Music Department - Overarching Curriculum Intent (June 2024) 

RFSS Curriculum Vision Statement: 

To cultivate a vibrant community of musicians who ignite their creative fire and confidently share their musical voices through exceptional performance. 

Music Curriculum in Context: 

Music Curriculum Intent: Performance and Creativity 

Our music curriculum fosters a lifelong love of music through performance and creativity. We aim to empower students to become confident and expressive musicians, capable of sharing their musical voice with the world. 

Curriculum Aims: 

• Performance: We believe that all students can develop their performance skills, regardless of prior experience. Regular solo and ensemble performance opportunities will build confidence, stage presence, and musical communication skills. 

• Creativity: We encourage students to explore their musical ideas, experiment with composition and improvisation, and express themselves through music. 

• Musical Literacy: Students will develop a strong foundation in music theory, including aural skills, notation, and music history. This knowledge will underpin their performance and creative endeavors. 

• Collaboration: Music is a social art form. Students will learn to collaborate effectively in ensembles, developing teamwork, communication, and active listening skills. 

Key Skills and Knowledge 

• Performance Skills: Technique on chosen instrument(s), vocal technique (if applicable), stage presence, rehearsal strategies, performance etiquette. 

• Creative Skills: Composition, improvisation, exploration of different musical styles and genres. 

• Music Literacy: Music theory basics, notation (reading and writing), aural skills (sight-singing, ear training), music history. 

• Ensemble Skills: Part-playing, following a conductor, maintaining balance and blend, group dynamics. 

Assessment 

Assessment will be a continuous process that focuses on both individual progress and ensemble development. It will include: 

• Performance assessments: Solo and ensemble performances throughout the year, with self and peer evaluation. 

• Composition/Improvisation projects: Creation and presentation of original musical work. 

• Music theory and aural skills assessments: Written and practical tasks to measure understanding. 

Learning Environment 

The Music department has transformed the classrooms into four bespoke learning zones that are: 

• Inclusive and supportive: We create a safe space where students feel comfortable taking risks, experimenting, and expressing themselves musically. 

• Hands-on and engaging: Lessons will be interactive and student-centered, with a focus on active music-making and participation. 

• Technology integration: Technology will be used to enhance learning, such as composing software, notation programs, and interactive music learning platforms. 

• Performance opportunities: Students will have regular opportunities to perform in a variety of settings, both inside and outside the school community. 

Learning Zone 1 – Music practice rooms 

Learning Zone 2 – Music technology room  

Learning Zone 3 – Keyboard room 

Learning Zone 4 – Performance room 

6. Progression 

Our music curriculum fosters a love of learning through a progressive journey that ignites creativity and celebrates performance. We believe all students possess a musical voice, and our program empowers them to discover and express it with confidence. Progression is structured and signposted from year 7 through to the end of KS4 clearly building on prior knowledge and skills. 

7. Links to Wider Curriculum 

Music has strong links to other curriculum areas, such as: 

• Mathematics: Through music theory concepts like rhythm and counting. 

• English: Through exploring lyrics, storytelling through music, and music history. 

• History and Culture: Through studying music from different cultures and eras. 

We will build these connections to create a holistic learning experience for students. 

8. Beyond the Classroom 

We encourage students to pursue their passion for music outside the classroom by: 

• Joining the established school ensembles: Bands, choirs, orchestras, or other performance groups. 

• Taking private lessons: To further develop their skills on a chosen instrument. 

• Attending concerts and music events: To experience music live and broaden their musical horizons. 

This curriculum intent document provides a framework for a music program that prioritizes performance and creativity. It aims to ignite a passion for music in all students, empowering them to become confident and expressive musicians for life. 

Curriculum Outcome: 

A well-designed music curriculum should strive for a balance between performance and creativity. Here's how these outcomes can be intertwined: 

Performance Outcomes: 

• Technical Skills: Students demonstrate proficiency in playing instruments, singing, or using music technology. This includes accuracy, control, and proper technique. 

• Ensemble Performance: Students collaborate effectively with others to create a unified musical experience. This involves listening, responding, and adapting to each other. 

• Stage Presence: Students present themselves confidently and expressively during performances. This includes posture, facial expressions, and body language that enhance the music. 

• Performance Repertoire: Students have a growing repertoire of pieces learned and performed at various levels of difficulty. 

Creative Outcomes: 

• Improvisation: Students spontaneously create music based on existing musical ideas or structures. 

• Composition: Students develop original musical pieces, demonstrating understanding of musical elements like melody, harmony, and rhythm. 

• Musical Interpretation: Students creatively express their own ideas and feelings while performing existing pieces. This can involve dynamics, tempo, or phrasing choices. 

• Arranging/Remixing: Students adapt existing pieces to create their own unique versions, showcasing understanding of musical structure and experimentation. 

• Technology Integration: Students explore music technology (e.g., synthesizers, music production software) to create and manipulate music with originality. 

Weaving Performance and Creativity Together: 

• Creative Performance Assignments: Students perform familiar pieces with their own creative choices, like improvised sections, unique arrangements, or movement incorporated into the music. 

• Composition Performance: Students showcase their original compositions to an audience, gaining feedback and performance experience. 

• Interactive Performances: Students engage the audience through improvisation, audience participation, or movement during the performance. 

• Improvisation Challenges: Create performances based on prompts, themes, or audience suggestions, fostering creative thinking on the spot.