Key Stage 3
Key Stage 3 Music
Aims of curriculum review
Due to the mixed quality/scope of KS2 music teaching a majority of students enter the school with limited musical experience, a trend that seems to be continuing year on year. Much of the curriculum was re-vamped in 2018-19. When reviewing the curriculum in 2019-20, it has been agreed that the curriculum is challenging for a majority of students. The purpose of the review has focused on 4 key areas;
- A focus on composition in KS3 to address difficulties in KS4
- Stretch/challenge for the highest ability students (challenge tasks, more complex performance pieces, core GCSE skills)
- Progression from KS3 to KS4
- Introduction of more entry level GCSE terminology
Year 7 curriculum focuses on core skills/knowledge of music; rhythm & beat, musical elements, instrumental skills and notation, leading to final performance assessment and exam to encompass skills and knowledge acquired.
Year 8 curriculum builds and re-enforces those skills by applying them to different contexts, performing using notation, and composition skills. The majority of the year 8 curriculum is building skills towards the final assessment of the protest song compositions and a final exam. This will incorporate year 7 skills and knowledge. Year 9 curriculum focuses on preparing for GCSE, either in music or across the curriculum, with a strong focus on LORIC skills to prepare for life in KS4.
