We study Music to build confidence through performance and to develop self-discipline through rehearsal and preparation. We study Music to push ourselves to refine and improve our creative responses. We study Music to gain an appreciation and understanding of the rich and varied history of music from all around the world. We study Music to develop transferable skills that we will inevitably use in all other areas of our learning, tapping into multiple skill sets often simultaneously.

The Music department aims to provide extra-curricular activities and performance opportunities for all students, including Choir, DSTC Radio, Podcast production and Band workshops. It also recognises the need to really stretch and challenge the most able students to allow them the opportunity to create and perform. 

The Music department works extremely closely with the Dance department to ensure students have a consistent learning experience within the Performing Arts.

The Music department builds on the experience of all students at KS2. All students are offered performance opportunities in and out of the lessons. On entry to Year 7, all students will have a music ‘passport’ from their previous school to outline the music experience of each student with respect to classroom music and individual extra curricular activities.

The whole of the KS3 curriculum requires students to be able to collaborate by composing and performing. They develop understanding of music and are encouraged to show critical analysis of music through listening to music. We aim to show the impact of the diversity of music by studying different cultural and historical influences.

We encourage students to be enquiring in the development of their ideas. Developing the confidence of our students is another vital part of our curriculum and students are frequently challenged to perform their ideas to each other whilst being encouraged to evaluate the success of these performances.

We deliver our wide ranging topics in units of six to eight weeks (one half term). All units will conclude with presentation of compositions and/or performances and all students will be given the opportunity to display their understanding of the topic.

At Key Stage 4, we offer BTEC Music to ensure that the curriculum is inclusive and suitable for all. BTEC Music introduces students to the world of music careers and a greater understanding of the music industry. It is taught in a way where students are encouraged to take creative control and arm them with highly developed musical skill, knowledge and understanding. Our schemes of work is in line with those approved by the exam board and adapted to suit learners. Music is taught for three hours a week. 

In the first year of the course, students will gain skills and understanding in three main areas

• Performance skills

  • This can be instrumental, vocal or technology based performing (ie. DJing, live looping, control devices)

• Composition skills

  • Students can use traditional notation (written or software based) or by using DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) or other suitable technology

• Production skills

  • Students will use DAWs such as Mixcraft or Logic Pro.

In the second year, students will follow two of those areas. One will be Production and the other is a choice of performance or composition. The course is assessed both internally and externally; Component 1 and 2 are internal and Component 3 is external.

At present, there is no music provision for KS5 however arts qualifications gained at Key Stage 4 stand students in good stead for working in the music or performance industries.