Key Stage 4
In Year 10 and 11, students will study RSL Performance for Music Practitioners (www.rslawards.com/vocational/music-practitioners)
This comprises three internally assessed components:- Music Knowledge, Instrumental / Vocal Study, Using a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), and one externally assessed component:- Live Music Performance – Externally Assessed.
There is no final examination.
Key Stage 3
At Holbrook all Key Stage 3 students receive 1 hour a week of music. The three key skills of performing, listening and composing are covered through the following differentiated programs of study.
All Year 7 students will sit a standardised baseline test that will give an accurate picture of where their level their musical understanding is when they start in September.
For the first half of the Autumn term, Year 7 students learn about the fundamental principles of music to enable them to improve their skills in the reading, writing and performing of music.
The next areas covered for each of the following half terms are: Voiceworks, Music and the media (focusing on television advertising in particular), Wondermusic project (focusing on untuned and tuned percussion), features of good melody writing (what makes a good tune?) and finally medieval music (focusing on music related to monks and how they use modes).
Performing skills are developed through classwork by singing, keyboard work, ukulele and percussion. Homework tasks are focused on basic theory to help them develop their overall musical understanding. A large part of the Year 7 curriculum focuses on the use of musical vocabulary and its use in the listening and appraising of music. All students are encouraged to get involved in extra-curricular activities to improve ensemble skills and their enjoyment of creating music.
In Year 8, all students continue to follow a differentiated curriculum which builds on their learning from Year 7. The topics covered each half term are : African music, Experimental music, Music & Space, Chinese music, Jazz improvisation.
In Year 9, all students continue to follow a differentiated curriculum which builds on their learning from Year 8. The topics covered are : Musical theatre, Minimalism, Soundtracks, Romantic composers, Popular song, Fanfares.
Holbrook Academy’s music department is a popular and creative area of the school. All students are encouraged to develop their musical talents and many choose to join one of the music clubs which perform to a wide range of audiences.
Music lessons are available for a wide range of instruments and all students are given the opportunity to experience playing an instrument within curriculum music lessons.