Year 7 – Students perform and create music for themselves. Students come from a number of different primary schools and as such have a wide variety of music skills. Year 7 is about building upon these skills and developing all areas. They have the opportunity to work in specialised rooms for the first time using a wider range of instruments. Year 7 is about introducing students to musical theory and instruments they have not explored before. Developing practical skills on how to use keyboard, percussion, ukulele and vocals to high standards and creating an atmosphere where they can enjoy the subject and be successful in their music. They develop their personal performance skills and start to perform in front of others.
Year 8 – Students perform and create music for the wider society. While they develop skills learnt in year 7, students also have the opportunity to try out and develop new skills djing, rapping alongside samba. Basic musical skills are further developed and students are encouraged to work on their music at home. Students are encouraged to perform for each other and the whole group, in a nurturing and supportive environment, building confidence and supporting self esteem.
Year 9 – Students create art for the wider society. Building on basic theory skills learnt in Years 7 & 8, students deepen their knowledge of Musical notation and harmony in particular their ability to notate what they perform and compose using music technology software such as Musescore and bandlab. Instrumental studies are widened to develop their knowledge of their chosen instrument and both solo and ensemble performances are encouraged. Historical studies are widely undertaken to give students a broader understanding of genre in music and the relevant stylistic and technical features. Self and peer evaluation is conducted at a much deeper level to foster a sense of musical awareness and sensitivity, often dictated by the demands of set stylistic briefs.
| Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key Concepts | Performing and Creating Music for Yourself | Performing and Creating Music for the Wider Society | Performing and Creating Music for a Client | |
| Autumn Term (Sep-Oct) |
Vocal Music – Musical Theatre
Students follow a programme of study that will introduce them to singing and vocal techniques through the medium of songs from Musical Theatre.. Topics covered will include call and response, vocal range, breathing and warm-up exercises. In addition students will begin studying basic musical theory, looking at pitch and rhythm. | Vocal Music – Popular Music Styles Students follow a programme of study that will further develop their singing and vocal techniques. Topics covered will include part singing, rounds, advanced call and response, advanced breathing and warm-up exercises. Focus will be on popular musical styles. In addition students will continue basic musical theory, looking at musical phrasing and dynamics. | An Introduction to Musical Skills Development Students will engage in learning their chosen instrument to study through to the final assessments in Year 11. Audits of experience, matched with individual lessons will allow students to begin to progress technically with their instrumental/vocal studies. Theory work based around their performance goals will underpin all learning. | |
| Quality Mark Assessments | ||||
QM:
Resources Free Virtual Music Resources – Free Music Resources (littlekidsrock.org) | QM:
Resources Free Virtual Music Resources – Free Music Resources (littlekidsrock.org) | QM: 1 Performance 1 2 Theory Test 1
| ||
| Autumn Term (Nov-Dec) |
An introduction to the keyboard
Students learn a variety of practical skills in order to play the electronic keyboard. The focus is on good finger technique and the acquisition of basic musical theory skills. Students will learn to perform six different pieces of western art music that will explore these key areas. The focus will be on developing good critical listening skills and confidence when performing.to the tutor. | Keyboard Pop Students continue to develop their keyboard practical skills in order to perform pieces of popular music on the keyboard. The focus is on Left and Right Hand technique and the further acquisition of musical notation skills. Students will learn to perform three different pieces of western popular music that will explore these key areas. The focus will be on developing performance skills and confidence with performing in front of peers. | An Introduction To Musical Skills Development – Music Technology Students will learn about the two main forms of electronic music software: Processing and sequencing. They will follow a course of study that develops their skills in electronically manipulating and recording sounds through the use of two pieces of music software: Musescore and Bandlab. The exercises and skills learnt will provide a bridge to further compositio work. | |
| Quality Mark Assessments | ||||
QM: Solo Keyboard Performance Resources Free Virtual Music Resources – Free Music Resources (littlekidsrock.org) | QM: Solo Keyboard Performance Resources Free Virtual Music Resources – Free Music Resources (littlekidsrock.org) | QM: 1 Electronic notation of a treble clef part 2 Electronic notation of a Bass clef part Resources Musescore (software) Bandlab (software) musicnotation.org.uk | ||
| Spring Term (Jan-Feb) |
Gamelan Music Students gain an introduction to studying non western music. They will look at the role music has in other societies through the learning of Gamelan Music from Indonesia. In particular the music of Bali and Java. They will learn to play several Parts (Peking, Bonang and Gong) and perform as a member of a Gamelan ensemble. | Samba Music Students look at the Brazilian tradition of Samba Music. Focus is on the Samba Batucada style. Students will form their own Bateria (Samba band) and perform a variety of polyrhythms. Focus will be on composing a ‘Call and response’ and learning the principle rhythms of the ‘Main Groove’. Other features of World Music will be looked at such as traditions and ritual in non western musics. | Exploring MusicalProducts and Styles – Twentieth Century Pop I Students look at performance and composition from a stylistic and textural approach. Topics covered include Reggae, binary and ternary forms and Ostinati. Further work is done on texture, covering Monophony, homophony, Polyphony and heterophony. Focus will be on understanding these musical conventions from a performance and composition point of view. | |
