Music
Intent & Implementation
Our Curriculum Intent
How our subject curriculum is sequenced and why we plan it this way:
Music is an exciting and enriching experience at Cullompton College. Students learn through application of the key components of Music, Performance, Composition and Listening, while following a carefully structured learning journey. Students receive weekly one hour lessons throughout Key Stage 3. In Year 7 core theory, understanding and personal progress is key, in year 8 the students progress to the additional challenges of ensemble work and by Year 9 these Personal and Ensemble Skills are combined in order to approach topics from the viewpoint of a skilled musician.
How we connect the knowledge over the key stages (deliberate connections):
We regularly bring the skills required at KS4 into KS3 learning, with particular focus on the requirements of the RSL Music Practitioners Course.
How we make our subject knowledge stick:
Knowledge is acquired and retained through “in lesson” and home learning. Retention is key and learning is revisited weekly and built on throughout the curriculum.
Practical and listening skills are developed progressively through scaffolded tasks in topics which grow in challenge and skill level throughout the learning journey.
How We Allow All Students to Succeed ( included SEND and disadvantaged )
How we allow all students to reach our ambitious subject end points:
The Music curriculum is upward aiming and ambitious for all. Students develop their practical skills on Keyboard throughout KS3 in order to build upon skills and achieve. All tasks are scaffolded and an experienced and skilled subject specialist teacher is on hand offering visual demonstrations, recordings and exemplars, in addition to one to one support during all lessons.
We offer multiple routes into music making to ensure all are able to reach the end goal. Whilst music theory is taught it is not the sole platform in reading and writing music. Students can learn from video tutorial, chord diagrams, aural melodies in order to succeed. We use music making softwares such as bandlab, soundtrap and noteflight for accessibility.
Praise is regular and consistent which nurtures confidence within the individual and recognition of personal achievement is encouraged at all times. Peer support and interaction is vital to students' success and the highest expectations are held of all students.
An ethos of mutual respect and self reflection is embedded from the start of the learning journey which gives the individual the safe environment to try out ideas, take risks and learn.
Our Curriculum Overview
Curriculum Overview KS3 (Click here)
Curriculum Overview KS4 (Click here)
Our Curriculum Learning Pathway
KS3 Subject Curriculum Pathway (PDF)
KS4 Subject Curriculum Pathway (PDF)
Our Curriculum
Our topics will include at least two of the 3 music components, Listening, Composing and Performing and opportunities for Singing are found throughout the curriculum.
Our topics are; Rhythm, Pitch, Vocal Music, Scottish Music, Blues, Viva La Vida, Dance Music, Film Music, Variations, Popular music (What Makes a Good Song?)
Transition & Building on KS2 / KS3
CCC has worked closely with our primary partners during 2021/22. We have shared knowledge on the curriculum intents at key stage two and key stage three to enhance student transition and the sequencing of learning.
Key Stage 3
Key Stage 3 we aim to prepare students to become active and confident musicians with an ability to access music creation independently and with a clear understanding of their own personal preferences.
From the beginning of their Music Journey until the end, students are asked to take a personal approach to their musical development. At Year 7 the students realise their own starting point and set personal goals for their success. In Year 8 the vital skills of Ensemble work is brought into their development along with broader focuses on genres of music from across history. The Year 9 curriculum is a stepping stone towards KS4 and becoming a Music Practitioner. In which students begin to Listen with greater levels of critique and personal response, prepare for performances in greater detail and with accuracy and approach composition with theoretical understanding.
Key Stage 4
Study of the RSL content begins in Year 10…………..
At Key Stage 4 students embark on a vocationally focused Qualification which will prepare them for a career in Music. They will complete three units of work which lead to a Level 2 Qualification from RSL in Music Performance. The units are, Musical Knowledge and Understanding, Understanding your Instrument and Live Music Performance. Throughout the coursework students independently plan and prepare and reflect on their progress as a musician.
What Examination Course(s) do we follow?
We offer Level 2 RSL Music Practitioners Performance.
Curriculum Impact- How we measure attainment and progress:
In Music, assessment happens in many ways. Student work is marked in-line with our marking policy and students receive regular teacher feedback. Opportunities to perform and share work are given at the end of each lesson and final assessments are made at the end of a topic through a final performance or presentation of a composition. Individual feedback is given along with guidance for future goals.
How do we enrich our subject outside the classroom?
In Music, extra curricular provision is highly valued. Students can attend Music Clubs both after school and in the school day as well as Choir. Annual trips to the theatre to watch a musical performance are available to all and all students receive opportunities to perform at school events and within the local community. Opportunities to learn an instrument are available through weekly peripatetic lessons and Wider opportunities are in place for all students through the annual class set hire from the Devon Music Hub.