Why Study Music at The Purbeck School?

Creativity, problem solving, perseverance, self-discipline and teamwork are some of the key life skills the Music Department aims to develop. At The Purbeck School we give all students opportunities to perform, create and engage with music whatever their ability whilst stretching the most able to thrive in the academic rigour of the subject. Through engaging lessons with a strong emphasis on practical music making we aim to develop our students into confident, creative young people with a lifelong love of the arts. The three strands of Performance, Composition and Appraising form the core of the curriculum from Year 7 to Year 13 and each scheme of learning will support students to build their musical skills and understanding sequentially. Topics that we have chosen to study through Key Stage 3 are designed to give students a breadth of skills and an appreciation and understanding of a wide range of musical styles and genres.

Students are encouraged to engage with music beyond their classroom curriculum lessons by taking instrumental or vocal lessons and being encouraged to attend one of our weekly ensembles. There will also be opportunities for public performances throughout the year.

How is Music taught?

• KS3 – Year 7 Students are taught in mixed ability classes for two hours each fortnight; Year 8 & 9 Students are taught in mixed ability classes for three hours each fortnight. KS3 Music is on a rotation with Drama and students take Music for 3 half terms of the year.
• KS4 – Students are taught in mixed ability classes for five hours each fortnight. We teach the Eduqas GCSE syllabus.

Rationale and ambition for The Purbeck School Music curriculum:

• To provide the framework and foundations to develop young people into outstanding musicians.
• To help all students develop their cultural capital through an understanding and love of a wide range of music.
• To develop confident, creative, problem solving citizens who are well prepared to face the diverse challenges of life beyond school.
• To foster a growth mindset where students believe that personal growth and the ability to learn and thrive in any area is achievable for them.

Key concepts:

The concepts that The Purbeck School Music curriculum aims to support student progression in are:

• To be able to play and perform confidently in a range of contexts using their voice, playing instruments musically, fluently and with accuracy and expression.
• To be able to improvise and compose; and extend and develop musical ideas by drawing on a range of musical structures, styles, genres and traditions.
• To be able to use staff and other relevant notations where appropriate.
• To be able to identify, understand and use the elements of music when performing, composing or appraising music.
• To develop a deepening understanding of the music that they perform and listen to from a wide range of composers and musicians.