Music
Our vision is to foster a vibrant, inclusive, and technology-forward musical community where every student—regardless of prior experience—is empowered to explore their creativity, develop technical proficiency, and experience the joy of collective performance. We provide a curriculum that balances traditional musicality with modern innovation. Every pupil receives weekly dedicated instruction to build foundational skills in Listening, Appraising, Composing, and Performing. By integrating keyboards, guitars and professional music software, we ensure our students are equipped with the technological skills essential to the modern musical landscape.
We believe that music should be accessible to all. Our vision includes a wide range of extra-curricular clubs, such as Musical Theatre/ Gig Group, Band Club, and various small vocal groups, which are open to all year groups. These provide a "low-risk" environment where students can experiment with new instruments and receive guidance from both specialist teachers and student lead learners.
We aim to provide a stage for every talent. Through large-scale events like the Annual School Show and the Summer Spectacular, we offer students the chance to showcase solo talents and participate in large ensembles. These productions foster a collaborative environment, blending music with drama and choreography to create a holistic performing arts experience.
Our assessment philosophy is rooted in immediate, actionable feedback and student involvement. By utilizing peer assessment and regular discussion, we encourage students to take ownership of their progress as they advance through the departmental Learning Journey, ensuring they understand their own development in the four core areas of musical language.
We are committed to the continuity of musical education. By hosting peripatetic instrumental specialists and actively working to continue tuition for students arriving from other schools, we ensure that musical talent is nurtured from the moment a student joins us until they reach their full potential.
Through this vision, we strive to make music a big part of the school week, creating an environment where every student can find their voice and make progress beyond the core curriculum
Please note: All pupils will need to bring a pair of inexpensive headphones or earbuds to school for use during music lessons.
Marking and Assessment
Assessment in Music takes a variety of forms, as pupils are expected to take part in a multiplicity of activities with increasing opportunities to develop the complexity and range of their musical language and understanding. Their progression is tracked in the four main areas performing, composing, listening and appraising and their attainment is judged against the given National Curriculum level descriptions.
Practical assessment is carried out during normal class lessons and may be informal or formal. Pupils are assessed on an informal and subjective basis throughout every lesson, particularly during practical tasks. For more formal assessment the criteria to be assessed are shared with the pupils and immediate feedback is given. Discussion and peer assessment are regularly included.
Written work is assessed by a variety of methods, depending on the nature of the task. Aural, oral, group and discussion work is also monitored on an informal basis.
GCSE Music Detailed Subject Information
Co-Curricular Music
This addresses the opportunity pupils at South Charnwood High School have to sing and play music outside of lesson time. Within SCHS students have access to a number of opportunities to make, create, perform and play music, this is through a variety of ensemble or instrumental groups, as well as co-curricular clubs that allow students to make progress in music beyond the core curriculum.
Instrumental & Vocal Groups & Clubs
SCHS offers a range of instrumental and vocal groups as well as clubs that are offered free of charge which are open to all students across all year groups. Rehearsals and clubs take place in specialist music areas such as the music department, the peripatetic instrumental rooms, or the main hall where appropriate.
Annual School Show
We produce an annual school production for evening performance with a large audience. The musical offers numerous opportunities for solo performances, allowing students to showcase their individual talents within the ensemble. This inclusive group fosters a collaborative environment where students can develop their vocal skills and experience the joy of collective music-making, acting and choreography.
Summer Spectacular
The final term gives KS3 students the opportunity to be part of an ‘in-house’ production showcasing their talents in both solo and ensemble performance as well as working collaboratively with their peers on a scripted performance. This group provides a platform for students to develop their musical skills in a collaborative setting, blending different musical styles and techniques alongside developing their drama performance skills.
Instrument Club / Band Club / Gig Group
Instrument Club and Band Club are open to students from all year groups, providing an opportunity to learn how to play an instrument. Both opportunities allow for students who wish to use the instruments in a low-risk environment, but give the opportunity for students to receive support from a teacher as well as guidance from music student lead learners, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience that promotes skill development and musical proficiency.
Pupils Working Remotely
For pupils in Key Stage 3 - please click here to find relevant information.
For pupils in Key Stage 4 - please access your work through your classes on Google Classroom.
KS4 Music
