Music in the Lower School
In years seven and eight pupils receive two 35 minute
lessons of whole class music per week and in year nine
there is one 35 minute lesson per week. The focus
for these lessons is on practical music making (singing,
playing together, composing pieces in various styles
and devising whole class projects) and it is hoped
that the experiences in the classroom will feed into
the many opportunities for music making in the extra
curricular programme. Many topics are covered in the
lower school curriculum and it is intended that through
them, the pupils have a meaningful encounter with a
variety of musical styles from different cultures and
traditions. The areas which are currently studied are
as follows
Year Seven
Pulsation and Notation
Scales and Melodies
Programme Music
Working with Chords
Drones and Ostinati
Year 8
The Blues
Music for Special Occasions
Chord Sequences
Musical Structures
Music for Dance
Year 9
Song Writing
Music for Film
Music and Media
Middle School
Pupils in Year 10 have the option to take music further
and study either for GCSE or AS level. Set sizes are
very healthy with a high proportion of the pupils taking
the subject both inside and outside of the school day.
The Cathedral School uses the Edexcel examination for
GCSE where pupils are encouraged to explore a diverse
range of study areas through composing, performing
and listening. For more information about the content
of the syllabus please visit the Edexcel
website.
Sixth Form
In Years 12 and 13 pupils have the option to take
the subject at AS and A2 level. The Edxcel course gives
scope for musicians with different musical tastes and
enthusiasms to encounter music in a way which is suitable
to them. Areas of Study include Film Music, Popular
Music, Music for Large Ensemble and Sacred Vocal Music.
There is still a strong emphasis on the practical aspects
of the subject but there is a greater emphasis on the
more academic and analytical skills than in previous
years. For more information about the specific content
of the course, please visit the Edexcel
website.
|
