Quote:

“Music acts like a magic key, to which the most tightly closed heart opens.”
― Maria von Trapp

 

Vision:

At Rushey Mead Academy, we believe that music is a vital component of a well-rounded education. Our music curriculum is designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, independence and a lifelong appreciation of music. The study of music also helps students to develop key skills such as teamwork, discipline, and self-expression. Our goal is for every student to have access to a high-quality music education that prepares them for future success, whether they pursue further music studies at post-16 or apply transferable skills in other fields

Download our School Music Development Plan 2025-26

Curriculum

  • Aim: Provide all students with a broad and engaging music curriculum that develops their musical skills, knowledge, and understanding, allowing them to appreciate a wide variety of music genres and traditions.
  • Curriculum Overview:
    • Year 7: Introduction to basic music theory, rhythm, and pitch and the elements of music. Exploration of different musical genres including world music and the classical era. Developing practical skills through keyboard performance, group performance, the use of technology and an introduction into composing through a variety of styles.
    • Year 8: Students continue to develop their practical skills through the study of different genres (Reggae, Popular music) alongside introductory work on band skills and further use of technology.
    • Year 9: Introduction to music composition and analysis using musical notation programmes, a focus on performance by further development of practical skills within a band setting, and an introduction to music technology using samples and a focus on ‘image-to-music’ (inspired by Mussorgsky’s ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’).
  • Assessment: Formative and summative assessment through practical tasks, along with recorded end-of-unit performances, self-reflection and evaluation of the music studied. Low-stakes retrieval of keywords, elements of music and the key skills required to take part in successful practical work.
  • Extra-Curricular Opportunities:
    • Choir, Mondays. Open to all students.
    • A Team Band Club, Tuesdays. Please see Mr Bacon for more information.
    • Drum Club, Wednesdays. Open to all students.
    • Guitar Club, Wednesdays. Open to all students.
    • Performance Opportunities: School concerts and recital evenings.

KS3 Curriculum Map

Musicianship Levels 1

Musicianship Levels 2

Further units of work contain specific assessment levels that are bespoke to the stylistic features and context of the unit.

  • Aim: Ensure students develop high-level skills in performance, composition, and music analysis. Encourage a deep understanding of music theory, history, and a range of musical styles, preparing students for success in further study at Key Stage 4.
  • Curriculum Overview:
    • Music study at KS4 is currently under review for the upcoming 2026/2027 academic year. The syllabus for 26/27 will be Eduqas GCSE or the Eduqas Technical Award in Performing Arts (Music Discipline).
    • Component Breakdown:
      • Performance (30%): One solo and one ensemble performance, recorded and assessed.
      • Composition (30%): Two compositions (one free choice, one in response to a brief).
      • Listening and Appraising/Responding to a brief (40%): Written exam based on set works and aural skills/responding to a brief set by the exam board.
  • Assessment: Ongoing feedback through performance recordings and written analysis. End-of-topic tests on music theory, listening, and appraising skills.
  • Extra-Curricular Opportunities:
    • Music Revision Sessions: Offered after school for KS4 students to support exam preparation for the academic year 26/27.
    • Choir, A-team Band Club, Drum Club, Guitar Club. Open to all students (please see Mr Bacon if you are interested in joining the A-team band club).
    • Performance Opportunities: School concerts and recital evenings.

Teaching and Learning Approach

Music Best Practice Grid

Consistency Across Subjects

To ensure consistency in every classroom, all faculties have worked to codify behaviour expectations within their subjects. This means students are clear on:

  • key classroom routines
  • how rewards are achieved
  • equipment expectations
  • homework expectations
  • how and when consequences are applied

By clearly “front-loading” these expectations, students are supported to be successful in every lesson.

Assessment

In KS3 students are assessed at the end of each project using the assessment grids that are bespoke to that particular unit of work (depending on the musical discipline explored), together with the general musicianship levels or individual instrumental levels (if these apply). They are given verbal feedback throughout their rehearsal process with plenty of opportunity to improve based on teacher feedback, self-reflection and peer assessment. They are also assessed more formally after their final assessment with a ‘What went well’ and an ‘Even better if.’ The emphasis at KS3 is building student confidence and fostering a methodical approach to effective practical work that demonstrates progress over time.

KS4 for 2026/2027

In KS4 students will be given written feedback in their booklets/unit files and given verbal feedback as their practical work is evaluated. This takes place as a class and as part of small group work. They will have 3 formal mock assessments in each component to prepare them for the examination/project to a brief in Year 11 and will receive detailed verbal and written feedback to allow them to make progress.

Useful Information

GCSE Music | Eduqas – for information on GCSE Music.

Level 1/2 Vocational award in Performing Arts – for information on the Technical Award in Performing Arts.

musictheory.net – provides useful music theory exercises and is ideal for those undertaking practical instrumental lessons.

teoria : Music Theory Web – as above.

Chrome Music Lab – for interactive music games such as the shared piano and drums, introduction to music composition.

Virtual piano – Play piano online | Musicca – free virtual music keyboard.

Head of Department

Mrs S Hunter– Curriculum Leader

Mrs D Bradley- Teacher of Music
Mr P. Bacon – Teacher of Music