OCR (KS4)

KS3 & KS4 Music

Overview

Curriculum explainer

Our curriculum centres around developing pupils as musicians and is designed to be flexible and diverse, both in content and the way it is taught. Aligning with the national curriculum strands, and focusing on performing, composing and engaged listening, pupils develop a deeper understanding of music as a platform for a lifelong connection with music. Sequencing is fundamental in the design, demonstrating a route of progression which builds musicianship through developing musical knowledge, skills and specialist language. Performance threads consider accessibility, embracing singing for enjoyment and aural development and keyboard performance to encourage instrument proficiency. Composition threads promote development of creativity through a balance of artistic freedom and structured stylistic and theoretical guidance. Listening to engage with and understand music is integral as is developing an understanding of the musical elements and expression.

Subject principles

  • Develops pupils as musicians through performing, engaged listening, composing and improvising
  • Develops understanding of the elements of music and how these elements combine expressively through their application in sound
  • Sequences learning over time which:
    • Builds musical knowledge, techniques and specialist language
    • Promotes the understanding of a diverse range of genres, traditions and styles
    • Develops pupils analytical skills in responding to different types of music
  • Promotes co-curricular learning for all pupils through signposting to opportunities beyond the classroom
Logo for Knowledge Schools Trust

Our curriculum partner

Knowledge Schools Trust have collaborated with us on our secondary music curriculum offer. West London Free School, the founding school in the trust, are a specialist music school dedicated to developing musical aptitude and offering extensive extra-curricular opportunities for all students. They offer a wealth of experience in music curriculum planning and design.