The Learning of music can transform a person’s life. The subject can also promote discipline, creativity, technical skills and a better understanding of the world in which we live.

The music department at St Peter’s is well established, with the number of students studying music at KS4 over 3 times the national average.  The lessons are taught by subject specialists who have a passion for the subject.  The department is also well supported by a broad range of visiting instrumental teachers who play a critical role in supporting students at GCSE level.  Their expertise is provided across the full range of musical instruments and as a result learning a musical instrument as St Peter’s is a popular choice for many students.

Music is an important part of the curriculum mix at key stage 3, providing students with the opportunity to get hands on practical experience of the national curriculum.  We believe in lessons that have a good pace and open students’ eyes to a broad range of musical styles, with technical and creative development at their heart. 

CURRICULUM AIMS

By the end of Key Stage 3 it is expected that students will have done the following:

• Use a musical instrument to develop/extend a musical idea in a variety of ways
• Use music technology (garage band) to develop/extend a musical idea in a variety of ways
• Use notation to learn a piece of music
• Identify how the musical elements (tempo, pitch, dynamics, texture, instrumentation, rhythm are present in a piece of music   
• Practice and perform a piece of music on an instrument with accuracy and expression

By the end of Key Stage 4 it is expected that students will have done the following:

• Develop and extend 2x substantial musical compositions in contrasting styles
• Identify and describe how a wide range of musical features are used across a wide range of styles
• Use musical notation to learn a piece of music
• Use musical notation to identify musical features
• Perform and record 2x substantial pieces of music individually and as part of an ensemble

Throughout the year there are various ways for students to perform music outside of the classroom: Carol Service, School Production, Sports Day Music Festival, Assemblies, Lunchtime Performances, Summer Concert, Learning enrichment week, Devon County Show.  

The use of the voice is embedded across the curriculum. Singing is valued as a tool for both musical expression and the theoretical learning of music. 

Assessment

Music is assessed in the following ways:

• Performances (both individual and group) during lesson time
• Demonstration of composition work
• Listening and terminology assessments

The most common (and on-going) method of assessment in St Peter’s music lessons is the listening to and recording of students’ work.  Students will often rehearse/perform together in lessons as a whole class giving teachers the opportunity to hear and build on musical improvements. 

Grouping

All music classes in key stage 3 and 4 are mixed ability.

Homework

Key Stage 3 – Tasks are set to re-enforce the learning of key terminology and notation as well as an understanding of a variety of musical instruments. Instrumental students are reminded of the importance of regular practice and music rooms are readily available for students to practice those skills worked on in lessons.

Key Stage 4 – regular practice is essential and forms the basis of home learning for GCSE music students. Students are required to prepare for performance recordings and instrumental lessons.  Alongside this tasks are set that re-enforce their understanding of key terminology related to the various listening styles covered.

Staffing

Head of Music - Mr Adrian Balletto
Teacher of Music – Mrs Rebecca Middlebrooke