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Music

Introduction

Music allows students to develop skills through performing, composing, listening and appraising with a clear focus on practical music.

Students learn on a variety of musical instruments and work as part of an ensemble as well as an individual within the class.

Students need to study a broad range of musical styles such as pop, classical, baroque, reggae and rap to name a few. This helps explore the elements of music in many different style which prepares them for taking a music GCSE if they wish to.

Here at Cecil Jones Academy we have a very strong extra-curricular program. We have over 50 students who attend our clubs on a weekly basis. These clubs include; choir, year 7 choir, keyboard club, guitar lessons, piano lessons and drumming lessons. We continue to grow and compete in many competitions throughout the country.

Our subject area seeks to develop the following in all our students:

  1. Performing
  2. Composing
  3. Listening and Appraising

Cecil Jones School Music Development Plan 2024-2025

Key Stage 3

Our Expectations

If taught well, music has the potential to make a significant contribution to children’s development: increasing confidence and self-esteem, developing leadership, team working, concentration and problem-solving skills, and developing identity and improving social cohesion within the school and wider community. Across Years 7, 8 and 9 students have one hour of music a week. If students wish to take music as a GCSE option, this increases to three hours per week. If students take music as a GCSE we expect them to be able to play or sing fluently and confidently to a good standard (grade 3).

 

Assessment

Students are assessed through both written assessments and practical assessments throughout the year. All students are expected to perform one practical assessment per term in front of their peers and teacher. The aim of this is to promote confidence and self-esteem and prepare students to take music at GCSE level.

 

Homework

All music homework is recorded in students’ planner’s. Having a keyboard at home is always a great way to embed all skills learned in lessons.

 

Extra-Curricular

Cecil Jones Academy has a strong reputation for its choir. Our choir take part in many performances throughout the year including the Christmas Concert, Southend Makes Music at the Palace Theatre, and our annual musical. Our choir recently finished in fourth place at the Jack Petchey Glee Club Challenge where we competed against many other performing arts based schools. Member auditions for choir take place every September. If you wish to be involved, please contact Mrs Compton or Mr Bines.

 

We also have lunch time clubs available for our students. Please check the new extra-curricular timetable to see our current opportunities.

Music KS3

 

Key Stage 4

Music plays a key role within the school curriculum at Cecil Jones Academy. Our range of extra-curricular activities includes both instrumental and vocal ensembles. The musical talent of our students is then showcased across the year in an array of different concerts, which include the annual school musical and our music evenings.

Our GCSE in Music provides an accessible and creative musical education, integrating the three main components: performing, composing and appraising. Students broaden their musical horizons within five areas of study as they explore musical context, language, performance and composition. It is recommended that students are at a grade 3 standard if they wish to take music as an option.

  • Course component breakdown: Students will complete two compositions, one solo performance and one ensemble performance. This practical area makes up 60% of the overall GCSE grade. The other 40% is based on listening and appraising.
  • Homework expectations (hours and completion standards): 1 hour of homework is set each week. This homework will vary from practical to written
  • Trips and Visits: We often take our students to musicals having most recently visited Matilda in Westend.

 

Past papers and course resources can be found using the following link: https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/music-j536-from-2016/assessment/

Other useful websites drop down menu add these :

KS4 music

Visual Curriculum Map

Visual curriculum maps 2022 2023v2 Music

How can I boost my child’s GCSE grade?

Rehearsals at home. Using the stretch and challenge practical booklet. Ensuring students complete all homework set. Using past papers to ensure students are familiar with exam style questions.

Useful Links

Recommended GCSE texts or revision guides:

  • OCR Revision Music GCSE Textbook

Careers

Careers in Music