- Home
- Secondary
- Subject Information
Music
BackIntroduction
The Music department consists of two full time teachers as well as visiting instrumental teachers who teach students in the school to support the department.
The subject is taught as a separate subject through KS3 and KS4.
The department runs a very varied and exciting extra-curricular programme. All members of staff and instrumental teaching staff work very hard to maintain the programmes. There are lots of weekly-run activities including choir, ukulele club, numerous bands, as well as Theory club and Studio recording sessions.
Many of the ensembles, along with solo items, perform on lots of different occasions such as the Winter Concert, different events (e.g. Year 6 open evening, School Assemblies), school’s annual production etc…
This is a very busy Music department where demands on both teachers’ and students’ time is high and rewarding for the whole school!
At Loxford, we aim to stimulate an appreciation and enjoyment of music through an active and practical involvement in the main musical activities of listening, performing, appraising and composing. We aim to encourage active involvement in different forms of music making, both individual and communal, helping to develop a sense of group identity and togetherness.
Music is a unique form of communication and as such enables students to develop skills that can be transferred to other subjects. Collaborating and working with others as musicians as well as adapting to different musical roles and respecting the values of others is a vital part of the musical learning experience. Each year group will study, analyse and compose from a range of different musical traditions and cultures which will be linked to further studies in Key Stages 4.
The music department has a large equipped room with keyboards, two practice rooms and a fully equipped recording studio. We also have Mac books / MIDI keyboards to allow students to access music technology.
Our expectations:
Pupils need to understand the key concepts that underpin the study of music in order to deepen and broaden their knowledge, skills and understanding. These will be developed through performing, composing and listening. Students will focus on developing their instrumental skills on keyboard, guitar, ukuleles, African drums and Macs as well as their essential musical skills through the elements of music.
KS3
The following schemes are taught across KS3
| Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Musical toolkit and African Drumming | The Blues | Film Music |
| Introduction to Keyboard | Ensemble Project | Reggae |
| Ukulele | Hooks and Riffs: Billie Jean | Classical Music |
| Exploring Textures | Pop composition using Mac Books and GarageBand | Musicals |
| Music through the Decades | Ukulele- Part Two | Composition |
| Music Technology- Mash Up | Pop Songs- 4 Chords | Band Skills |
KS4
Overview
The KS4 course at Loxford School follows the GCSE course by the Eduqas Examination Board. Further information is available from https://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/music/gcse/
GCSE Music is a very varied and exciting option to take. You will study a wide range of activities including performing, composing and learning about different styles of music.
You need to be able to sing or play an instrument to a reasonable standard. If you do not already play an instrument you must be keen to learn one, the music department provides instrument/ vocal lessons on a range of instruments, which you must attend as a GCSE student. You need to work hard and work well with others.
Subject content
- Performance
- Composition
- Listening and Appraising
- 2 Set works
- Elements of Music
- Area of Study 1: Musical Forms and Devices
- Area of Study 2: Music for Ensemble
- Area of Study 3: Film Music
- Area of Study 4: Popular Music
Future Prospects
The music industry is vast and there is a wide variety of career choices for students taking music further in the fields of:
- Music Performance
- Music Education
- TV/Radio/Film
- Music Production and Recording
- Music Events
- Music Merchandising
Regardless of whether you wish to pursue a career in music, taking GCSE music allows you to develop a lifelong skill that is recognised and enjoyed by all!
GCSE Music will demonstrate to employers that you have a wide range of interests and skills, as well as demonstrating that you have shown dedication and commitment to learning a musical instrument and to studying music. GCSE Music can also help with confidence and performance skills needed in situations such as job interviews.
GCSE Results 2022
Congratulations to the Year 11 students on achieving 100% grades 9-4.
GCSE Results 2021
Congratulations to the Year 11 students on achieving 100% grades 9-4.
GCSE Results 2020
Congratulations to the Year 11 students on achieving 100% grades 9-4.
Future Careers for Music:
By studying music students find out more about different forms of music from pop, jazz, contemporary to music for theatre or media.
It helps them learn how to appraise the different types of music as well learn how music has changed over time.
Students develop lots of skills studying this subject from production to performance and composition.
Students also gain lots of transferable skills in administration, team work, organisation and planning.
Music can lead into careers in performance, education, creative media and computer games.
Extra Curricular
There are lots of weekly-run activities including the school musical, choir, ukulele club, keyboard club, string quartet, numerous bands, and studio recording sessions. Many of the ensembles, along with solo items, perform on lots of different occasions such as the Winter Concert, Year 6 open evening, School Assemblies, school’s annual production etc…
Our past performances have included Beauty and the Beast, Annie, Alice in Wonderland, Aladdin, and High School Musical
Students have the opportunity to receive instrumental and vocal lessons and many more participate in the clubs and activities that take place throughout the year.
The Music Department currently offers instrumental lessons on the following instruments:
- Violin
- Guitar (acoustic / electric / bass)
- Voice
