Curriculum
Musical Discovery
Music at Thorns is a vibrant and exciting subject which builds the core components of performing, composing, listening and appraising through a range of topics. Our stimulating curriculum ensures that all students are involved in practical music-making and through this they develop their knowledge of a variety of musical styles. Students have the opportunity to learn a variety of instruments in class time including the ukulele and the keyboard as well as access to numerous other instruments with peripatetic teachers one-to-one. Extra-curricular music is strong at Thorns and includes Choir, Band and Music Practice Club.
Students have one hour a week of arts lesson in year 7 and 8, doubling to two a week in year 9. During their time in Music they develop their performing, composing and appraising skills through;
Year 7 – The Elements of Music – Learning about the key terms in music through chair drumming, the ukulele and keyboard.
Year 8 – Genres – Developing understanding of a variety of genres of music and performing them on the ukulele.
Year 9 – The Blues – Students advance their keyboard skills through learning the ingredients of The Blues.
Year 9 – Game Music – Students use the online DAW Soundtrap to compose their own hero theme for a computer game.
Year 11 are completing the BTEC Level 1/2 Tech Award in Music Practice.
Year 10 are completing Eduqas GCSE Music
Areas of study are;
- Forms and Devices including a set work of ‘Badinerie’ by J.S.Bach
- Music for Ensemble
- Film Music
- Popular Music including a set work of ‘Africa’ by Toto
Coursework:
Two compositions: one free choice, one meeting a brief set by Eduqas
Performance from 4-6 minutes including one minute of ensemble performing.
More information can be found here: GCSE Music | Eduqas