| Quality Mark Assessments | ||||
QM: Group Performance of Gamelan Sem Resources Free Virtual Music Resources – Free Music Resources (littlekidsrock.org) | QM: Group performance of Samba Batucada Resources Free Virtual Music Resources – Free Music Resources (littlekidsrock.org) | QM: 1 Solo performance of Binary, Ternary or Reggae piece I 2 Solo Performance of Binary, Ternary or Reggae piece II Resources Musescore (software) Bandlab (software) musicnotation.org.uk | ||
| Spring Term (Feb-April) |
An Introduction to the Ukulele Students follow a course of study that introduces them to ukulele playing and repertoire. We learn 2, 3 and 4 chord songs alongside various strumming patterns. The musical material is mainly derived from various pop music genres and culminates in a small group performance. Resources Free Virtual Music Resources – Free Music Resources (littlekidsrock.org) | Ukulele Blues Students investigate the blues genre in both performance and songwriting through the medium of the Ukulele. Students will study the impact of the slave trade and the effect the blues had on the development of Rock and Roll and future forms of Popular Music. Resources Free Virtual Music Resources – Free Music Resources (littlekidsrock.org) | Exploring MusicalProducts and Styles – Twentieth Century Pop II Students continue to look at performance and composition from a stylistic and textural approach. Topics this term cover include Rock Music, Folk Music and Independent Music. Further work is done on musical theory, looking at 2 and 4 part harmony., covering Monophony, homophony, Polyphony and heterophony. Focus will be on understanding these musical conventions from a performance and composition point of view. | |
| Quality Mark Assessments | ||||
QM: Group performance of ukulele piece (student’s own choice). esources Free Virtual Music Resources – Free Music Resources (littlekidsrock.org) | QM: Group performance of blues own composed song with 12 bar blues accompaniment on the ukulele. Resources Free Virtual Music Resources – Free Music Resources (littlekidsrock.org) | QM 1 Solo Performance of Rock, Folk or Indie Piece I 2 Solo Performance of Rock, Folk or Indie Piece II Resources Musescore (software) Bandlab (software) musicnotation.org.uk | ||
| Summer Term (Feb-May) |
Instruments of the Orchestra/Western Art Music Students follow an Historical topic looking at 4 main areas of Classical Western Art Music. Starting with an analysis of orchestral Music we look at the styles and composers of the Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Contemporary periods. Short vocal and Instrumental performances will be heard also. | Minimalism Students will look at multi instrumental performance and basic composition through the medium of Minimalist Music. Students will perform several pieces of minimalist music from Composers such as Steve Reich and Terry Riley. Students will learn about and apply techniques such as phase, repetition and layering. | An Introduction to responding to a Commercial Brief – Composition Students embark on a performance/composition course using the vehicle of Minimalism and a given commercial brief to realize a small composition. Students will look at techniques they encounter (counterpoint, chords, phase, ostinati, and many others) with a view to begin building up the experience ready for larger compositions in Y10 and Y11. | |
| Quality Mark Assessments | ||||
QM: Written project on one area of Western Art Music Resources Free Virtual Music Resources – Free Music Resources (littlekidsrock.org) | QM: Group Minimalism performance of ‘In C’ by Terry Riley Resources Free Virtual Music Resources – Free Music Resources (littlekidsrock.org) | QM: 1 Minimalism Composition task 2 Composition Brief Task Resources Musescore (software) Bandlab (software) musicnotation.org.uk | ||
| Summer Term (May-July) |
Film Music Students engage in a series of lessons looking at how Music works in Film. This involves several performance/composition tasks that explore diegetic and nondiegetic music. Particular attention is paid to music for modern films and the role technology has played in their development/success. | Rap/Hip-Hop Students will complete short practical activities in the 5 areas of Hip-Hop: MC’ing, DJing, Rapping, Beatboxing and Graffiti. Particular attention will be paid to the role music and art in general has in society and popular culture. | An Introduction to responding to a Commercial Brief – Performance Students embark on a performance/composition course using the vehicle of Twentieth Century Popular Music as a Stimulus. They are then given another commercial brief to realise. | |
| Quality Mark Assessments | ||||
QM: Short soundscape composition for a section of moving images. Resources Free Virtual Music Resources – Free Music Resources (littlekidsrock.org) | QM: Rap, DJ or Graffitti submission
Resources Free Virtual Music Resources – Free Music Resources (littlekidsrock.org) | QM: 1 Performance Task I 2 Performance Task 2 Resources Musescore (software) Bandlab (software) musicnotation.org.uk | ||
Year 7
Key Concepts
Performing and Creating Music for Yourself
Quality Mark AssessmentsAutumn Term
(Sep-Oct)
Vocal Music – Musical Theatre
Students follow a programme of study that will introduce them to singing and vocal techniques through the medium of songs from Musical Theatre.. Topics covered will include call and response, vocal range, breathing and warm-up exercises. In addition students will begin studying basic musical theory, looking at pitch and rhythm.
