Intent:
The objective/intent of our music curriculum is to teach our students that music is a subject for all and all students can make progress from their individual starting points. We aim to provide the students with the skills and knowledge enabling them to study and explore music beyond the classroom and enjoy music as a pastime or profession. We strive to produce independent and resilient musicians and learners.
Our curriculum is a spiral model, revisiting skills and knowledge in different contexts, to build upon and embed understanding.
Schemes set out pathways for progression in the 3 pillars of interrelated musicianship.
- Our students develop ‘technical’ skills to allow them to translate their intentions into sound.
- They develop the ‘constructive’ knowledge of how musical components come together analytically and creatively.
- The curriculum allows the ‘expressive’ pillar to strengthen as the students become more confident bringing quality, meaning and creativity to their work.
Curriculum:
KS3 Westbourne Curriculum Overview Music
KS4 – Curriculum Overviews (under development)
GCSE Examination Board: EDUQAS
GCSE Assessment Method:
- Practical assessed and moderated solo and ensemble performances: 30%,
- Two assessed and moderated compositions (one to a brief published by the exam board): 30%,
- Written Exam: 40%
Where music can take you: The music industry offers many opportunities for employment and it is not limited to those who are able to play an instrument. The choice of units between these qualifications reflects this with units in the music industry, developing as a musical performer and working in an ensemble included. These qualifications give learners an overview of employment opportunities within the music industry and develop skills in performing, composing, music technology and music business.
We also offer a wide range of extra-curricular and enrichment activities for students to have fun, relax, builds self-esteem and relieve stress.
Extra-Curricular:
- 1:1 tuition – lessons available in: piano, voice, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar and drum kit,
Lessons take place in school time on a rota basis. All peripatetic staff is self-employed therefore contractual agreements are made between the parent/carer, teacher and school admin.
- Ensembles – weekly rehearsals take place in the music room at lunchtimes and/or after school: Guitar Club, Musical Theatre/Pop Choir, Ukulele Club, Rock Band, Joint Band, Theory Club, Orchestra, Music Tech club, Samba Ensemble.
- Annual Events – Musical, Christmas Concert, Spring Concert, West-End Workshop, Musician of the Year/Battle of the Bands competition, Junior Prize Giving, Remembrance Service, assemblies, Play-day (Westbourne Festival).