In KS3, students build a foundation in music performance, composition, and listening/analysing through project-based learning. We aim to nurture a passion for music through a predominantly practical approach to lessons.

In KS4, we offer qualifications in both Music and Music Technology.

GCSE Music covers a broad range of musical styles without focusing on set works. OCR’s rich syllabus provides learners with a wealth of musical knowledge, from film music to world music, from popular music ballads to rock anthems, and the concerto as found within western art music. Having such a variety of musical styles to study helps students understand wider musical concepts than perhaps using set works would allow. The listening exam is 40%, with performance and composition elements taking up 30% each. Students are required to compose from a brief for one of their pieces, which is good preparation for work within the industry. The other ‘free’ composition gives students a chance to show off their creativity without constraints. The performance aspect requires learners to perform both solo and as part of an ensemble, testing their individual skill and their ability to work with others.

Music Technology at GCSE level enables learners to develop skills, knowledge and understanding of the music technology industry. We follow the NCFE syllabus, a course that is suitable for learners who are motivated and challenged by learning through hands-on experiences and have a passion for popular music of all styles. Both the externally-assessed written exam (40%) and internally-assessed coursework (60%) check skills and knowledge from 5 content areas: 1. Introduction to music technology and the music business; 2. The Digital Audio Workstation (DAW); 3. Musical elements, musical style and music technology; 4. Sound Creation; 5. Multitrack recording.

In KS5, we aim for students to excel as well-rounded musicians who are creative and analytical, professional-standard performers and inspirational composers, seeking to inspire and encourage the wider community. We run courses in both Music and Music Technology at this level.

We follow the BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Music Performance specification. In a world where a musician must show diversity and adaptability, the BTEC course helps students understand the essential skills and knowledge they will need to survive within the industry. This vocational course is an excellent mode of preparation for a future within the music industry. Learners will have the opportunity to grow as performers, musicologists, event planners, composers and producers. In a world where a musician must be a “jack of all trades”, the BTEC course is a challenging, formal, engaging and useful way of helping students understand the essential skills and knowledge they will need to survive within the music industry. Students complete four units (two externally-assessed and two internally-assessed) over the two years.

For Music Technology, we follow the Edexcel A Level specification. The course is a creative, exciting and inspiring programme that develops a wide range of production skills including recording and mixing techniques, composing using technology; synthesis and sampling. Students have access to industry standard studio equipment to complete coursework and build a portfolio of recordings, arrangements and compositions. The coursework elements (recording and composition) equate to 40% of the whole grade, with two exams assessing the remaining 60%.

Year 7 Overview

• Elements of Music– Samba percussion and vocals
• Film Music & Leitmotifs– GarageBand composition for a movie trailer
• Reggae– Playing chords on a choice of keyboard, ukulele or guitar
• 4 Chords – Playing popular music as part of an ensemble
• EDM– Using GarageBand to compose rhythmic, harmonic and melodic parts
• Blues– 12 bar blues, improvisation, lyric writing
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Year 8 Overview

• Funk– Performance project on hooks, riffs, extended chords and syncopation
• The Story of Music– Using GarageBand to create a piece that reflects monumental developments in Western art music
• Band Skills – Playing set pieces of popular music as part of an ensemble
• Songwriting– Composing music and lyrics
• Indian Classical & Bhangra– Performing and composing music from South Asia
• Freestyle – Developing ensemble performance or DAW composition skills, based on individual interests

GCSE Overview

Music

Students are taught the following topics in Years 9 to 11:

• Performance (Coursework – 30%) – Solo and ensemble performance techniques
• Composition (Coursework – 30%) – Composition techniques for creating music on students’ own instruments and working to a brief set by the exam board
• Listening & Appraising (Exam – 40%) – A range of musical styles will be studied in preparation for this externally assessed component including:
  • The Concerto Through Time (Baroque, Classical and Romantic)
  • Rhythms of the World (Samba, Calypso, Bhangra, Indian Classical, Greek, Israeli, Palestinian, African Drumming)
  • Film and Computer Game music
  • Conventions of Popular Music

Music Technology

Students are taught the following topics in Years 9 to 11:

• know how to set up and use a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)
• know how to use a recording studio correctly, including all the equipment within
• produce and critically evaluate a range of popular music styles in our Mac suite using industry standard sequencing software, Logic Pro X
• become a proficient and confident DAW user, as an engineer and producer
• create music and soundscapes for film and computer games using synthesis and Foley sound design

• External Assessment (40%)
  • Written Exam – Knowledge & theory assessment

• Internal Assessment (60%)
  • Externally set synoptic project covering the following content areas:

1. 1. 1. Introduction to music technology and the music business
      2. The Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)
      3. Musical elements, musical style and music technology
      4. Sound Creation
      5. Multitrack recording

Music – BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate Overview

Students are taught the following topics in Year 12 and 13:

• Unit 1: Practical Music Theory and Harmony(25% – Internally-assessed coursework)
• Unit 2: Professional Practice in the Music Industry(25% – Externally-assessed coursework)
• Unit 3: Ensemble Music (35% – Externally-assessed coursework)
• Optional Unit: Composing Music / Music Performance Session Styles / Solo Performance / Improvising Music(15% – Internally-assessed coursework)

Music Technology – A Level Overview

Students must complete the following elements in Year 12 and 13:

• Component 1: Recording & Mixing (20% – Externally-assessed coursework)
• Component 2: Composing (20% – Externally-assessed coursework)
• Component 3: Listening & Analysing (25% – Externally-assessed exam)
• Component 4: Producing & Analysing (35% – Externally-assessed exam)

Ensembles:

• Funk Band
• Jazz Band
• Orchestra
• Choir
• Chamber Choir
• Worship Band
• Rock Band

Performance/Technical Support Opportunities:

• The Big Gig
• WaddFest
• Whole School Musical
• Christmas Carol Service
• Assemblies
• Local festivals

Instrumental/Vocal Tuition

Lessons are available in school from XYZ Music Academy and Bucks Music Trust on a comprehensive range of instruments.

• Music videos for exceptional performances
• SoundCloud music releases for excellent recordings
• Songwriting Competition – opportunity for the best songs to be produced in the recording studio
• KS3 Young Musician of the Year Competition