Purpose

Key Stage 3 music education plays a crucial role in students’ academic, social, and personal growth. It enhances communication skills, critical thinking, and creativity, fostering adaptability and innovation. Music helps develop emotional intelligence and empathy, while also promoting collaboration and cultural awareness. The discipline required builds resilience, and performing boosts confidence. Overall, KS3 music equips students with essential life skills, shaping them into well-rounded, capable future leaders.

 Content

Year 7 Music introduces students to orchestral instruments and music theory in the Autumn term, covering key/time signatures and note values, applied through performance and composition.  Students analyze programme music like "Carnival of the Animals" and perform a two-part harmony Christmas song.

 Spring focuses on British Isles folk music. Students explore the genre's characteristics, including indigenous instruments and song structures, through listening and performance. They compose folk songs inspired by Jersey Folk Legends, incorporating chord progressions and rhythmic patterns, and learn songs like "Greensleeves" and "The Wellerman" before composing original pieces.

The Summer term features a Ukulele project. Students learn popular songs, developing strumming, fingerpicking, and chord skills while refining their music theory knowledge, particularly harmony and melody.  They compose original ukulele songs, writing lyrics or setting poetry to music, linking to other subjects like English and Drama. The project emphasises the wider benefits of music for community, mental health, and brain development.

Beyond the classroom

Appraising, Composing and Listening. Whole Class Singing. Whole Class Instrumental Performance, Christmas performance