Intent
Music is a discipline, and a mistress of order and good manners, she makes the people milder and gentler, more moral and more reasonable’
Martin Luther
Curriculum Rationale: Music
Powerful knowledge in Music – Why do we teach these concepts?
Rooted in the exploration of a variety of styles of music found around the world, the study of music at King’s Lynn Academy will provide students with the opportunity to develop skills in music expression and creativity, confidence through practice and performance, as well as analysis of the power of music. Through linking these styles of music to its role in culture, this will enable students to become further aware and more understanding of the diversity of the world and how this impacts music creation today.
In reflection of this, students will develop both their analytical and communication skills. During lessons, students will frequently share their responses and in-depth descriptions and analysis of a range of musical elements when listening to music from all ages and styles. This will enable them to think critically and draw ideas and inspiration from different performances allowing them to set themselves and their peers clear targets to improve their own performance.
During their time at King’s Lynn Academy, students are offered the opportunity to learn and practice a range of instruments, rooted in the key concepts of music theory. This aims to inspire students to take interest in the uptake of an instrument, whatever this may be. Lessons and extra-curricular events will support students in their independent practice and inspire them further by exposing them to a range of styles and genres as well as live performance.
As well as musical performance, students will also identify key concepts and develop their composition skills. This, similarly to the performing aspect, will be of different styles throughout a variety of projects. Starting with composing rhythms at the start of year 7, arranging well known songs, and composing baselines, riffs and chord progressions in year 9. This will develop student’s musical creativity and allow the freedom of expression to build on skills needed as future composers.
Students throughout their time at King’s Lynn Academy will be encouraged to pursue their interest in music further through the attendance of extra-curricular activities. This will include the involvement in school performances beginning with The Winter Showcase followed by an annual musical. Alongside this, students can also access weekly one-to-one peripatetic lessons in a variety of instruments and vocals. Activities such as KLA Band and Choir run during breaktimes which aim to enhance and build on the skills developed within Music lessons and allow students to work with others to produce and perform music that they are proud of.
Curriculum Features - How do we embed the learning?
The Music curriculum is embedded by:
- A series of systematically planned lessons that frequently link to the knowledge and skills covered previously.
- Tasks such as quizzes, short games and composition tasks at the start of every lesson to recap prior leaning.
- Encouraging student to be confident, brave, supportive and empathetic during performance tasks.
- Developing awareness of diversity and students being asked to be respectful of different cultures, time periods and ways of life that differ to their own.
- Developing communication skills whilst working as part of a team.
- Being expected to work independently and self-reflect on their own work during composition and performance tasks.
- Exposing students to a wide breadth of musical styles including Waltz, Programme Music, African, Blues, Samba, Salsa, Classical, Electronic/Dance, Film Music.
- Exposing students to professionals from the industry to hear first-hand accounts of the world of Performing Arts.
Curriculum Enrichment – How do we link with other subjects and offer experiences?
Whilst studying music at King’s Lynn Academy, students will naturally link the concepts behind this to other subjects. Frequent discussions and analysis of different styles of music often coincide with discussions around geographical location, historical factors, languages, as well as the social and moral aspects relating to Personal Development. Further to this, with consistent exploration of musical elements students will also develop their use of vocabulary to provide in-depth descriptions and analysis of music.
Working as one with the Performing Arts department, extra-curricular events will occur termly beginning with The Winter Showcase followed by The School Musical, and ending with a celebration of talent in The Summer Concert. Alongside this, students have opportunity to join a weekly band or choir practise where they will be working with their peers to rehearse and perform a range of music.
At King’s Lynn Academy we also pride ourselves on endeavouring to secure leading industry professionals to come and speak to our students about the role of responsibility they have in the music industry.
External events include as many theatre and live music trips as possible to King’s Lynn, Norwich, London and other local events that will be beneficial to our student’s development.
Careers – How do we explicitly and implicitly teach careers in Music?
During music lessons, students will have opportunity to explore and develop skills in many different areas within the music industry. This includes careers such as composing, performing (as a band, soloist, or within an orchestra), events manager, record label, lyricist, session musician, therapist, ethnomusicologist, arranger and film scorer.
Music will also aim to secure leading industry professionals to come and speak to our students to add to the knowledge covered within lessons.