Music is a foundation subject and the Programme of Study covers three skill areas for KEY STAGE 3 in YEARS 7, 8 and 9.
In YEAR 7 the units studied are: Musical Elements, Rhythm, Fanfare, Welsh Music, Keyboard Skills.
The skills assessed are:-
1. PERFORMING
- The repertoire for performing is taken from the past and present and includes arrangements of classical melodies, the music of Wales, other musical traditions and cultures and music that evolves during the C.21st.
- Performing involves singing and playing a wide range of instruments. Pupils need to display their control of the musical elements (Tempo, Pitch, Dynamics and Duration) in their performances.
- Performances are also given of pupils` compositions from the composing area.
2. COMPOSING
- Composing activities use a wide range of vocal, instrumental and electronic sound sources. The activities are based on a range of stimuli within each unit studied. Pupils need to display their control of the musical elements listed above and in addition Structure, Texture, and Timbre.
- Pupils are given opportunities to improvise, compose and arrange music and are required to develop musical ideas, based on CANONS, OSTINATI and using the PENTATONIC SCALE. There is an opportunity to compose using ICT equipment.
3. APPRAISING
- The pupils are required to listen to and analyse live and recorded music, including pupils’ own compositions. It links with and extends the pupils’ musical experiences and includes examples taken from Western European Classical Music, and other parts of the world.
- Some of these tasks involve using ICT.
- The pupils are also encouraged to discuss and evaluate their own performances.
HOMEWORK
Homework is set when appropriate. It involves practising on the keyboard and /other instruments (with the opportunity to practise in the music room during lunchtimes), rehearsing group compositions and completing evaluations, listening, designing posters to show their understanding of keywords.