Music
"Music begins where the possibilities of language ends." Jean Sibelius
Music is everywhere, so why not get to know how it works? Studying music at The Misbourne will immerse you in the mechanics of composing, performing, theory and listening. All students are trained in how to sing, play and write music at all stages of our music courses. There are plenty of opportunities to have instrument lessons, take part in our music clubs or use music technology, and get excited about making great sounds and great music.
Key Stage 3
Year 7
In year 7 students learn to read, write, listen critically and perform music. They will try out singing, keyboard, ukulele and drums both as a soloist and as part of an ensemble. Each topic introduces students to different parts of music through performance and/or compositional work. In year 7 we look at topics such asSoundscapes, Vocal Skills, African Drumming, Instruments of the Orchestra and many more. Please see the Music Curriculum Map for all the units covered. Throughout key stage three we base our listening development around the mnemonic MAD T SHIRT (Melody, Articulation, Dynamics, Tempo, Structure, Harmony, Instruments, Rhythm and Texture) learning keywords within each topic, learning what they mean and what they would sound like in practice. This is in preparation for Music at GCSE level.
Year 8
In year 8 students further their learning in composing, listening critically and performing music. At the start of year 8 they will choose an instrument they would like to focus on through the rest of their time in KS3. They have the choice of Ukulele, Guitar, Keyboard or Drums. They will be encouraged to stick with the instrument they choose. They will use the instrument they choose to help them explore different genres in music such as Music for Animation, Blues, Pop, Film Music and many more. Please see the Music Curriculum Map for all the units covered. Throughout key stage three we base our listening development around the mnemonic MAD T SHIRT (Melody, Articulation, Dynamics, Tempo, Structure, Harmony, Instruments, Rhythm and Texture) learning keywords within each topic, learning what they mean and what they would sound like in practice. This is in preparation for Music at GCSE level.
Year 9
In year 9 students extend their learning in composing, listening critically and performing music. Year 9 Music is very much about band work in terms of performing, using the instrument they chose and developed on in year 8. Composing is based around developing further on from basic ideas and using Music Technology programmes so that they are able to use these proficiently if they choose Music at GCSE. They will explore different genres in music such as Reggae, Film Music, Songwriting. and many more. Please see the Music Curriculum Map for all the units covered. Throughout key stage three we base our listening development around the mnemonic MAD T SHIRT (Melody, Articulation, Dynamics, Tempo, Structure, Harmony, Instruments, Rhythm and Texture) learning keywords within each topic, learning what they mean and what they would sound like in practice. This is in preparation for Music at GCSE level.
Key Stage 4
At GCSE students follow the Eduqas GCSE Music course. The breakdown of the units is as follows:
Component 1 - Performing - 30%
Students must perform a minimum of two pieces, one of which has to be an ensemble piece lasting a minimum of one minute. One of the pieces must be linked to an area of study.
Component 2 - Composing - 30%
Students must compose two pieces, one is a free composition chosen by the student, they write their own brief for the composition. The second composition is based on a brief set by Eduqas which comes out in September of year 11.
Component 3 - Listening and Appraising 40%
This is an exam which lasts approximately 1hr 15 minutes, it covers each area of study and the two set works. It contains 8 questions, 2 on each area of study.
The area of studies that students study throughout the course are as follows:
- Musical Forms and Devices
- Music for Ensemble
- Film Music
- Popular Music
Succeeding in this course can lead into students taking up A Level Music or RSL Music Practitioner qualifications in the future.
Key Stage 5
A Level/ A Level Equivalent
In Year 12 and 13 students study RSL Music Practitioner Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma
RSL Music Subsidiary Diploma continues the more vocational, coursework based approach with in depth study into further performing skills. It is career focused and leads towards further study and careers in performing, arts management, and allows students to develop their performance skills.
Department Staff
Mrs O'Sullivan - Curriculum Leader
Ms Kirton
Useful Websites and Resources
| Subject Documents |
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| Music Curriculum Map |