Year 7 Music
During year 7, the following skills are developed:
- Composition
- Music Technology
- Keyboard Performance
- Guitar/Ukulele Performance
- Understanding Notation
Elements of Music
This performance unit introduces students to six elements of music: dynamics, pitch, tempo, texture, timbre & structure.
Students will learn about the elements through: paired & individual keyboard performances, singing & class percussion performance. The listening activity throughout this unit focuses on dynamics.
Pitch
This keyboard performance unit introduces students to traditional music notation. Throughout this unit students are taught how to read and perform music. Students will sing as a class and are introduced to treble & bass clef. The listening activity throughout this unit focuses on intervals.
Strings
Throughout this guitar, bass & ukulele performance unit students are taught how to read from tab, chord boxes & lead sheets. Students will independently work through a booklet, improving their performance skills each lesson. The listening activity throughout this unit focuses on tempo.
The Orchestra
This sequencing unit teaches students how to input & edit music in GarageBand. Students are also taught about the instruments of the orchestra and the families they belong to. The listening activity throughout this unit focuses on timbre.
Rhythm
This technology unit teaches students how to use Sibelius software. Students will use their notation skills to input music into scores. Students will be taught about the note names: semiquaver, quaver, crotchet, minim & semibreve. The listening activity throughout this unit focuses on transcribing rhythms.
Video Games
During this composition unit, students will write their own music on GarageBand. Students will be taught how to use the elements of music to write ambient music, leitmotifs & theme tunes. The listening activity throughout this unit focuses on style & genre.
Year 8 Music
During year 8, the following skills are developed:
· Composition
· Music Technology
· Keyboard Performance
· Guitar/Ukulele Performance
· Ensemble Skills
· Understanding Notation
World Music - Part 1
This bumper keyboard performance unit introduces students to music from all over the world. Throughout this unit students will perform music from: the Caribbean, North & South America, Europe, Asia & Africa. Styles including Blues, Tango, Flamenco and Gamelan. The listening activity throughout this unit focuses on texture.
World Music - Part 2
This bumper keyboard performance unit introduces students to music from all over the world. Throughout this unit students will perform music from: the Caribbean, North & South America, Europe, Asia & Africa. Styles including Reggae, Samba, Hip-hop and Calypso. The listening activity throughout this unit focuses on style and origin.
Ensemble Skills
Throughout this unit students are taught how to perform as a group (ensemble). Students will have the choice to perform on keyboard, ukulele or guitar. During the unit students will develop confidence, timing & performance skills whilst performing pop songs. The listening activity throughout this unit focuses on tonality.
Classical Music
This sequencing unit teaches students how to input & edit music in GarageBand. Students are taught about a variety of Classical music including: Baroque, Romantic, & Modern.
Students will also explore Patriotic music. The listening activity throughout this unit focuses on timbre.
Musical Theatre
This technology unit teaches students how to use Sibelius software. Students will use their notation skills to input music into scores. The listening activity throughout this unit focuses on transcribing rhythms.
Programme Music
During this composition unit, students will write their own music on GarageBand. Students will be taught how to use the elements of music & musical devices to create instrumental music that tells a story. The listening activity throughout this unit focuses on structure.
Year 9 Music
During year 9, the following skills are developed:
- Composition
- Music Technology
- Keyboard Performance
- Guitar Performance
- Ensemble Skills
- Understanding Notation
Rock Music
This keyboard performance unit introduces students to rock music.
Throughout this unit, students are taught how to read and perform music. Students will study influential musicians and perform a variety of rock music: Rock n Roll, Heavy Metal and Punk Rock. The listening activity throughout this unit focuses on transcribing rhythms.
Pop Music
This keyboard performance unit focuses on pop music. Throughout the unit, students are taught how to read and perform music.
Students will also study influential musicians and perform pop music from various decades. The listening activity throughout this unit focuses on cadences.
Ensemble Skills
Throughout this unit, students are taught how to perform as a group (ensemble). Students will have the choice to perform on keyboard or guitar. During the unit, students will develop confidence, timing & performance skills whilst performing pop songs. The listening activity throughout this unit focuses on guitar techniques.
Film Music
This technology unit teaches students how to use both GarageBand & Sibelius software. Students will use their notation & sequencing skills to input music into scores. The listening activity throughout this unit focuses on time signatures.
Dance Music
This technology unit introduces Dance Music to students. Students will be introduced to different styles of electronic dance music (EDM). Students will also be given the opportunity to sequence (input & edit) pieces of music. The listening activity throughout this unit focuses on timbre.
Music & the Media
During this composition unit, students will write their own music on GarageBand. Students will be taught how to use musical devices & chords to create music that appropriately represents the action on screen. The listening activity throughout this unit focuses on musical devices.
Rewards
The Music Department encourages all students to work hard, and each term, reward students with stickers for Effort, Behaviour, Performance, Homework and Presentation.
When students have collected one of each sticker they are rewarded with a pin badge and a postcard for their efforts. When all stickers have been collected across the year, an additional certificate is awarded.
