MusicStudying music develops creativity, builds confidence, develops communication skills and allows for independent learning alongside teamwork tasks. The Music department at Desborough College aims to allow pupils to explore, refine and challenge their own creative ideas fully, as well as expand their knowledge of all types of musical eras and genres.
Respect for each other is essential and maintained across the department, especially with performances and sharing thoughts and ideas. With varied topics from year 7 to 11, pupils are able to develop historical and musical analysis skills as well as performance and practical work on instruments and compositional elements. The department prides itself on having an open safe environment that encourages pupils to show confidence, expression and originality while allowing them time to perfect their craft. Music lessons Peripatetic Music Lessons We work with Berkshire Music Trust, offering optional instrumental lessons up to grade 9 from professional instructors. We currently have the following instruments available;
Please click on the link to find out more. Key Stage 3
Key Stage 3 Music What will my child learn in Music? Our curriculum aims to ensure that all pupils:
Extra-curricular activities are offered through Band, choir, musicians in performing Arts productions and performing at Trust Showcases. How is Music taught? Pupils are taught in moderately sized mixed ability groups and experience two lessons per fortnight. Lessons take place in our purpose-built music block, comprising of 2 large music classrooms, multiple rehearsal rooms and a recording studio. The majority of lessons are a blend of theory and practical, where students are expected to appreciate, create and perform music. Self and peer evaluation forms an integral part of pupils’ learning throughout KS3. How is Music assessed? Pupils are assessed at the end of each short term (6-7 weeks). Levels of attainment are awarded based on their progress in both practical and written assessments. Yr 7 topics Intro to Rhythm Keyboard Skills Folk Music Change it up Battle of the Bands Showstoppers Yr 8 topics Motown Offbeat All That Jazz Themes and Variations Fusion Battle of the Bands Film Yr 9 topics Battle of the Bands EDM Music Festival Video Game Music What resources will support my child’s learning? Www,soundtrap.com www.focusonsound.com Key Stage 4
What will my child learn in Music? In year 9, 10 and 11 music pupils refine their knowledge of a variety of musical topics and further refine their music note reading and theory to a higher level. The lessons are a mixture of practical instrumental lessons alongside listening tasks, exam based questions, appraising music through writing tasks whilst allowing chances for discussion about wide cultural, historical and social topics linked through music. Pupils also work on composing and creative skills by making their own music either of their own free choice or to purposeful set out briefs and scenarios. The department has full use of 7 Macbooks and 2 Macs in our recording studio as well as access to software programmes such as ACID music and Sibelius for composition using technology. Pupils can work independently and as an ensemble throughout KS4. All of the work in lessons from year 9 upwards is aimed to prepare them with skills for GCSE and coursework for year 10 and 11 exam units as well as explore their interest and understanding of music across time, cultures and traditions. Pupils at this stage work on their instrument of focus, whether that be keyboard or piano that they learn from Year 7 upwards or an instrument of their choice such as drum kit, guitar, voice, saxophone, violin among others. How is Music Assessed? They are assessed in lessons by listening and appraising music tests and homework’s and by practical work on their individual instrument, being set clear challenges to refine and stretch their musical ability. Each half term pupils are set a new topic with composing and performance tasks linked to this area. They are assessed on the completion, accuracy, fluency, timing and tempo and expressive qualities of the music of this composition and performance work. They are also assessed with class tests linked to subject knowledge, past exam listening papers and tests and homework tasks. Year 9 Jazz and Improvisation World music Film composition Minimalism & Electronic Dance music Popular music Romantic and Programme music Year 10/11 GCSE topics are Forms and Devices, Mozart Analysis, Music for Film, Music for varied Ensembles, Jazz, Musicals, Baroque, Classical and Romantic music, Bhangra, Fusion music and Popular Music as well as Composition skills and Solo and ensemble Performance skills for coursework units. All topics cover listening and appraising music in written essay form and notation, including dictation and varied homework tasks. The examination board for year 10 and 11 GCSE is Eduqas music. http://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/music/gcse/ The GCSE is assessed with 60% coursework compromising of 30% composing, 30% performance. The coursework is internally marked then externally moderated. The listening exam is in year 11 and worth 40% of the GCSE. This exam is externally marked. The revision guide for the Eduqas course is available here- https://www.illuminatepublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=170 Key Stage 5
A level is added as part of the Consortium subject with Newlands Girls School Curriculum Map
Music lessons have given me the courage to unleash my talents. |