Music
Back to Subjects MenuWhat is the Intent of the Music Curriculum?
“Across all key stages, students develop as confident performers, creative composers and critical listeners, with increasing independence and musical ability.”
“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” – Plato
“Music is the strongest form of magic.” – Marilyn Manson
Our vision is for music to have a transformative impact on the lives of our students, developing character, confidence and creativity through meaningful musical experiences. The curriculum aims to foster a lifelong appreciation of music, enabling students to express themselves, reflect critically and collaborate effectively, whilst also developing independence as musicians. Through a broad and inclusive curriculum, students engage in performing, composing, listening and appraising a diverse range of music styles, traditions and cultures. This develops their cultural understanding and their ability to communicate ideas through music.
Music is taught at all Key Stages at the Marsh Academy. The curriculum seeks to ignite the creativity and passion for music; all students have regardless of their ability. It allows students to explore a world without words and express themselves in a different way. In Year 7 students will improve their singing ability through learning a selection of Christmas Carols, culminating in a carol service at St Nicholas Church. Across Key Stage 3, students will explore a range of different genres and styles in addition to the history and cultural significance behind them: British Folk Music, Samba, Gamelan, Reggae, West African Drumming, Blues, Disco, Hip Hop, Britpop and Synth Pop. Students will develop their abilities on a range of instruments from percussion to piano and guitars to glockenspiels. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the music industry and develop an understanding of how music can create different atmospheres and emotions in film and television. By learning music in this way, students will gain an understanding of the reason behind music and the benefits it has brought to humanity throughout history.
Music is taught looking at the key elements of the Model Music Curriculum. Throughout the course of Key Stage 3 students will develop their performance skills and gain confidence in solo and ensemble settings. Students will learn the technique of improvisation and how this can then be used to compose extended pieces of music. Students will explore The Blues, Samba and West African Drumming as a base for improvisational experimentation. Students will gain an understanding of the musical elements upon starting at The Marsh Academy, learning about notation and how it is used to inform musicians of what and how to play a piece of music. Students will also develop this knowledge whilst learning the piano to play melodies scored on the musical stave. Students will continue to develop their notation knowledge into Year 9 when they are introduced to tablature and chord diagrams for guitars and ukuleles, rhythm grids and graphic scores for percussion, lead sheets for singing and standard music notation for keyboards. Students study a range of genres, analysing stylistic features and discovering iconic artists, bands and songwriters that have influenced popular music. In Years 8 and 9 students study Music Technology, developing IT skills through creating tracks on a Digital Audio Workstation (Studio One). Students have the opportunity to continue with their music studies into Key Stage 4 and 5 through the BTEC Level 2 and Level 3 courses, to refine their instrumental technique, improve their music theory knowledge and explore the music industry in more depth with a focus on careers.
Students will have the opportunity to develop their vocal and instrumental ability in each unit that they undertake. Singing has been proven to improve mental and physical health by releasing endorphins that relieve stress and muscle tension. Students will develop their ensemble skills throughout their time at The Marsh Academy and develop the skills needed for collaborating with others in the working world beyond school. The Marsh Academy offers instrumental lessons on Drums, Guitar, Bass and Piano, through Make Time For Music and provides students with lessons at KS4 if undertaking the BTEC qualification. This ensures that all students who choose to pursue music at KS4 are supported to develop their skills and passion into KS5, regardless of their background. We also offer extra-curricular clubs including School Band, School Choir and Production Club.
