All students in year 9 receive one lesson per fortnight. Whilst this is less than the recommended one hour each week, students in the middle schools receive the full allowance. Having less in year 9 allows all students to also study drama once a fortnight. We aim to provide students with a rich and diverse musical experience. Our curriculum is based on the latest ideas from the "model music curriculum", which places an emphasis on the enjoyment of music through diverse and practical music making. We believe that music is best learnt by doing, and so our program is designed to provide students with opportunities to listen, perform, and compose music. This year has seen huge strides forward in the development of a through curriculum that develops knowledge and skills as a continuous journey from the first school right the way through to upper school. Music is one of the first subjects within the Multi Academy Trust to employ a leader for this development who is taking time to coordinate this curriculum. Obviously, it will take years to fully reap the benefits, but it is certain to have a considerable impact. We are highly proud of our outstanding co-curriculum offer, which includes a wide range of ensembles open to students of all levels. From our accessible choirs to our high-level concert band and orchestra, we have something for everyone. In addition to these opportunities, we also offer a range of trips and workshops throughout the year, providing students with the chance to experience music beyond the classroom.

Term One:

In year 9, our first scheme of work incorporates singing, playing chordal accompaniments on the ukulele and a range of other band instruments and usage of musical vocabulary in order to talk with confidence about their playing. The aim is to develop strong ensemble skills through regular whole-class performance.

Term Two:

Our second scheme of work is a DAW (digital audio workstation)-based project with students creating their own film compositions. This uses listening, analysis and composition to improve their understanding of the genre and develops their understanding of the role of technology in the music sector. This unit also aims to give students a look forward to the concept of music technology, which students can take as an A-Level within the school. The knowledge developed in term one, such as understanding of tonality, harmony, melody and rhythm, is applied and built upon in this second scheme of work.

Term Three:

Our third scheme of work is another DAW-based project with students creating their own dance track composition. This uses listening and analysing to improve their understanding of the genre. They learn how to input piano, synth and bass parts as well as utilise sample-based parts. The unit focusses on the correct use of structure to create a satisfying sense of build and excitement.