Key Stage 3 Summary
Music is a universal language that brings people together from all backgrounds and cultures. At Northampton Academy we promote a life-long enjoyment of the subject, encouraging pupils to explore a broad range of musical styles and develop personal skills. The three main areas of performing, composing and listening use the whole brain in developing hand-eye co-ordination, technical skill, aural perception and creative thinking.
A summary of the skills acquired
The Key Stage three music course is designed to equip pupils with a range of performing, composing and listening skills as well as a deep understanding of musical language and processes. Pupils gain experience in keyboard, vocal, guitar, drumming and music technology techniques.
As young composers they learn to explore their imagination and creativity whilst developing their knowledge and understanding of musical language. Pupils will also develop analytical skills through a process of evaluation, comparison and critique.
Music is a practical subject with a strong academic thread involving music history, music theory, musical devices and conventions. The Key Stage three course focuses on skills and knowledge pupils will need at Key Stage four, providing a good foundation for GCSE Music.
Topics Covered in Year 7
- Vocals and Rhythm: Singing as part of an ensemble in harmony/developing a sense of pulse and composing their own rhythmic patterns
- Keyboard and Vocal Skills: Learning to read chord charts and play them on the keyboard/ Singing, while accompanying themselves on the keyboard
- Instruments of the Orchestra/Notation: Listening and practically exploring different instruments / learning to read the Treble clef
- Opera and Dramatic Singing: Learn to sing several songs from ‘Carmen’/ staging their own version of the opera combining drama and the music
Topics Covered in Year 8
- Keyboard and Vocals Skills: Learning to read chord charts and play them on the keyboard/ Singing, while accompanying themselves on the keyboard
- Improvisation and Music Technology: Learning about Blues and Jazz music / How to improvise / Use ‘Logic Pro X’ software to record their own compositions
- Song-writing and Music Technology: Learning how to write a pop song / How to combine chords and sing over the top / Use ‘Logic Pro X’ software to record their own compositions
- Instruments of the Orchestra/Notation: Listening and practically exploring different instruments / learning to read the Treble clef
Key Stage 4
Information on the Key Stage 4 course is available on Page 23 of the Options Booklet, please click here to download >>>
Key Stage 5
Sixth Form course is available from the Sixth Form page, click here >>>