Quality Mark AssessmentsQM:
- Vocal performance and Warm up exercise
Resources
Free Virtual Music Resources – Free Music Resources (littlekidsrock.org)
Autumn Term
(Nov-Dec)
An introduction to the keyboard
Students learn a variety of practical skills in order to play the electronic keyboard. The focus is on good finger technique and the acquisition of basic musical theory skills. Students will learn to perform six different pieces of western art music that will explore these key areas. The focus will be on developing good critical listening skills and confidence when performing.to the tutor.
Quality Mark AssessmentsQM:
Solo Keyboard Performance
Resources
Free Virtual Music Resources – Free Music Resources (littlekidsrock.org)
Spring Term
(Jan-Feb)
Gamelan Music
Students gain an introduction to studying non western music. They will look at the role music has in other societies through the learning of Gamelan Music from Indonesia. In particular the music of Bali and Java. They will learn to play several Parts (Peking, Bonang and Gong) and perform as a member of a Gamelan ensemble.
Quality Mark AssessmentsQM:
Group Performance of Gamelan Sem
Resources
Free Virtual Music Resources – Free Music Resources (littlekidsrock.org)
Spring Term
(Feb-April)
An Introduction to the Ukulele
Students follow a course of study that introduces them to ukulele playing and repertoire. We learn 2, 3 and 4 chord songs alongside various strumming patterns. The musical material is mainly derived from various pop music genres and culminates in a small group performance.
Resources
Free Virtual Music Resources – Free Music Resources (littlekidsrock.org)
Quality Mark AssessmentsQM:
Group performance of ukulele piece (student’s own choice).
esources
Free Virtual Music Resources – Free Music Resources (littlekidsrock.org)
Summer Term
(Feb-May)
Instruments of the Orchestra/Western Art Music
Students follow an Historical topic looking at 4 main areas of Classical Western Art Music. Starting with an analysis of orchestral Music we look at the styles and composers of the Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Contemporary periods. Short vocal and Instrumental performances will be heard also.
Quality Mark AssessmentsQM:
Written project on one area of Western Art Music
Resources
Free Virtual Music Resources – Free Music Resources (littlekidsrock.org)
Summer Term
(May-July)
Film Music
Students engage in a series of lessons looking at how Music works in Film. This involves several performance/composition tasks that explore diegetic and nondiegetic music. Particular attention is paid to music for modern films and the role technology has played in their development/success.
Quality Mark AssessmentsQM:
Short soundscape composition for a section of moving images.
Resources
Free Virtual Music Resources – Free Music Resources (littlekidsrock.org)
Year 8
Key Concepts
Performing and Creating Music for the Wider Society
Quality Mark AssessmentsAutumn Term
(Sep-Oct)
Vocal Music – Popular Music Styles
Students follow a programme of study that will further develop their singing and vocal techniques. Topics covered will include part singing, rounds, advanced call and response, advanced breathing and warm-up exercises. Focus will be on popular musical styles. In addition students will continue basic musical theory, looking at musical phrasing and dynamics.
Quality Mark AssessmentsQM:
- Vocal Performance and Warm up exercise
Resources
Free Virtual Music Resources – Free Music Resources (littlekidsrock.org)
Autumn Term
(Nov-Dec)
Keyboard Pop
Students continue to develop their keyboard practical skills in order to perform pieces of popular music on the keyboard. The focus is on Left and Right Hand technique and the further acquisition of musical notation skills. Students will learn to perform three different pieces of western popular music that will explore these key areas. The focus will be on developing performance skills and confidence with performing in front of peers.
Quality Mark AssessmentsQM:
Solo Keyboard Performance
Resources
Free Virtual Music Resources – Free Music Resources (littlekidsrock.org)
Spring Term
(Jan-Feb)
Samba Music
Students look at the Brazilian tradition of Samba Music. Focus is on the Samba Batucada style. Students will form their own Bateria (Samba band) and perform a variety of polyrhythms. Focus will be on composing a ‘Call and response’ and learning the principle rhythms of the ‘Main Groove’. Other features of World Music will be looked at such as traditions and ritual in non western musics.
