Music

Intent

The curriculum at Seaham High School aims to engage and inspire pupils to develop a love of music, develop students’ talents as musicians, and  increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement. It also fully incorporates our Schools 6 R System (Resilience, Respect, Responsibility, Responsive, Risk Taking, Reflective). The aim is to build on previous experiences from KS2 and to provide a music curriculum which will enable each student to reach their full potential in music, and to encourage children to enjoy a variety of instruments, composing and performing. The curriculum aims to offer opportunities for the students to perform in front of an audience at different points within the school year.

Implementation

Our music curriculum is delivered through a variety of individual and ensemble projects, using different instruments to develop overall music competency, and to offer more opportunities for the students. The main focus of the curriculum is learning through performing, meaning students apply the skills they are learning to an instrument. Students will also develop their knowledge of musical elements which allows the students to utilise oracy skills when analysing music. The school currently offers the opportunity to learn a variety of different instruments through Peripatetic teachers, allowing further opportunity to showcase student instrumental skills. 

Impact

The curriculum offers a clear path which will develop students’ skills and knowledge, and it is ensured that the level is appropriate for the age and the level of the student. The pathway created supports the participation in the music exam, and various pieces of coursework, but also prepares students for a life after school working within the industry. There are elements of cross curricular approaches within the curriculum, which can be seen during our school show performances, and this aims to develop a prolonged sense of knowledge to enhance student achievement. Students learn to work both independently and as part of a group, ensuring skills use of the 6R’s are promoted in this subject. Children are enthused and engaged in the wide variety of music activities, including the extra-curricular opportunities to perform outside of school, and within our own environment.