“Music is an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.”

Billy Joel

 

Subject Leader for Music:                  Miss Betts

Music Teachers:                                    Mr Marr & Miss Jackson

Website:                  St Wilfrid's Catholic School - Music

Key Stage 3
Music is taught to Key Stage 3 three lessons a fortnight and Music Technology lessons are fully embedded in the schemes of work. Students follow a programme of study that focuses on the key skills of performing, singing, composing, improvising, listening to and appraising music. It is based on the requirements of the National Curriculum and incorporates music from a wide range of styles, cultures and historical periods. Students are encouraged to develop their musical creativity through a range of practical activities which illustrate originality, imagination and the ability to develop and improve their work. These activities also allow them to develop and refine their knowledge, understanding and appreciation of various genres of music. Students will use a range of instruments throughout Key Stage 3 including keyboard, guitar, ukulele, various percussion instruments, and voice. Music Technology is used to enhance and facilitate learning and the students will learn to sequence MIDI, capture and process audio, as well as mixing skills on a range of software and hardware.

 

Key Stage 4
In Key Stage 4 the students follow the Eduqas (9-1) GCSE syllabus.

http://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/music/gcse/

GCSE Music provides students with the opportunity to study both classical, popular and world music genres, looking not only at the integral elements of each type of music, but also providing an awareness and understanding of the social, cultural and traditions of each genre and style. The course allows students to develop their skills in composition, performing and the use and application of specific musical technology. GCSE Music enables students to extend existing skills in music as well as widen their appreciation of different musical traditions and to see where it is relevant in today’s wide and varied music industry. The main “Areas of Study” for GCSE Music are:

· Musical Forms and Devices

· Music for Ensembles

· Film Music

· Popular Music

We do not currently offer Music Technology as a GCSE option but the use and application of music technology skills, is fully integrated into the teaching of GCSE Music.

Key Stage 5

Both Music AS and A Level are offered in Key Stage 5 but the running of the course is dependent on the size of the class. A Level Music follows the Eduqas syllabus:

http://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/music/as-a-level/

A Level music continues to develop and build on the skills and knowledge acquired in Key Stage 3 and 4, and students are encouraged to build on their existing strengths as well as explore and challenge their existing musical views and ideas. There are three elements to the course which are Performing (a final recital examined by a visiting examiner), Composing (a portfolio of work) and Listening and Appraising examinations. The topics will link to the Western Classical Tradition from Baroque to the present day, as well as Rock, Pop and Jazz.

Peripatetic Music Lessons

All students in every key stage have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument or to participate in singing lessons. Peripatetic music teachers from West Sussex Music offer a wide range of musical opportunities and further details about the cost of these lessons and how to apply can be found at:

https://www.westsussexmusic.co.uk

Students who study an instrument will be encouraged to use it within the school curriculum and enhance their studies further by following a very individual learning journey throughout their music lessons. We currently offer lessons in voice, piano, keyboard, drum kit, guitar (acoustic, electric and bass), strings and woodwind.