Intent Statement

"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything."​

Plato

At St Andrew's, the Music Department is committed to providing a stimulating and inclusive learning environment that fosters a deep appreciation for performing, composing and listening to music. Our curriculum intent is centred around the following key areas:

1. Adaptive Learning

We want learning to be fluid and consistently relevant to our students. This develops a schema for musical problem-solving — whether that is working out a tricky rhythm, finding the right chord, or refining a performance — that students can draw upon when they encounter new musical challenges. Therefore, students should be able to use transferable musical skills confidently across performing, composing and listening activities that progress in challenge.

2. Cultural Capital

We believe in the power of music to broaden students' perspectives and foster empathy. Our curriculum ensures that students are exposed to a wide range of musical styles and traditions from diverse cultures, backgrounds and time periods, from Western classical music to popular music, film music and music from around the world. This exposure will encourage students to appreciate and embrace different musical voices and traditions.

3. Creative Contribution

We commit to encouraging original thought and personal contribution within curriculum time. This vehicle of exploration, through composing and performing, is vital for students to develop their own musical voice and a sense of belonging within the local community and wider society. As well as this, we will boost this provision with extra-curricular provision such as choir, music intervention, band and diverse private instrumental lessons.

4. Ambitious Aspiration

Along with the school’s overall ethos, in Music we will strive for high academic and social standards with expectations of success both within assessment and the general development of the self. Students will be consistently provided with opportunities to perform and challenge themselves both within lessons and during extra-curricular time.

The Music Department do two concert per year and are auditioned and run by the Head of Music. Students from Year 7- 11 are invited to be involved, whether that is participating in performances or being part of the Tech Team.

By embracing these key areas, we strive to equip our students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become lifelong learners, confident musicians and effective communicators. Our curriculum encourages students to engage with the world of music around them, fostering their personal, social and intellectual growth.

Key stage 3

In Year 7, students will explore a wide range of captivating musical styles and skills that foster a love for performing, composing and listening. The year is themed around building the fundamentals of music and the aim is to spark joy within our students in relation to making and understanding music. By investigating everything that Music has to offer, from keyboard and ukulele skills to the basic elements of music rhythm and melody. Year 7 will give all students foundational theoretical understanding (Grade 1 ABRSM Theory) as well as practical performance and ensemble skills. We encourage students to love Music and challenge them to feel more prepared for Intermediate levels of music in Year 8.

In Year 8, students will explore a diverse range of musical styles and skills that foster critical thinking and continue their deep appreciation for music. Here, we will build upon the foundational skills from Year 7 and begin to give students the tools to manipulate sound for different purposes and genres. From more complex pieces to learn on the keyboard, Grade 2 Music theory and exploring more music technology. All students will have the chance to evaluate music in more depth as well as breath. As well as this, Music begins to connect more clearly to the real world as we link in careers focused learning also, for example, learning about music in games​

In Year 9, our Music curriculum centres around consolidating skills and exploring identity through sound and a sophisticated understand of Music. As well as this, as we look towards GCSE, students will become more independently able to create both original compositions and confident performances. From song writing to exploring the Areas of Study that underpin the GCSE course, students will experience a range of musical genres and traditions to develop upon their knowledge of the subject from previous years. Ultimately, preparing them as much as possible for their journey into GCSE.