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 | Vocal Techniques and Ensemble Exploration of Voice and Vocal Skills Key Elements of MusicKeyboard Skills 1 Piano Notation Melody Keyboard Music Theory Finger Technique |
Keyboard Skills 2 Building on Keyboard skills 1 Primary Chords Combining Primary Chords with a Melody Using Two Hands and Playing in TimeGuitar & Ukelele Skills Guitar Simple Melody Lines Simple Chord Structures |
Instruments and Families of the Orchestra
Musical Theatre |
| Assessment | Milestone Assessment 1 Christmas Baseline Assessment |
Milestone Assessment 2 Guitar ‘Practice and Perform’ |
Milestone Assessment 3 |
| Year 8 | Poly-Rhythm Basics of Rhythm Layering Rhythms Body Percussion Drumming TechniquesMajor and Minor chords Building Chords Song Study Basic Accompaniment Skills |
Creative task Composing Music Based on Given StimuliProtest Songs Purpose Behind Song Writing Creating Music with Intent Song Writing |
Film Music Conventions of Film Music How it Creates Tension Music research task |
| Assessment | Milestone Assessment 1 Christmas Baseline Assessment |
Milestone Assessment 2 Witing Lyrics (Verse and Chorus) |
Milestone Assessment 3 Soundscape |
| 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 |
Research task Investigation of Careers in MusicReggae and The Blues Practical Demonstration |
Cover Versions Recreation of Existing Music Listening Skills< strong>Band Lab Project Explore a sequencer Create a Short Peice of Music |
| Assessment | Milestone Assessment 1 John Lewis Advert |
Milestone Assessment 2 Bar Blues and Walking Bass |
Milestone Assessment 3 Band Lab and Tequilla |
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.
Sandhurst School Owlsmoor Road | Sandhurst | Berkshire | GU47 0SD is an academy and part of the Corvus Learning Trust, a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales, company number 11045796, registered at Corvus Learning Trust, Grant Road, Crowthorne, Berkshire, RG45 7HZ Tel: (01344) 772658
Sandhurst School Reception Tel: (01344) 775 678 | Email:
