Music at Stretford High School is centred on the core principal that Music is for everyone.
In key stage 3 every student will have the opportunity to master a specific instrument that we have in school, this includes:
Each student will access the topics across Music through on their chosen instrument with regular opportunities to perform and compose music in a modern curriculum.
Projects are usually longer at Stretford High School as our aim is to produce high quality Music that can be shared at regular concerts and community events.
In Key Stage 3 students will cover the following-
| Year 7 Curriculum Overview | Topic | Unit content |
| Project 1 | Introduction to Pop Music | In the first of 2 connected units students will have the opportunity to try out all of the instruments in the music department and select what their specialist instrument will be. By the end of the unit students will be able to perform a song in their band. They will learn the song Stand by me and perform together as a band |
| Project 2 | Rap | Students will learn the key concepts of rap and its history. They will study Gangsters Paradise and modern rap songs. The project will finish with a group performance of a rap song. |
| Year 8 Curriculum Overview | Topic | Unit content |
| Project 1 | Pop Composition | Students will revisit the key concepts of writing popular musician from year 7 students will take what they know and write a song themselves. They will also study Bon Jovi’s Livin on a prayer. |
| Project 2 | Electronic Music | Students will learn the key concepts and history of electronic music. they will use music technology to create their own track and showcase to the class at the end of the project. |
| Year 9 Curriculum Overview | Topic | Unit content |
| Project 1 | Taking Pop music further | In Year 9 we will begin preparing for the BTEC music in Key Stage 4, each unit links directly with this and the way we will work in year 10 and 11. Students will have the opportunity specialise in writing and performing pop songs. Consolidating mastery skills. |
| Project 2 | Own Choice | In this unit students will develop a product or performance based on the work they have completed in Key Stage 3. They will choose a genre of music from the BTEC specification to study and work in the style of. |
Students in year 7 will all receive a free instrumental lesson from one of our peripatetic teachers with the option to carry on into year 8 & 9.
Intent– why are we doing this?
The Music department takes this approach to ensure all students have the opportunity and access to high quality music making in an authentic way, by making relevant music with friends.
By taking this approach more students are able to enjoy music and to realise the possibilities of taking this forward into Key Stage 4 and beyond.
Implementation– how are we doing this?
During their time in KS3 students will master their chosen instrument in a band with their friends, a key principal in music making. By working with friends in an informal and independent way students are able to assess themselves and provide themselves and others with personalised targets.
Students will learn key skills from the start of year 7 and build on this throughout each topic, through a developing vocabulary of chords, styles and improvisation.
Impact– what will you get from this?
Students will develop……
….the skills to:
….knowledge of:
….understanding of:
