Music

At Hermitage every student has the opportunity to develop their musicianship through practical music making. Academy concerts, musicals and community events enable students to showcase their talents.

Students will...

Develop their instrumental and vocal skills
Learn to compose melodies, harmonies and develop their own musical ideas
Understand the conventions of music theory and notation
Listen to and respond to a range of musical styles and genres continually improving their appraising skills
Participate in a range of enrichment activities

If you enjoy listening to lots of different types of music, you already play a musical instrument or sing well, and you enjoy creating music of your own, then you should definitely consider taking music as one of your options in Key Stage 4.

Music has boosted my confidence and talents, I feel so proud when I perform.

Year 7 student

KS3 Curriculum information

Students will demonstrate musical understanding and show progression of skills in performing on keyboards, singing, composing and appraising through the following units based upon a wide range of musical styles, genres and traditions.

YEAR

Topics

Progress will be measured by...

Music skills and programme music

Ensemble music (get this group!)

Keep it minimal (minimalism) and Going solo

A Baseline Assessment
Composing a mood piece
Performing a keyboard piece

Group performance
Describing ensembles

Composing a minimal piece using ICT
Performing a solo

Music for Dance

Blues music

Music through time

Reggae Music

Describing dance styles using musical elements and composing a dance piece

Improvising a melody over a Blues piece

Performing a piece from the Baroque, Classical or Romantic era and describing their key features

Performing Reggae music stylistically and arranging a multi-layered Reggae piece

Film and Video Game music

Musicals

Arranging cover versions and PLP

Performing a film theme and composing a Video game track to match a visual
Analysing a film theme using specific musical vocabulary

Performing a musical piece
Analysing the key features and types of songs in musicals

Arranging a cover version of a pop song
Personalised Learning Project

KS4 Curriculum information

In year 10 students will develop their knowledge and understanding of music theory, building the skills needed for composing. They will develop independent practice skills as they prepare for solo and ensemble performances and they will begin to study the set works.

In year 11 students will complete all aspects of their performing and composing controlled assessments. They will complete analysing the set works and consolidate their knowledge and understanding of the set works studied in Year 10.

Qualification	GCSE in music (Year 10 & 11)
Course content/areas of study	Component 1: Performing music - you will perform one solo performance and one ensemble performance (4 minutes minimum). Component 2: Composing Music - you will compose two pieces of music, for one you are given a brief linked to pieces of music you study, for the other you can compose in any style (3 minutes minimum). Component 3: Listening and appraising: based upon the musical elements and set pieces you study – short and extended writing answers. You will study music from a range of musical periods and genres.
Assessment	Component 1: Controlled assessment 30% (Teacher assessed then moderated) Component 2: Controlled assessment 30% (Teacher assessed then moderated) Component 3: Final examination - listening and appraising: 1 hour 45 minutes 40% (externally assessed)
Core or option	Option
Number of GCSEs/equivalent	One GCSE

Going to music lessons inspires me. I can express my feelings, it’s challenging and it’s fun.

Year 8 student