Music KS3 & KS4
Head of Faculty: Mrs L Byam
Music is a thriving subject at Claydon High School. We are fortunate to have a strong team of experienced instrument tutors as well as a range of professional musicians who work alongside class teachers to provide extensive curricular and extra-curricular opportunities for our students.
Music is taught in a well-equipped classroom and students have access to keyboards, guitars and percussion instruments to facilitate practical work. There are also a number of Apple Mac computers running Logic software and PCs running Cubase software which help to extend students’ composition work. Small ensemble work takes place in one of the four large and well-equipped practice rooms.
Key Stage 3
What will I learn?
Students follow a spiral curriculum. Key music terminology is taught through listening, performing and composing activities within a structured project format. All KS3 tasks and activities link directly to the KS4 curriculum.
Each student at KS3 takes part in a 75 minute lesson once a fortnight. All KS4 students study music in 75 minute sessions timetabled twice a week.
Year 7
African Music
Gamelan Music
Chinese Music
Australian Music
Calypso Music
Year 8
Renaissance Music
Samba
Rock and Roll
Year 9
Blues
Reggae
Contemporary Music
How will I be assessed?
Students are assessed continuously in Listening, Composing and Performing tasks. Students are offered feedback during lessons and are assessed formally at the end of each topic. There is a practical exam at the end of each year.
Key Stage 4: GCSE MUSIC - AQA
Why should I choose this subject?
The GCSE course encourages the development of practical and creative skills through performing, composing and listening tasks. The course is organised to allow students to follow either a traditional or more contemporary route in the subject and the practical nature of the course is reflected in the 60% coursework bias. In addition to the development of a wealth of subject specific skills, Music offers the opportunity to develop a range of transferable skills relevant to future study or employment.
What controlled assessment/exams are there?
Component 1 – Understanding Music (40%) assessed in a 1.5 hour exam and marked externally
Component 2 - Performing (30%) - Solo Performance (15%), Ensemble Performance (15%)
Component 3 - Composing (30%): Free Composition (15%), Composition to a Brief (15%)
60% of the GCSE is coursework and is assessed internally and externally moderated (Components 2 and 3).
What will I learn?
Students will explore music from different countries, traditions and periods in history and the work will be topic based. The knowledge developed will impact on each student’s own style of composing and performing. The work covered in preparation for Component 1 (Understanding Music) will complement students’ work in other areas of the course.
During the course there will be opportunities to take part in public concerts and also work with professional musicians.
Where will this subject lead to?
GCSE Music provides excellent preparation for the study of A Level Music, A Level Music Technology, and as an integral part of a Performing Arts course. Students may have aspirations to follow a career in the music industry (sound recording, composing, performing) or music therapy, or maybe in a job in which the transferable skills developed during the course will be used to good effect.
KS3 and KS4 Music Curriculum Map
Extra-Curricular
Students are invited to take part in a range of extra-curricular music activities including vocal and instrumental ensembles.
There are opportunities to work with visiting musicians and to rehearse towards both informal and formal performances.
We are always impressed by the quality and standard of performances produced by our students. Particular highlights include our Christmas Concert and our summer productions; most recently our performance of Oliver at the New Wolsey Theatre in July 2023 which gained rave reviews.
Instrument Tuition
Instrument tuition is offered in:
Violin, Viola, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Drum-kit, Guitar, Piano, Voice, Trumpet and Baritone
Individual Instrument lessons last 20 minutes and take place weekly. There is a charge for lessons, paid directly to the instrument teacher.
Students are encouraged to take exams in their respective instrument and we are proud of our students’ successes.