Music is an integral part of our everyday lives.  It helps us to understand the world around us and enables us to connect with others, removing barriers of language and developing cultural awareness, understanding and acceptance of others.  Music can also be a positive tool in supporting mental wellbeing, relieving stress and providing a platform for freedom of expression, helping everyone feel seen and heard.

Music and the performing arts are key in nurturing our students to become well rounded individuals ready for life in a culturally diverse society.  Through music, students have the opportunity to explore the world around them and beyond through the study of a wide range of genres.  This study is underpinned by theoretical knowledge and practical skills using a range of instruments and music technology.  Beyond its academic content, music develops many transferable skills within students; the discipline needed to practice, the confidence to present and perform in front of others, the tolerance to work with others as part of a group and the ability to think critically.  Music can often spark different emotions within people and our curriculum offers students the opportunity to express themselves in a creative, nurturing and supportive environment.

A recent study by the Sutton Trust highlighted that young people from working class background are 4 times less likely to work in creative industries (November 2024).  We want to change this.  The music department at Alsop High School is ambitious for all students, regardless of background.  It is an inclusive environment where every student is welcomed and valued.  The diverse curriculum aims to provide a breadth of musical knowledge, understanding and experiences enabling all students to feel valued, included, and aspirational for their future. 

Our intent is to foster a love of music within students.  The curriculum is designed to develop their skills as performers using a variety of instruments, their knowledge and understanding a theorist and their analytical skills, using appropriate subject-specific vocabulary to describe music they play, compose and hear.  In addition to this, students will develop a variety of transferable skills; social skills in working with others, resilience when rehearsing and refining performances and compositions, and appreciation of the world around them.

The music curriculum has been carefully sequenced to develop students’ theoretical knowledge and understanding which then underpins both practical activities and musical analysis.  Using the MAD T-SHIRT acronym, students expand their musical vocabulary which they are then able to use to accurately and effectively describe music they hear, play and compose.

At Key Stage 3, students are exposed to a wide range of genres and artists through which they extend their performance skills on a variety of instruments including keyboards and ukuleles.  Students are encouraged to think creatively though a variety of composition activities and create their own pieces through the use of music technology.  This unit-based curriculum equips learners with foundational knowledge which is then developed at Key Stage 4.

During their study of GCSE Music, students analyse music in greater depth through the four specified Areas of Study and the accompanying Set Study Pieces.  They also develop their solo and ensemble performance skills through a range of in-lesson activities and one-to-one instrumental tuition.  Using the knowledge and understanding gained utilising music technology at Key Stage 3, students develop their creative and compositional skills further by composing to set briefs and also producing their own, free choice composition.

The growing independence, confidence and competency of musicians at the end of their GCSE course means they are ready to embark on further study of music through BTEC Level 3 or A Level.

Lessons focus on the development of students’ practical skills and general musicianship, underpinned by a strong theoretical knowledge and understanding.  Beginning with a short retrieval activity, lessons are largely practical in nature, providing students with guided practice or composition time, facilitating the development of their skills as musicians.

Students are assessed regularly in lessons through the use of formative assessment which enables teachers to identify gaps in knowledge or misconceptions in understanding which can then be addressed.  Throughout their music lessons each half term, students work towards a practical assessment task which is either performance or composition based.  During lessons, students receive formative feedback which enables them to continue to progress and improve their work prior to their summative assessment.  Once assessed, students receive feedback designed to inform their next steps and enable them to continue to progress as they begin a new unit.  Throughout the year, students also complete written assessments which focus on their theoretical knowledge and the application of this when listening to a variety of musical excerpts. By assessing in this way, students continue to develop their practical skills which are underpinned by a sound theoretical understanding.

Mindful of the wide range of backgrounds students come to us from, we seek to provide a range of opportunities so that all students, regardless of background, are able to broaden their horizons through experiences which provide cultural capital.  Within lessons, our knowledge rich curriculum and extra-curricular offer provides a wealth of cultural experiences for our students.  Beyond lessons, a breadth of extra-curricular activities are available to students, regardless of their background or prior musical experiences.  Enrichment opportunities to see live performances aim to add cultural capital and provide students with access to a wide range of experiences which will stay with them beyond their years at Alsop.

Music can lead on to further study and Level 3 (A Level or BTEC) and degree level study of Music, Sound Engineering, Project Management, Performing Arts or Musical Theatre to name a few.  Music equips students with a variety of transferable skills valuable to many areas of employment.  Careers more specific to Music may include:

  • Professional Musician
  • Composer
  • Conductor
  • Sound engineer
  • Teacher
  • Arts Administration
  • Project Management
  • Stage Management
  • Marketing
  • Artistic Planning