Quality Mark AssessmentsQM:
Group performance of Samba Batucada
Resources
Free Virtual Music Resources – Free Music Resources (littlekidsrock.org)
Spring Term
(Feb-April)
Ukulele Blues
Students investigate the blues genre in both performance and songwriting through the medium of the Ukulele. Students will study the impact of the slave trade and the effect the blues had on the development of Rock and Roll and future forms of Popular Music.
Resources
Free Virtual Music Resources – Free Music Resources (littlekidsrock.org)
Quality Mark AssessmentsQM:
Group performance of blues own composed song with 12 bar blues accompaniment on the ukulele.
Resources
Free Virtual Music Resources – Free Music Resources (littlekidsrock.org)
Summer Term
(Feb-May)
Minimalism
Students will look at multi instrumental performance and basic composition through the medium of Minimalist Music. Students will perform several pieces of minimalist music from Composers such as Steve Reich and Terry Riley. Students will learn about and apply techniques such as phase, repetition and layering.
Quality Mark AssessmentsQM:
Group Minimalism performance of ‘In C’ by Terry Riley
Resources
Free Virtual Music Resources – Free Music Resources (littlekidsrock.org)
Summer Term
(May-July)
Rap/Hip-Hop
Students will complete short practical activities in the 5 areas of Hip-Hop: MC’ing, DJing, Rapping, Beatboxing and Graffiti. Particular attention will be paid to the role music and art in general has in society and popular culture.
Quality Mark AssessmentsQM:
Rap, DJ or Graffitti submission
Resources
Free Virtual Music Resources – Free Music Resources (littlekidsrock.org)
Year 9
Key Concepts
Performing and Creating Music for a Client
Quality Mark AssessmentsAutumn Term
(Sep-Oct)
An Introduction to Musical Skills Development
Students will engage in learning their chosen instrument to study through to the final assessments in Year 11. Audits of experience, matched with individual lessons will allow students to begin to progress technically with their instrumental/vocal studies. Theory work based around their performance goals will underpin all learning.
Quality Mark AssessmentsQM:
1 Performance 1
2 Theory Test 1
Autumn Term
(Nov-Dec)
An Introduction To Musical Skills Development – Music Technology
Students will learn about the two main forms of electronic music software: Processing and sequencing. They will follow a course of study that develops their skills in electronically manipulating and recording sounds through the use of two pieces of music software: Musescore and Bandlab. The exercises and skills learnt will provide a bridge to further compositio work.
Quality Mark AssessmentsQM:
1 Electronic notation of a treble clef part
2 Electronic notation of a Bass clef part
Resources
Musescore (software)
Bandlab (software)
musicnotation.org.uk
Spring Term
(Jan-Feb)
Exploring MusicalProducts and Styles – Twentieth Century Pop I
Students look at performance and composition from a stylistic and textural approach. Topics covered include Reggae, binary and ternary forms and Ostinati. Further work is done on texture, covering Monophony, homophony, Polyphony and heterophony. Focus will be on understanding these musical conventions from a performance and composition point of view.
Quality Mark AssessmentsQM:
1 Solo performance of Binary, Ternary or Reggae piece I
2 Solo Performance of Binary, Ternary or Reggae piece II
Resources
Musescore (software)
Bandlab (software)
musicnotation.org.uk
Spring Term
(Feb-April)
Exploring MusicalProducts and Styles – Twentieth Century Pop II
Students continue to look at performance and composition from a stylistic and textural approach. Topics this term cover include Rock Music, Folk Music and Independent Music. Further work is done on musical theory, looking at 2 and 4 part harmony., covering Monophony, homophony, Polyphony and heterophony. Focus will be on understanding these musical conventions from a performance and composition point of view.
Quality Mark AssessmentsQM
1 Solo Performance of Rock, Folk or Indie Piece I
2 Solo Performance of Rock, Folk or Indie Piece II
Resources
Musescore (software)
Bandlab (software)
musicnotation.org.uk
Summer Term
(Feb-May)
An Introduction to responding to a Commercial Brief – Composition
Students embark on a performance/composition course using the vehicle of Minimalism and a given commercial brief to realize a small composition. Students will look at techniques they encounter (counterpoint, chords, phase, ostinati, and many others) with a view to begin building up the experience ready for larger compositions in Y10 and Y11.
Quality Mark AssessmentsQM:
1 Minimalism Composition task
2 Composition Brief Task
Resources
Musescore (software)
Bandlab (software)
musicnotation.org.uk
Summer Term
(May-July)
An Introduction to responding to a Commercial Brief – Performance
Students embark on a performance/composition course using the vehicle of Twentieth Century Popular Music as a Stimulus. They are then given another commercial brief to realise.
Quality Mark AssessmentsQM:
1 Performance Task I
2 Performance Task 2
Resources
Musescore (software)
Bandlab (software)
musicnotation.org.uk