Year 7: Students study a bridging unit that focuses on the Elements of Music, reading staff and graphic notation, the basics of music technology, linked listening skills and keyboard skills. Students create their own music and record it using the computers. Students sing and perform in other ensembles.
Year 8: Students follow a theme of words and music. They study songs from the 60s, 70s, and 80s and learn about music from other cultures. They learn the process of song writing using rhythm, chords and melody. During this process they learn about the structure of songs, how to use rhythmic shorthand and how to arrange these songs using sequencing software.
Year 9: The main focus of this year is the study of the importance of Afro American music to the history of popular music. Students learn about Blues, Jazz and Soul music, and listen to and appraise music from different eras. Students compose melodies and improvise over 12 bar blues chord sequences, and learn how to notate and record them using a variety of software.
Key Stage 4 Curriculum
Students follow the OCR Specification for GCSE Music. They perform, compose, listen to and appraise their own and others music. The course is made up of a mixture of course work and exams. The course work (60%) comprises of two recorded performances, (one solo and one ensemble), two compositions, (one for own instrument one in another style linked to specific areas of study), and appraisals linked to all of the above. The Exam comprises of a Terminal Task (15%) (compose a piece of music to a set stimulus in 30 mins.) and the Listening Exam (25%) which is sat in the summer term. Students will study a general history of music and specific areas of study including: Dance music;- Pavan and Galliard, Viennese Waltz and Disco Music. Traditions and innovations;- Fusion, Salsa, Bhangra and Minimalism.
Post 16 opportunities and progression routes for further study
A level Music Music Technology including Studio Technician and sound management. Performing Arts courses Media courses Further graded exams. Instrumental and vocal tuition and Ensemble groups run by Dudley Performing Arts. Rock The Castle, Netherton Arts Centre concerts, and Himley Festival
