Music

Music is a compulsory subject in Years 7-8 with students having one lesson of music per week.

Year 7 – Curriculum Map

Rhythm & Pulse – Students will explore the basics, of different rhythms and pulses that help us create pieces of music. Combining both theory with practical, students will be able to create varying pieces of music using a variety of instruments. 

Hooks & Riffs – Students will focus on understanding, identifying, and creating musical hooks and riffs, essential elements in various genres of music, especially in pop, rock, jazz, and hip-hop. Students will explore the purpose and impact of hooks and riffs in music composition, listen to iconic examples, and engage in performance, analysis, and creative composition exercises.

Form & Structure – This unit explores the various forms and structures in music, such as binary, ternary, rondo, and sonata form. Students will learn how musical compositions are organized and how structure influences the flow and development of a piece. Through listening activities, analysis, and composition tasks, students will develop a deeper understanding of how form shapes music.

Rap Music – Students are introduced to the history, culture, and musical elements of rap music. Students will explore the evolution of rap, its lyrical techniques, rhythms, and social impact. Through listening, lyrical analysis, and creative exercises, students will engage with rap as both a musical and cultural form of expression.

Year 8 – Curriculum Map

World Music – This unit introduces students to a wide range of musical traditions from different cultures around the world. Students will explore the unique instruments, rhythms, scales, and cultural contexts that define various music traditions, including African, Indian, Latin American, East Asian, and Middle Eastern music. The unit encourages students to appreciate the diversity of global music and understand how music reflects cultural identity and heritage.

Pop Music – This unit focuses on the history, characteristics, and cultural significance of pop music. Students will explore the evolution of pop from its early roots to contemporary trends, analysing elements like melody, harmony, rhythm, and production techniques. The unit includes listening activities, song analysis, and discussions on the impact of pop music on culture and society, as well as creative projects where students write or produce their own pop-inspired pieces.

Theme & Variation – This unit delves into the musical form, where a single theme is altered in various ways while maintaining its recognizable core. Students will explore how composers creatively manipulate melody, harmony, rhythm, texture, and timbre to produce variations. The unit includes listening to classical examples, such as those by Mozart and Beethoven, as well as modern uses of this form in jazz and pop. Students will also engage in activities where they create their own theme and variations.

Jazz & Blues – This unit introduces students to the origins, characteristics, and cultural significance of Jazz and blues music. Students will explore key elements such as the 12-bar blues form, improvisation, syncopation, and call-and-response, while learning about influential artists and historical contexts. Through listening, analysis, and performance activities, students will gain a deeper understanding of the emotional depth, rhythmic complexity, and improvisational nature of both genres.

Video Game Music – This unit explores the role of music in video games, examining how composers use music to enhance gameplay, atmosphere, and narrative. Students will learn about the evolution of video game music from early 8-bit soundtracks to modern orchestral scores. They will analyse how music influences mood, tension, and player immersion, and study techniques like leitmotifs and adaptive music. The unit includes listening activities, video game score analysis, and creative projects where students compose their own video game-inspired music.

Year 9 – Curriculum Map 

Musical Theatre – This unit introduces students to the world of musical theatre, focusing on its unique blend of music, drama, and dance. Students will explore the history and development of musical theatre, analysing iconic shows from classic Broadway productions to contemporary musicals. They will learn how music drives the narrative, develops characters, and evokes emotions. Through listening, performance, and analysis, students will engage with key components like overtures, show tunes, and reprises, culminating in a creative project where they either perform or design their own musical scenes.

Film Music – This unit focuses on the role of music in film, examining how composers use soundtracks to enhance storytelling, set mood, and evoke emotions. Students will explore techniques such as leitmotifs, thematic development, and underscoring. They will analyse iconic film scores across different genres and time periods, studying how music supports cinematic elements like character, plot, and atmosphere. The unit includes listening activities, film score analysis, and creative projects where students compose or design music for film scenes.

Britpop – This unit delves into Britpop, a musical movement that emerged in the UK during the 1990s, characterized by its catchy melodies, guitar-driven sound, and a strong connection to British culture and identity. Students will explore key bands such as Oasis, Blur, and Pulp, and analyse how Britpop reflects social and political themes of the time. Through listening, discussion, and performance activities, students will examine the musical elements that define Britpop, including songwriting techniques and lyrical content. The unit culminates in a creative project where students can write and perform their own Britpop-inspired songs.

Minimalism – This unit introduces students to minimalism, a musical movement characterized by its simplicity, repetition, and gradual transformation. Students will explore key composers such as Steve Reich, Philip Glass, and Terry Riley, and examine the principles and techniques that define minimalist music. Through listening activities, analysis, and performance, students will learn how minimalism contrasts with more complex musical forms and how it can create deep emotional and atmospheric effects. The unit culminates in a creative project where students compose their own minimalist pieces.