Music is experienced by most of us in our daily lives, whether live or recorded, acoustic or electronic, broadcast, streamed or downloaded, on film, television or radio. Given its importance, everyone therefore should be given the opportunity to understand and appreciate music.

The teaching and learning of music at Lea Manor High School is designed to develop in pupils the three key skills required to experience music with understanding: the skills of performing, composing and appraising (through listening and analysis).

Accordingly, these three key skills form the core of the KS3 and KS4 curricular and co-curricular music provision, also reflecting the WJEC (EDUQAS) GCSE course (of which, 30% assesses performing, 30% composing and 40% appraising).

Every pupil studies music in Years 7-9, preparing them to select GCSE Music as an option in Years 10-11.

Accordingly, every pupil performs music, performing and singing during curricular lessons. KS4 music pupils regularly perform and record GCSE performing coursework from which their final submissions are selected.

In addition, all pupils are strongly encouraged to perform music outside the classroom through the school’s significant co-curricular provision.

Every pupil composes music, initially studying and closely imitating model compositions from a wide range of genres, progressing to compose with increasing knowledge, experience and (accordingly) freedom over time. Every pupil appraises music through listening and analysis, developing language to identify and explain musical features and their significance, informing their own music making as composers and performers.

SEND pupils are supported by the wide range of learning activities which form the curricular and co-curricular music programme, making music accessible to all. Learning activities involving visual, listening, kinaesthetic, speaking, singing, writing and notating are balanced in the curriculum to suit SEND pupils’ wide range of learning styles and needs. 

SEND pupils are supported through bespoke, step-by-step, instantly accessible online resources, leading pupils through the key learning activities in Y7, Y8, Y9 and GCSE. SEND pupils are supported through scaffolded resources, commonly: templates for writing (including example sentences, missing words and word banks), bespoke online listening activities giving instant, automated feedback and performing resources with in-built learning gradients.

All music lessons at Lea Manor High School are taught by specialist music staff, qualified in the subject to conservatoire level or beyond.

The Lea Manor High School music department google classroom, which is used to present, organise and access the department’s key teaching and learning resources, helps to create a clear path for staff and pupils through each topic alongside links to extension and related activities.

Within the music curriculum, every pupil performs music during curricular lessons. KS4 music pupils regularly perform and record GCSE performing coursework from which their final submissions are selected.

In addition, all pupils are strongly encouraged to perform music outside the classroom.

Every pupil composes music, initially studying and closely imitating model compositions from a wide range of genres, progressing to compose with increasing knowledge, experience and (accordingly) freedom over time.

Every pupil appraises music through listening and analysis, developing language to identify and explain musical features and their significance, informing their own music making as composers and performers.

Across each unit of study pupils engage in individual, paired and group learning activities involving researching, reading, extended writing and developing practical skills. Every unit in the curriculum includes key vocabulary.

Individual lessons draw on prior knowledge and embed that knowledge through a combination of interleaving of content to support learners in retaining taught knowledge.

Learners are involved in independent projects where they research, discuss and evaluate assignment briefs.

 Modelling of concepts and ideas support all learners to understand the learning process; deliberate vocabulary development to build language proficiency and providing feedback to learners plays a central role in securing learners' learning and improving their performance.

Beyond the classroom learners take the opportunity to take part in following activities:

• Extracurricular clubs to support learners develop and use their skills and knowledge in different contexts. It supports the development of personal qualities and positive experiences. 
• Homework supports learners with retaining taught knowledge and promotes self development.
• Representing Lea Manor High School at local primary and secondary schools allows our learners to showcase their talent and further develop functional, personal and knowledge based skills. 

7

(Pupils rotate so will spend 1 term in Music)

8

(Pupils rotate so will spend 1 term in Music)

9

(Pupils rotate so will spend 9 weeks in Music)

Advanced Film Music

Advanced Film Music

Performance Practice

Composition Introduction

Elements of Music

Metre and Tempo

Performance Recording - Part 1

Free Composition completion

Elements of Music

Rhythm and Form and Structure

Performance recording Part 2

Free Composition part 2

Elements of Music

Sonority and Texture

Performance recording Part 2 

Free Composition part 2 completion

Elements of Music

Melody and Scales

Performance recording Part 3

Free Composition part 3 

Elements of Music

Harmony and Tonality

Performance recording Part 3

Free Composition part 3 completion

Elements of Music

Musical Styles and Revision