Sandhurst School

Music

Curriculum Aims

Music is all around us. For some it is a way of motivating themselves, or relaxing after stressful times. For many it is a way expressing their innermost feelings and sharing their thoughts on the world. But for all of us, music is something we make choices about which often reflect the person we are. At Sandhurst School we believe the study of music is both an exciting and creative way for students to experience the rich cultural diversity and history of music we are lucky enough to share, as well as developing some key creative skills. Students will create music, often from scratch. They will perform it, both to their peers and in concerts, and they will work to try and understand what makes for effective musical impact. Through a vibrant and creative curriculum, students will explore the key musical ‘Elements’ and learn how to put these to good use, creating and performing a range of exciting musical pieces. As students’ progress through the key stage, the level of challenge and complexity will increase and it is our hope that students leave us having enjoyed a rich and diverse musical experience where they can talk articulately about music and their own musical choices as well as be able to arrange, compose and perform their own music to a high level.

KS3 Curriculum Summary

Music Autumn Spring Summer
Year 7 Keyboard Skills 1
Piano
Notation
Melody
Keyboard
Music Theory
Finger TechniqueKeyboard Skills 2
Building on Keyboard skills 1
Primary Chords
Combining Primary Chords with a Melody
Using Two Hands and Playing in Time		 Vocal Techniques and Ensemble
Exploration of Voice and Vocal Skills
Key Elements of MusicGuitar Skills
Guitar
Simple Melody Lines
Simple Chord Structures		 Research Task
Artist Study

Musical Theatre
Impact of Theatre
Form and Conventions of the Genre
Key Works
Assessment Baseline test – key terms and definitions
Holistic assessment of musical skill development.		 Holistic assessment of musical skill development – performance

Carousel assessment over 2 weeks where students peer assess their various skills development.

Presentation on key points as well as performance skills.

Holistic assessment of musical skill development
Year 8 Poly-Rhythm
Basics of Rhythm
Layering Rhythms
Body Percussion
Drumming Techniques

Major and Minor chords
Building Chords
Song Study
Basic Accompaniment Skills

 Protest Songs
Purpose Behind Song Writing
Creating Music with Intent
Song Writing

Creative task
Composing Music Based on Given Stimuli

 Film Music
Conventions of Film Music
How it Creates Tension

Music research task
Presentation on Music from a given era
Performance
Assessment Holistic assessment of musical skill development – composition task for poly-rhythm and 3 elements.

Performance of chord development focusing on ensemble and timing.

 Holistic assessment of musical skill development. Composing skills. Creating music for a movie trailer. Mood and atmosphere. Understanding genre conventions.  Holistic assessment of musical skill development through performance
Year 9 Rap music and lyrics
Lyrical Format of Rap Music
Lyrics and Style
Create Own Rap SongMusic in Advertising
Understanding how music is used to create impact through a partnership competition with John Lewis		 Reggae and The Blues
Practical DemonstrationResearch task
Investigation of Careers in Music		 Modern Music
Influences Across Genres
Performing Work from Different Genres

Cover Versions
Recreation of Existing Music
Listening Skills
Assessment Analysing the suitability for purpose of music. Composition.

Holistic assessment of musical skill development – composition and performance.

 Holistic assessment of musical skill development – performance

Students assume the position of an event manager to create an imaginary music even such as a festival. Understanding of key roles.

 Holistic assessment of musical skill development – ensemble skills and performance.

GCSE Music

Year 10 and 11 is a combination of developing an advanced understanding of musical theory and being able to put this in to practice through both performance and composing tasks. Students will work on a solo and ensemble performance on their chosen instrument, and will work to produce two pieces of composing coursework. Students will also spend significant amounts of time working on music theory and how this will need to be evidenced in their listening exam.

Music Homework Policy