Music

Music is a powerful, unique form of communication that can change the way students feel, think and act. It brings together intellect and feeling and enables personal expression, reflection and emotional development.

As an integral part of culture, past and present, it helps students to understand themselves and relate to others, forging important links between the home, school and the wider world.

The teaching of music develops student’s ability to listen and appreciate a wide variety of music and to make judgements about musical quality. It encourages active involvement in different forms of music making, both individual and communal, developing a sense of group identity and togetherness.

As an inclusive school the arts are a valuable means of developing confidence and communication skills, and facilitating expression, ideas, and feelings. In addition, through purposeful, imaginative and creative activities, students learn to take managed risks, trying out new ideas and new ways of working without fear of failure.

Intent

By the time a student leaves OPGS, students will have had the opportunity to:

• perform on a wide variety of instruments including voice, keyboard, piano, drums, guitar, ukulele, and percussion items.
• take peripatetic lessons on an instrument of their choice.
• perform as part of a group including keyboard ensemble, guitar ensemble and vocal ensemble.
• perform music in solo, duet, and larger group settings.
• have an opportunity to perform in a variety of venues including the hall, outdoors, concerts and festivals.
• learn how to use music technology software to record, edit, and develop their work.
• study how to compose music and create several pieces of their own work.
• study the work of famous composers from throughout music history and look at the development of music and musical instruments since the mediaeval period.
• study music theory throughout Key Stage 3, in greater depth at KS4 should they choose music at GCSE level and in greater depth at KS5 should they choose music at A Level.
• develop an appreciation of music by learning how to critically listen to music, analyse and understand how music works.
• experience music in both live and recorded form, with enrichment from visiting live performances where appropriate.

Here at OPGS students spend one 60-minute lesson a fortnight studying the music curriculum in years 7 and 8. Year 9 is an eight-week carousel alongside the arts. Within music there are three strands of music to study and develop:

• Performing
• Composing
• Appraising/Listening

We use a wide variety of music to explore and develop key musical skills and have a creative and practical curriculum.

Students will develop their knowledge of the ‘Elements of Music’ and use this to create their own pieces and perform existing works. Students have an opportunity to try a range of instruments and use technology to develop their music ICT skills.

Current topics include: -

What Makes a Good Song?

• Exploring popular songs and musical arrangements.

• Understand the different textural and structural elements of a song/popular song.
• Understand and use the different musical information given on a lead sheet in creating a musical arrangement of a popular Song.

By the end of Key Stage 3 it would be helpful if learners recognise and have basic use of:

• treble and bass clef notes plus their position on the keyboard.
• musical elements including melody (pitch and rhythm), tempo, texture, sonority, dynamics, metre, form and structure, tonality, and basic harmony (e.g. chords I, IV and V).
• Basic terminology such as forte, piano, triad, conjunct, disjunct, dissonant.
• Recognition of such devices as repetition, imitation, sequence.

Eduqas GCSE Music, which is a two-year course in KS4, continues to focus on the three main strands of music, while allowing students to deepen their knowledge and repertoire of music. This includes looking at Musical Forms and Devices, Music for Ensemble, Film Music and Popular Music.

The course is divided as follows:

• Performing - 30% - Students must perform 2 pieces; one solo and ensemble, or both ensembles. Options include traditional instruments, sequencing, DJing or rapping.
• Composing - 30% - Students must compose 2 contrasting pieces: one free composition and one set by the exam board. This can be done on computers, performed live or hand notated.
• Appraising - 40% - Listening exam which encompasses 8 listening questions; 2 of which are set works set by the exam board.

Eduqas A Level Music, which is a two-year course in KS5, continues to focus on the three main strands of music, while allowing students to deepen their knowledge and repertoire of music. This includes looking at three Areas of Study; AoS A: The Western Classical Tradition, AoS B: Rock and Pop, and AoS E: Into The Twentieth Century.

Students have the option to specialise in performing or composing at A Level for 10% of the qualification.

The course is divided as follows:

• Performing - 35 or 25% - Students must perform 2 or 3 pieces; one must be solo. Options include traditional instruments, sequencing, DJing or rapping.
• Composing - 35 or 25% - Students must compose 2 or 3 contrasting pieces: one set by the exam board. This can be done on computers, performed live or hand notated.
• Appraising - 40% - Listening exam which encompasses 3 AoS sections which include unprepared extracts, set work analysis and an essay on the development of the symphony.

Core Knowledge - Focus on Sound

At KS4 and KS5, core knowledge is embedded into lessons using an online system; Focus on Sound, which delivers lessons and tests students’ knowledge immediately. Students have access to this system at home as well as school.

Instrument Lessons

Lessons are available in:

• Guitar
• Piano
• Drums
• Trumpet
• Trombone
• Cornet
• Voice*
• Flute*
• Clarinet*
• Saxophone*
• Violin*
• Cello*

*Subject to interest

We have a varied extracurricular programme. Students can participate in:

• Music Tech/Composition Club
• Guitar Ensemble
• OPGS Pop/Rock Band
• Orchestra

Performance Opportunities

Students are given numerous and varied performance opportunities, both inside and outside of OPGS. We also participate in a range of music educational visits.