We inspire our students to develop a love of all music covering genres and composers from around the world and across different eras.
We build self-confidence and resilience through regular performance work and encourage the students to compose creatively within an ensemble as well as independently. Our students are given the experience to perform in front of peers and audiences within the local community, many having never visited a venue before we taken them onto stage.
We want to ensure students have a multitude of opportunities to develop and showcase their talents as they connect with wider audiences to foster a vibrant, dynamic music community at Beckfoot Thornton.
Enrichment
We offer an exciting range of enrichment activities for students passionate about music, or those looking to try something new. Our after school band and vocal club provide a creative space where students can develop essential skills like confidence, teamwork and communication, while learning to play instruments. We also have music teachers who visit the school to refine their instrumental technique and excel in their musical pursuits.
Assessment
Internal assessments take place throughout the year to monitor pupil progress and to further inform teaching and learning
KS4 Specification
Careers
Studying music at Beckfoot Thornton will provide students with a solid foundation for further study of Music at further and then higher education.
As students learn to play and compose music, they will also develop a range of transferable skills including teamwork, communication, confidence and resilience, all of which are valuable for the music industry and beyond.
Curriculum Overview
| Year | Cycle 1 | Cycle 2 | Cycle 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 7 | Music Notation: Students will learn about the treble clef and different note values. They will be able to compose a section of music and learn how to play this on the keyboards Elements of music: Students will learn about the different elements of music and be able to listen to different pieces of music and identify the elements accurately | Programme music: Students will be able to combine their knowledge learnt in cycle 1 to compose a short melodic theme suitable for an animal Blues music: Students will learn the history around blues music ands the morals of slavery. Students will begin to perform chords using correct finger positions by learning how to play the 12-bar blues, students will also learn about the bass clef. | Blues music developed: Students will develop their work by having an introduction to the blues scale to start improvising with an ensemble 90s pop music: Students will develop their ensemble skills by performing both melody and chords as a full class ensemble |
| Year 8 | Classic Rock (Queen): Students will learn how to perform melody and chords as a duet introduction to dotted rhythms Superhero composition music: Students will compose a short motif for a superhero using the elements of music to develop their composition, they will be encouraged to use complex rhythms as well as composing chords and basslines | Reggae music: Students will develop their ensemble skills by performing both melody and chords as a full class ensemble, there will be the inclusion of keyboard, guitar and ukulele | Game music composition using PC software: Students will be introduced to SoundTrap to start their composition suitable for an 80’s style game (like Mario), students will learn about synthesisers and how technology has advanced to the modern day, students will compose a short ostinato, pedal note, chords and other features on the computer. |
| Year 9 | The Beatles class band performance: Students will develop their ensemble skills by performing both melody and chords as a full class ensemble including instrumental parts on keyboard, guitar and ukulele | Film music composition using PC software: Students will complete a SoundTrap project composing music to fit with a horror film trailer (The Woman in Black). Students will learn about different features that are used in Horror films and be able to put these in time with a trailer | Pop song ensemble performance: Students will be in small bands using a variety of instruments learning how to perform a pop song of their choice. Students will take the lead in rehearsals and will learn how to manage their time effectively as what it would be like in a ‘real’ band. Students will perform chords, melody and counter-melodies in time with each other |
| Year 10 | Understanding Music: Learning about the different areas of study and learning how to answer exam questions | Performing Music: Mock performances in solo and ensemble. Developing understanding of rhythm and instrumental technique | Composing Music: Developing techniques and understanding of composing music to a brief and composing music in different styles suitable to the students taste of music |
| Year 11 | Understanding Music: Revising areas of study and learning section B study pieces continuously answering appraisal questions. 1 hour and 30 minute exam in June of year 11 | Performing Music: Assessed Performances in solo and ensemble (30% of overall GCSE | Composing Music: Assessed Compositions in brief and free (30% of overall GCSE) |