Music

In Year 5, students are introduced to the key skills of listening, performing and composing which they explore through group work, use of music technology and practical singing and instrumental work. The three topics covered are Loops and Ostinatos, Rivers and Gamelan, which cover a diverse range of music. Performances in Class Concerts are also encouraged as is participation in extra-curricular musical activities and all students participate in a weekly musicianship class.

In Year 6, students are encouraged to further their skills and to explore different musical styles and genres. The three topics studied are Notation, Programme Music and the Music of Japan, and listening, composing and performing are central to the teaching and learning experience within these topics. A Class Concert takes place once in each term in which all students participate as soloists or in an ensemble. Participation in extra-curricular musical activities is always encouraged and all students participate in a weekly musicianship class.

In Year 7, students explore the elements of music within different styles, including Latin American, folk, medieval, Egyptian and Impressionism, all of which also develop listening, performing and composing skills. Performance opportunities also arise with half-termly class concerts.

In Year 8, students build on their knowledge from the previous year while being stretched to further their listening, composing and performing skills. We encourage students to have a go and make use of their creative abilities and to look at a wide variety of music – including reggae, world music, improvisation, blues, night music and film music.

The study of music in Year 9 is designed to build on and extend the skills developed in Lower School, and adds more music technology content. The course is suited to anyone who wishes to enjoy the study of a diverse selection of musical styles from the Western classical tradition to pop songs and music for special occasions. The course approaches each topic through listening, composing and performing, with an emphasis on learning about the key features of different musical styles before attempting to recreate them through group improvisation, composition and performance. Music is optional in Year 9.

At GCSE, we follow the Edexcel specification. The specification requires the study of eight set works, divided into four areas of study:

• Instrumental Music 1700-1820
• Vocal Music
• Music for Stage
• Screen and Fusions

Composition is linked to these areas of study and is a coursework unit completed in Year 11. There is also a performing unit, and solo and ensemble performances are recorded throughout the course.

Set works are assessed through listening questions in the final examination. Composition skills, including the use of the Sibelius 8, Noteflight and other notation programs, are taught and practised in Year 10, with the final coursework compositions submitted during Lent term of Year 11. Solo and ensemble performances are submitted at the end of Year 11, but can be recorded at any time.

GCSE musicians are expected to participate in extracurricular activities and to perform in assemblies, concerts and festivals.

A level Music offers students the opportunity to study works from the Western classical tradition and set topic areas including musical theatre and jazz, as well as developing their skills in aural, historical and musical analysis, composition, harmony and performance.

Discover our inspiring A level Music course at St Helen’s.

A LEVEL MUSIC