Music

Intent

The Music curriculum is designed to develop the 3 key skill areas for the subject: Performing; Composing; Appraising. Students are taught how to read the musical language from the very start of Year 7, so that they can reap the many benefits of learning any language - better problem-solving skills and improved memory, to name but two. They are then taught how to turn this knowledge into a musical performance at the keyboard, where they develop dexterity and coordination skills throughout the key stage. Students are also taught how to interpret other forms of written music, such as ukulele and bass guitar TAB and rhythm grid notation, which enables them to perform on a variety of different instruments. All of these physical skills are set within the context of a variety of different strands, offering a diverse curriculum. Students study music of the Western Classical Tradition, Music for stage and screen, World Music from three different and distinct cultures, Popular Music in several styles , and Celebration Music. Students are also taught how to compose their own music using a variety of scales. In Key Stage 3, the curriculum supports transition to GCSE Music, which allows students to develop their performing, composing, and appraising skills further. The Instrumental and Vocal Programme supports and complements curriculum lessons by enabling students to access specialist musical tuition on most instruments on a weekly basis. In Key Stage 4, we currently use the Eduqas GCSE Music specification.

Implementation

In Key Stage 3, students study music on a fortnightly basis, receiving one 100-minute lesson during each 2-week cycle. Lessons are mostly practical with a focus on the reading and interpretation of the musical language at the start of those lessons. During lessons, students are able to access videos on the Microsoft Teams platform which demonstrate how to play the various pieces of music that are set for them to learn. This is highly beneficial for the visual learners, and acts as scaffolding for learners who struggle with the layout of the keyboard or ukulele and guitar fretboard. At the same time, students can access more difficult pieces to enable those who are more capable to progress further, quicker. These video guides are something that the department plans to expand for the academic year 2026-27 when we hope to launch the Backstage platform through RSL (Rock School London). The structure of lessons comprises cycles of the ‘I Teach – We check – You Do’ format. There is also a Turn and Talk in all Key Stage 3 lessons aimed specifically at developing appraising and oracy skills through a listening activity. In Key Stage 4, students study GCSE Music and receive three 100-minute lessons during each 2-week cycle. Lessons are more theoretical than in Key Stage 3, but all GCSE Music students in Years 10 and 11 receive free thirty 40-minute lessons on their chosen specialist instrument or voice each academic year (10 in each term), through the IVP. This enables students to develop their performing skills. For composition, students access Sibelius and Guitar Pro software, and for the appraising component of the course, students access the Elemental platform, which is new to the department from the Spring Term of 2026.

Impact

By the end of Key Stage 3, students have had the opportunity to experience performing on at least 3 different instruments, and will be able to understand intermediate staff notation and chord diagrams. Students will have also demonstrated the ability to create their own original music compositions, which will help them in all of their other creative subjects. Furthermore, in a world where many of the younger generations swipe, tap, or click to do most things, the opportunity to learn a musical instrument will have improved their dexterity skills, which is also a transferable skill – up to and including a heart surgeon! The impact of the new curriculum was seen last year (2025-26) when the uptake at GCSE Music more than tripled after a period of decline. By the end of Key Stage 4, students will have received a nationally-recognised qualification (GCSE Music), and will have enhanced their knowledge of the inner workings of music. The impact of the new curriculum was seen last year (2025-26) with the best set of GCSE Music results in 6 academic years. The GCSE Music qualification enables students to study music at college at either A-Level or BTEC.

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Music Curriculum Table

Music Curriculum Infographic

GCSE Music Exam Specification

Curriculum

Music

Intent

Implementation

Impact

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