Music

Aims

• To build confidence and expertise performing on a range of instruments in both solo and ensemble settings

• To introduce music theory concepts and build on these throughout the years

• To listen to a wide range of different types of music including the great composers throughout history

• To introduce composition as a group and to extend this to solo composition

Key Stage 2

The KS2 syllabus is designed to be varied and exciting so that maximum interest is generated each week for the boys, while also following the recommendations provided in the National Curriculum Programmes of Study. Key musical theory elements are introduced and built on throughout the years by utilising a cyclical curriculum at KS2.

Performance opportunities are utilised every week either as solo or class ensemble performances. Composition is also a key element  and this is introduced in a fun way (such as using dice to make decisions or trying to tell a story from a painting with the instruments)- but this also provides important reflection and evaluation opportunities.

Students are taught in mix ability groups throughout all of KS2.

• Conducting

• Un-pitched percussion; Percussion; tempo

• Found Sound; Recreating a birdsong; Composing by dice; Sleep music

• Dynamics- Quiet, Loud, Fast, Slow; Crescendo; Diminuendo 

• Classical Music; Jazz; Opera; World Folk; African Music;

• Learning a song- The Beatles/Elvis Presley/Michael Jackson

Key Stage 3

The Music syllabus at KS3 follows the recommendations provided in the National Curriculum Programmes of Study, whilst being structured to rapidly fill in any gaps that boys who join us at Wilds Lodge may have if they have spent some time away from mainstream classes.

It aims to build confidence in Music in a therapeutic manner, whilst building and developing on skills, theory and techniques through the three years of study. Composition and performance are embedded into each lesson, as is theoretical content. This ensures there is a great deal of variety in each lesson to maximise enjoyment and engagement- whilst preparing our students for the GCSE in KS4.

Students are taught in mixed ability class groups at all years in KS3.

The Performing Music component requires two performances (one solo and the other as part of an ensemble) to be recorded and submitted with appropriate written notation. Finally the Composing Music component requires two compositions (one to a prescribed brief and the other as a free composition in the style of the pupil's choosing).

Boys are strongly encouraged to be practising on an instrument regularly to ensure that they are playing to the required standard. This is an intensive course, requiring a consistent level of theoretical musical knowledge. While this might not be achievable for all of our boys at KS4, we also offer Bronze Arts Awards and Music Technology AQA Unit Awards. These are offered as a secondary option, with the intention of providing qualifications for all boys who wish to continue their studies of Music, but may find the GCSE too much of a challenge.

Year 10

• Understanding Music- Haydn Symphony 101 in D major

• Understanding Music- The Beatles, Sgt Pepper's

• Listening to unfamiliar music across four areas of study

• Composition in Reason

• Group Performance

• Solo performance