Music

Music is taught in a purpose built classroom. There is a wide selection of electric bass guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, keyboards, pianos, a range of percussion and two drum kits.

Instrumental lessons are also available from our team of visiting peripatetic teachers. Instruments covered include:
·      Drum kit and percussion
·      Guitar and electric bass
·      Saxophone, flute, clarinet
·      Violin, cello
·      Piano and voice
·      Brass (including trumpet and cornet)

What do students study?
Music is taught as part of the Core Curriculum at Key Stage 3. Every student in Years 7, 8 and 9 has a one hour lesson per week. High standards of work are expected and students develop self-awareness and self-confidence in an environment where success is recognised and valued.

At KS3 lessons are heavily practical and involve a variety of stimulus material. All topics include Performing, Composing, Listening and commenting on Music. Lessons are delivered using the various resources available. All students develop performance skills using voice, Guitar, Keyboard and Percussion.

In Year 7, Students study a Bridging Unit, Keyboard Skills, Boomwhacker Project, BBC Ten Pieces Project, Mediterranean Music and Summertime Guitar project.
 
Building on the skills and knowledge established in Year 7, students continue to use a range of instruments in Year 8 , including voice, to study Communicating Music, Tchaikovsky and the Romantic Concerto, Blues Music, 50s and 60s Rock ‘n; Roll, Minimalism and Solo Artists.
 
In Year 9, students begin to cover more areas from the GCSE Syllabus. Music projects in Year 9 include; My Music (an opportunity for students to focus on a performer or composer of their choice), Film and Game Music, Pop Ballads, Rock Anthems of the 70s and 80s, Indian Classical Music and Bhangra and Musicals.

How are students assessed?
Students are assessed using the Sidmouth College Route system. Each project is assessed either by the Teacher, peer or self-assessed (or a combination of all three). Assessments are recorded in a booklet designed by the Music department to keep a record of listening work, composition work, as well as the end of project assessment.

Contact Mr Richard Morgan (Head of Music) for further information: