Music KS3 Curriculum

Curriculum Intent

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Themes(knowledge & understanding)	Skills
The Elements of Music Instruments of the Orchestra Music theory Music form & structures Music history World Music Observational drawing	Singing Performing Composing Listening & Appraising

Modules Taught

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Bridging the Gap
Elements of Music
Graphic score notation
Instruments of the Orchestra

World Music 1
African Music exploring the art of Djembe drumming and African part-sing

Call & response
Close harmony
Poly-rhythmic playing

Samba Music exploring percussive polyrhythmic ensemble playing.

Samba instruments
Role of a leader
Ensemble awareness

Musical Forms and Structures
Exploring the basic elements of composition

Binary and ternary forms.
Tradition music notation.
Keyboard development

Reggae Music

Developing ensemble playing; keyboard skills and recognition of syncopated rhythms.
Understanding chord formations and importance of the bassline.

Musical Theatre
Exploring a range of musical theatre genres dating back to the Golden Age - present day.

West Side story songs and musical interludes
Hamilton - spoken word and rhythmical writing
The great composer duos and their works.

Celtic Music
Exploring the melodic development and structure of folk-dance music .

Introducing compound time signatures and the style of the Gigue, including improvisation and ornamentation.

Programme Music
Exploring the works of Saint-Saens, Smetana and Mahler (Listening & Appraising)

Creating and composing based on thematic stimuli

History of Popular Music 1
1950’s - 60’s Blues and Rock’n’roll music

12 Bar Blues, Swung Rhythm, Improvisation, Walking Bass, Comping
Importance of lyrical content and historical and social links
British Invasion - The Beatles songs

History of Popular Music 2
1970’s - 80s Protest songs

Importance of lyrical content and historical and social links
Songwriting

Rock Anthems from:

Queen
Abba

History of Popular Music
Modern day Artists and the range of music genres influenced by social and political issues; and the impact of the fashion industry on today’s music.

Independent learning projects.

Assessment

Summative assessment of individual and / or ensemble performances and compositions assignments.
IPM assessments based on summative and formative assessments
Formative assessment at the end of each unit - based on either, listening & appraising, performing and / or composing
Continuous one to one diagnostic / verbal feedback in lessons 
Peer and self-assessment in lessons

Stretch & Challenge

Students encouraged to engage in extracurricular activities
Open assignments – enabling further challenge and extension to be carried out.
Students given opportunities to lead and direct group tasks and work independently.

Enrichment Opportunities

Choir
Orchestra
Theatre visits
Music competitions
Tri-borough Music events advertised throughout the year