Music

Head of Music: Mr Neil Souter

nsouter@redruth.cornwall.sch.uk

Welcome to the Music Department!

Music Curriculum Intent

In music we aim to provide an environment and curriculum that is welcoming, engaging, challenging, creative, imaginative and inclusive. All students are regarded as musicians regardless of their prior experience. We aim to share our passion, enthusiasm and skill to enable all students to become well-rounded musicians. This includes singing, performing, composing and appraising. All of which are built up throughout our sequenced curriculum, to ensure they are developed at every stage of our student’s journey. Our curriculum aims to allow students to experience genres of music from their local heritage all the way to global scales. Beginning in Year 7 with Sea Shanty’s, stretching all the way to the end of Key Stage 3 with World Music, we aim to nurture our student’s appreciation music and cultures across the world. Music plays a huge role in our school and local community. Students have a breadth of opportunities beyond the curriculum which include; individual and small group instrumental lessons, samba bands, various rock bands, plus a range of choirs which they can join.

At Redruth, we are lucky to have a good range of facilities and resources that are constantly being reviewed and updated. We currently  have 2 main teaching rooms, 3 practice rooms, a recording facility and Apple MAC suite.  The classrooms are equipped with electronic keyboards, guitars, and both tuned and untuned percussion.  Each practice room is equipped with a drum kit and electric piano.  We have iMacs and PCs which use a range of resources including BandLab and Sibelius at all Key Stages for composition purposes. Students are encouraged to form their own musical groups, and can book to use these facilities during lunchtimes and after-school. 

Music Development PlanMusic Extra curricular offer

Music curriculum intent

What does the Key Stage 3 curriculum look like?

Key stage 3 Music at Redruth School comprises of building on previous knowledge and skills through the use of performing, composing and listening. Our students are able to develop their vocal and instrumental fluency, accuracy and expressiveness through sequenced learning topics. Students also learn to further understand musical structures, styles genres and traditions as well as developing their listening awareness skills to further inform their practice.

In Year 7, Students will learn foundational skills in keyboard, percussion and vocals through learning to play different pieces of music linked to specific styles and genres. These topics chosen in year 7 are designed to build on student’s prior skills and knowledge and to further their understanding within the local community. The different topics we look at are Sea Shanties, Orchestral, Club Dance and Keyboard Skills.

In Year 8, students continue to develop their practical keyboard skills, extend their compositional and music technology skills as well as participate in more ensembles within lessons. Students are introduced to the structure of the 12 Bar Blues and learn how to perform this as an ensemble. Students also learn to perform and compose Samba rhythms in and outside of the classroom.

In Year 9, all students further develop their performance composition and listening skills in order to prepare them for GCSE or BTEC Music. Students learn about film music where they are able to play, perform compose and identify different types of film music. Students also learn about the concept of the band and how it is influential in modern society. Students complete the year by studying world music, including Indian and Chinese Music.

What does the Key Stage 4 curriculum look like?

Redruth School offers two pathways for students opting to take music at Key stage 4.

GCSE Music aims to:

Engage Students actively in the process of music study, Students look to develop performing skills individually and in groups to communicate musically with fluency and control of the resources used.

Students develop composing skills which link between the integrated activities of performing, composing and appraising and how this informs the development of music. Students look to broaden musical experience and interests, develop imagination and foster creativity which in turn develops their knowledge, understanding and skills needed to communicate effectively as musicians.

Students are aware of a variety of instruments, styles and approaches to performing and composing and look to develop their use of music technologies in the creation and presentation of music. Students engage with and appreciate the diverse heritage of music, in order to promote personal, social, intellectual and cultural development.

Students are therefore assessed in Performing (30%), Composing (30%) and Appraising (40%) different styles/genres of Music.

BTEC Music Practice:

Students opting for the BTEC Music Practice Award develop a range of skills through music performance, composition, appraisal and music technology. All BTEC students explore different music products and styles which in turn are assessed. This allows students to practically explore a wide range of 20th Century genres and present their explorations through performance, composition and music technology. At the end of Year 11 students respond to a commercial music set brief. This component allows students to present their music in their own style as a portfolio at the end of Year 11.

 

How can you support music learning at home?

In order to further support your child at home with music, please refer to the knowledge organisers as additional resources to help further their understanding and passion for the subject. Encourage practicing of music inside and outside of school whether that is individually on a chosen instrument, in a band or in an ensemble which takes place within school. Practise rooms are available for individuals and bands during break times, lunch times and afterschool to practice and rehearse. Every year, students have opportunities to showcase their talents through public performances inside and outside of school.

Instrumental Tuition

Students can opt to learn a musical instrument in the following disciplines:

• Percussion and keyboard - Mr John Mitchell
• Voice - Mrs Charlie Bishop
• Guitar - Mr Rick Martin
• Strings and piano - Mrs Ria Clemens
• Piano- Mr Jim Aitchinson
• Woodwind - Mr Diston Dryburgh
• Brass - Mrs Kirsten Burden

Subsidies:

There are subsidies available for students who are receiving free school meals, who are currently in care, have parents in the Armed Services or if a parent, guardian or the child themselves is in receipt of disability living allowance. More information is available at:
https://asoneperform.com/page/funding

Minority Instrument Lessons

The Cornwall Music Hub have changed how they support ‘Minority Instruments’ (Bassoon, Cello, Double Bass, French Horn, Euphonium, Tuba, Oboe, Tuned Orchestral Percussion and Viola) and a bursary scheme is now available to apply for. There are 50 bursaries available to subsidise the cost of learning one of these instruments. Please note that applications for this must be received by the deadline each Autumn term. Information can be found by following this link: https://asoneperform.com/page/funding

Music Key Stage 4 Revision Resources