Middle School Music

The Key Stage 3 class music curriculum is designed to give all students a varied and enjoyable experience of music. It introduces them to a wide variety of styles and genres and teaches them to perform, compose, listen to and evaluate music in new and exciting ways. The students use a wide variety of instruments from classroom percussion, keyboards and other instruments relevant to the group. The use of Music Technology adds another angle for the students to approach music, and one that many of them find very relevant to their own musical interests and inspirations.

Each Year group in KS3 should also receive a music workshop each year from a specialist in a chosen field. We have had Samba percussion, Steel Pan, and Rap & DJ workshops running most recently.

Years 7, 8 and 9 work through a half termly scheme of work which incorporates the following:

Year 7
1/1 Rhythm and Pulse
1/2 Rap, Rhythm and Riff
2/1 Graphic Scores/Chinese Music
2/2 Ostinato and Drone – Stand by Me
3/1 Samba/Salsa and music for celebration
3/2 The Classical Orchestra

Year 8
1/1 Primary Chords
1/2 Adverts, Commercials and Jingles
2/1 Modes, scales and improvisation
2/2 Song writing
3/1 Blues
3/2 Indian Classical Music – Rags and Tals – story music

Year 9
1/1 Film Music
1/2 Cover Versions and Variations
2/1 Reggae
2/2 Free Composition/Song writing
3/1 Year 9 Concert
3/2 Year 9 Concert