Music
Curriculum Overview
Intent: why do we teach what we teach?
The Music Department at The Elmgreen School aims to nurture and develop an appreciation and understanding of music across the ages and genres. We have built a varied curriculum which intends to work with the skills explored at primary school and develop them through Key Stages 3, 4 and 5. At Key Stage 3 we aim to expose pupils to the elements of music through the topics studied. In Year 7 they begin with a rhythm topic which helps them to develop an understanding of this fundamental of music whilst also developing their group and performance skills. We also develop their confidence in different musical disciplines such as singing, playing the ukulele and keyboard. In Year 8 we explore musical genres, structures and textures and in Year 9 through Programme Music and a Film Music unit. Across the curriculum perceptive listening skills, performing skills and imaginative compositional skills are refined in preparation for future musical study. Each topic has a theoretical thread running through it which links forwards to GCSE, preparing for future musical study. When pupils reach GCSE the skills from Key Stage 3 continue to be applied to more complex questions, compositional tasks and perceptive listening questions.
A wider variety of styles is explored through the curriculum and there is an emphasis on individual performance and composition. Pupils study a variety of styles and concepts which they then learn to apply to any music that they hear. There is an emphasis on describing music with precision, composing music in conventional structures and performing confidently to a good standard. At Key Stage 5 students specialize in symphonic writing from 1750-1900, Rock and Pop music from 1960 - 2000. Music at A Level develops an appreciation of how music has changed over time and how different composers respond differently within the same structures and genres. Dependent on student strengths, each pupil can choose whether to focus particularly on performance or on composition.
Implementation: how do we teach what we teach?
Our curriculum covers a variety of areas of music, performance styles and activities. Threads that run through the curriculum involve looking at different music structures and texture across contrasting styles of music as well as including regular performances of these styles of music. The elements of music appear across the topics in each year so that skills gradually deepen and embed in the minds of our pupils. Regular assessment during topics and at the end of topics give pupils regular feedback regarding ways to improve their understanding and skills as they work through the curriculum. Lessons include a good range of activities to inspire different types of learners and lessons are planned to build systematically on skills and understanding as the topic progresses.
Impact: how do we know what pupils have learnt and how well they have learnt it?
Pupils complete their Key Stage 3 course with a greater appreciation and understanding for styles of music which they may not normally listen to. Uptake at KS4 is good and results are well above national average. At A Level our recent results have been outstanding with a current ALPS score of 2. Many of our A Level musicians go on to study music at university and some pupils have gained places at prestigious music colleges such at the Birmingham Conservatoire and Guildhall. Impact beyond the classroom is evident as extra-curricular Music at The Elmgreen School is thriving. There are many instrumental groups and a choir which rehearse on a regular basis. Ensembles are well attended and there is always an event being planned. Concerts are regular and supported by parents and the local community. These events not only enhance musical enjoyment but also develop pupils’ teamwork skills as they work with pupils from other year groups and gain an understanding of the organisational aspects of large event planning.
