‘Music speaks to all’. In music, we aim to unlock the potential of every pupil, by delivering an ambitious, spiral curriculum that speaks to all, regardless of ability or need.
We believe that a successful music department should inspire, challenge and motivate pupils to want to be the very best creators, equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to become successful individuals, whilst inspiring some to take their musical studies further.
The pupils are challenged in lessons to be able to demonstrate understanding and creativity through listening, performance and composition, through collaboration with their peers and through evaluation of their own work.
We build the cultural capital of our pupils by developing life skills and teaching themes in context, exposing them to influences and traditions from different cultures and times. In music, we help to develop the pupil’s cultural capital through personal, social, spiritual, moral and cultural development by encouraging the pupils to express, reflect and appreciate a wide range of musical genres.
The music curriculum at St. Bede’s goes far beyond what is taught in lessons, for whilst we want pupils to achieve the very best exam results possible, we believe the curriculum goes beyond what is examinable. As a department, we offer a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities for all pupils who want to develop their musical skills and abilities beyond the classroom, work with others and become involved in community collaboration.
By the end of KS3, pupils should be able to discuss the elements of music and how they are used to create music.
End of KS4, pupils should be confident performers and composers that can make critical judgements on wide genres of music using detailed analysis of the elements of music and knowledge to inform their answers.
All pupils in years 7, 8 and 9 receive two 60-minute music lessons per fortnight.
The scheme of work challenges our students to not only understand different styles and genres of music but requires them to explore, discuss and demonstrate this understanding in creative ways. They are challenged in all lessons to be able to demonstrate understanding and creativity through knowledge, listening, performance, composition, through collaboration with their peers and through evaluation of their own work.
The music curriculum at St. Bede’s goes far beyond what is taught in lessons, for whilst we want students to achieve the very best examination results possible, we believe our curriculum goes beyond what is examinable. As a department we offer a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities for those students who want to develop their musical skills and abilities beyond a classroom curriculum.
The specification requires candidates to develop their ability in performing, realising and composing, and to develop their listening and appraising skills. The syllabus is based on four areas of study. Across these areas of study, students will study music from the past and present, from the western tradition and other world cultures. The areas of study also provide opportunities for candidates to further their understanding of musical styles of their own choosing.
The areas of study are:
- Area of Study 1 My Music- Spotlight on your instrument
- Area of Study 2 The Concerto through time
- Area of Study 3 Rhythms of the World
- Area of Study 4 Film Music
- Area of Study 5 Conventions of Pop
These areas of study are assessed in 3 units:
Unit 1: Integrated Task 30%
- One solo performance
- One composition for your instrument
- Non-examined assessment completed during the course
Unit 2: Practical Component 30%
- Ensemble Performance
- Board set composition task
- Non-examined assessment completed during the course
Unit 3: Listening & Appraising 40%
- A written paper, with audio. Aural recognition and context unheard/unfamiliar music from within the Areas of Study 2, 3, 4 & 5
The integration of Catholic social teaching principles into music is highly encouraged at St. Bede’s.
The music department collaborates with educators, clergy, and other stakeholders within the Catholic educational community to ensure that the curriculum reflects the values of Catholic social teaching.
The music curriculum aligned with Catholic social teaching principles, incorporates the following elements:
Human Dignity:
We emphasise the inherent dignity of every person, fostering an environment where students respect and appreciate the value of each individual. We explore how music can be a tool for expressing and understanding the human experience, promoting the value of life and the dignity of individuals.
This is done in lessons and all extra-curricular activities.
Family, Community & Participation:
We explore how music can contribute to the common good by creating a sense of community, unity, and understanding among diverse groups.
Solidarity:
We integrate themes of solidarity through collaborative musical activities that encourage teamwork, empathy, and support among students.
Dignity of work:
Encourage students to appreciate and respect the diverse musical contributions of their peers, recognizing the dignity in each person’s creative work.
Rights & Responsibilities:
We discuss issues related to justice and fairness in the music industry, encouraging students to think critically about social justice through the lens of music.
Care for Creation:
We explore how music can foster a sense of stewardship for the environment, encouraging students to consider the impact of their musical activities on the world around them.
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable:
We incorporate activities that highlight the power of music to bring attention to social issues and advocate for those who are marginalised or vulnerable.
Growth Mindset: Pupils have the opportunity to learn new skills in music including performing and composing on the keyboard and ukulele, analysing and creating film music and understanding how music developed from Baroque to Romantic.
Pupils need to understand how the instruments work and have a growth mindset when trying to learn the notes/new language.
In music, pupils learn to overcome preconceived ideas of their own musical ability by saying that they can’t do music and begin to have a growth mindset, rather than fixed.
Resilience: Developing resilience is crucial in music education, as learning an instrument or mastering musical concepts can be demanding and may involve facing various difficulties.
Pupils learn to realise that musical performances and compositions come with practise and resilience and determination to improve.
During the Areas of Study, pupils need resilience when performing new and diverse material.
In music, we aim to raise awareness of resilience among successful performers in today’s society.
Independence: Pupils need to work independently in all areas of Composition and performances. To foster independence in music, we design lessons that encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. We aim to provide opportunities for students to make musical choices, set goals, and reflect on their progress. This all contributes to their overall musical independence. This approach not only helps students become more proficient musicians but also cultivates a lifelong appreciation for and engagement with music.
Tenacity: Tenacity is a quality shown by all performers and composers when rehearsing. Teachers play a crucial role in fostering tenacity in music lessons. We provide encouragement, set realistic goals, and create a supportive learning environment. Additionally, incorporating diverse and engaging musical repertoire, allowing for creative expression, and providing opportunities for collaboration can enhance students’ commitment and enthusiasm for their musical studies. Ultimately, the development of tenacity in music lessons not only contributes to musical skill acquisition but also instils valuable life skills such as discipline, perseverance, and a love for continuous learning.
Transformational: The music curriculum is designed to provide pupils with the knowledge and skills they need to progress through KS3 and KS4 and further. This is done in a variety of ways in listening activities, group work and independent tasks. We teach how music and its benefits can transform a person and positively impact their wellbeing.
Your world: Pupils learn about the music, culture and differences in many different countries including Africa, India, Eastern Mediterranean & South America.
Pupils learn about the social and cultural aspects of this world music and understand how the music has a huge part in life in these countries.
Enrichment Opportunities
As a department we offer a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities for those students who want to develop their musical skills and abilities beyond a classroom curriculum.
When we listen to and perform music it stimulates development in all areas of the brain which leads to improved self-esteem, memory, empathy, listening skills and language acquisition.
We also believe that performance boosts self-confidence, mood, and overall well-being. When you sing in a choir or perform, this also makes you feel more connected to others and gives you a sense of belonging.
Please see below the music clubs we offer here at St. Bede’s.
