain has influenced and been influenced by the wider world

  • know and understand significant aspects of the history of the wider world: the nature of ancient civilisations; the expansion and dissolution of empires; characteristic features of past non-European societies; achievements and follies of mankind

  • gain and deploy a historically grounded understanding of abstract terms such as ‘empire’, ‘civilisation’, ‘parliament’ and ‘peasantry’

  • understand historical concepts such as continuity and change, cause and consequence, similarity, difference and significance, and use them to make connections, draw contrasts, analyse trends, frame historically valid questions and create their own structured accounts, including written narratives and analyses

  • understand the methods of historical enquiry, including how evidence is used rigorously to make historical claims, and discern how and why contrasting arguments and interpretations of the past have been constructed

  • gain historical perspective by placing their growing knowledge into different contexts: understanding the connections between local, regional, national and international history; between cultural, economic, military, political, religious and social history; and between short- and long-term timescales

Progression in Music

Middle & Upper School Progression Map

Rationale

Readiness for Upper School

The following knowledge/concepts are non-negotiables for end of Year 8 for all pupils:

  • To understand and be able to identify musical elements:

      • Pitch – including Diatonic Scales

      • Harmony – including Chord Progression

      • Dynamics and Articulation

      • Tempo, Rhythm and Meter

      • Common musical instruments and their playing techniques

      • Texture

      • Structure

  • To be able to read, follow and interpret notation

  • To be able to apply musical knowledge when listening to music

  • To be able to perform with accuracy as an individual and in ensembles

  • To be able to compose with control of harmony and structure

  • To be able to use technology to create and refine compositions


Intervention and Catch-Up

Any pupils not yet working able to demonstrate mastery of the knowledge/concepts listed above will receive the following support in Year 9, 10 and 11:

  • Students will receive constructive feedback to help achieve their targets

  • Progress will be constantly monitored and tracked

  • Clarify objectives and give direct instructions

  • Scaffolded learning

  • Access to high quality on-line resources

  • Demonstration / modelling good practice (exemplar work and videos)

  • Extra-curricular provision after school and within holidays

Curricular-Related Pupil Experiences

Lower School

  • “Art Leaders” Workshops

  • After School Clubs


Middle School

  • Christmas Carol Service – Group and Solo Performances

  • Annual “Spring Showcase” – Group Performance

  • Music Scholarship Programme

  • One-to-One Instrument and Singing Tuition

  • Specialist After School Clubs

  • Kent Music Workshops


Upper School

  • Christmas Carol Service – Group and Solo Performances

  • Annual “Spring Showcase” – Group and Solo Performances

  • Performances at Academy Events (e.g. Parents Evenings)

  • Guest speakers and webinars from Performers

  • One-to-One Instrument and Singing Tuition

  • Music Scholarship Programme

  • Kent Music Workshops