“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent.” -Victor Hugo
The Music curriculum at Sir William Robertson Academy provides the students with opportunities for personal development through the exploration of performance, creation, and aural analysis of music from different cultures and time periods. Students develop the qualities of self-expression and communication as they consider the key elements of music and key stylistic features of given genres of music to convey intent.
The Key Stage 3 Music curriculum is based on the National Curriculum for Music, and introduces concepts and material from the Level 1/2 Tech Award in Music Practice to prepare students for their learning journey in Key Stage 4. We study a wide range of music from Western Classical, to Modern and World Music, looking at both notated pieces and chord charts to improvisations in the three disciplines of performance, creation, and aural analysis to develop students’ knowledge and confidence practically and theoretically.
Throughout Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4, opportunities are highlighted for career pathways related to the tasks they undertake, and learning links are made to progression to Post-16 destinations, and pathways into the wider world of work.
Students at Sir William Robertson Academy have the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge outside the classroom, with extra-curricular activities such as the whole-school production, the Key Stage 3 production, and music clubs such as choir and band rehearsals. Students use practice rooms to take part in peripatetic lessons, and all students are able to book practice rooms during social times to undertake independent music learning.
KS3:
In Years 7, 8 (on a rotational basis), and 9 students learn about the key elements of music, and stylistic features in a given genre (targeted towards the Level 1/2 Tech Award) through performance, creation, and aural analysis. They also have access to the extra-curricular offer.
KS4:
In Years 10 and 11, students study the NCFE Level 1/2 Tech Award in Music Technology, which focuses on the study of the music technology industry, offers a breadth and depth of study, incorporating a key core of knowledge, and provides opportunities to acquire a number of practical and technical skills. They study five content areas, and at the end of the course, complete a Non-Examined Assessment (60%) and an Examined Assessment (40%).
Content Area 1 – Introduction to music technology and the music business
- During this content area, students study an introduction to music technology and the music business, roles and responsibilities, development of music technology, music business, marketing, promotion, and selling and distributing music
Content Area 2 – The digital audio workstation (DAW)
- During this content area, students study the digital audio workstation (DAW), hardware components, software functions, using DAW software functions, creating audio using a DAW, and health and safety