ST BEDE'S

‘Music speaks to all’

In music, we aim to unlock the potential of every pupil, by delivering an ambitious, spiral curriculum that speaks to all, regardless of ability or need.

We believe that a successful music department should inspire, challenge and motivate pupils to want to be the very best creators, equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to become successful individuals, whilst inspiring some to take their musical studies further. 

The pupils are challenged in lessons to be able to demonstrate understanding and creativity through listening, performance and composition, through collaboration with their peers and through evaluation of their own work.

We build the cultural capital of our pupils by developing life skills and teaching themes in context, exposing them to influences and traditions from different cultures and times.   In music, we help to develop the pupil’s cultural capital through personal, social, spiritual, moral and cultural development by encouraging the pupils to express, reflect and appreciate a wide range of musical genres.

The music curriculum at St. Bede’s goes far beyond what is taught in lessons, for whilst we want pupils to achieve the very best exam results possible, we believe the curriculum goes beyond what is examinable. As a department, we offer a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities for all pupils who want to develop their musical skills and abilities beyond the classroom, work with others and become involved in community collaboration.

By the end of KS3, pupils should be able to discuss the elements of music and how they are used to create music.

End of KS4, pupils should be confident performers and composers that can make critical judgements on wide genres of music using detailed analysis of the elements of music and knowledge to inform their answers.

All pupils in years 7, 8 and 9 receive two 60-minute music lessons per fortnight.
The scheme of work challenges our students to not only understand different styles and genres of music but requires them to explore, discuss and demonstrate this understanding in creative ways. They are challenged in all lessons to be able to demonstrate understanding and creativity through knowledge, listening, performance, composition, through collaboration with their peers and through evaluation of their own work.
The music curriculum at St. Bede’s goes far beyond what is taught in lessons, for whilst we want students to achieve the very best examination results possible, we believe our curriculum goes beyond what is examinable. As a department we offer a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities for those students who want to develop their musical skills and abilities beyond a classroom curriculum.

The specification requires candidates to develop their ability in performing, realising and composing, and to develop their listening and appraising skills. The syllabus is based on four areas of study. Across these areas of study, students will study music from the past and present, from the western tradition and other world cultures. The areas of study also provide opportunities for candidates to further their understanding of musical styles of their own choosing.

The areas of study are:

Area of Study 1 My Music- Spotlight on your instrument
Area of Study 2 The Concerto through time
Area of Study 3 Rhythms of the World
Area of Study 4 Film Music
Area of Study 5 Conventions of Pop

These areas of study are assessed in 3 units:
Unit 1: Integrated Task 30%
· One solo performance
· One composition for your instrument
· Non-examined assessment completed during the course

Unit 2: Practical Component 30%
· Ensemble Performance
· Board set composition task
· Non-examined assessment completed during the course

Unit 3: Listening & Appraising 40%
· A written paper, with audio. Aural recognition and context unheard/unfamiliar music from within the Areas of Study 2, 3, 4 & 5

As a department we offer a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities for those students who want to develop their musical skills and abilities beyond a classroom curriculum.

When we listen to and perform music it stimulates development in all areas of the brain which leads to improved self-esteem, memory, empathy, listening skills and language acquisition.

We also believe that performance boosts self-confidence, mood, and overall well-being. When you sing in a choir or perform, this also makes you feel more connected to others and gives you a sense of belonging.

Please see below the music clubs we offer here at St. Bede’s.

Coming Soon