Introduction

All students at Gartree take part in curriculum music lessons, which are designed to be interactive, fun and practical. Pupils learn keyboard skills, acoustic guitar and ukulele in practical class lessons. Students are also taught how to use music technology using our purpose-built suite of Macs.

The music curriculum is intended to build and develop practical musical skills on a variety of instruments, including voice, and offers students the opportunity to compose music and understand aspects of music theory and notation. Students learn about the music of prominent composers and study a variety of musical genres.

Key Stage 3

Extra Curricular Music

Rock School Project

The Rock School Project is Gartree’s flagship music programme and extremely popular. We have professional musicians who come to Gartree to teach electric guitar, drum kit vocal coaching and piano. Our aim is that when pupils have learnt the initial skills on the instruments, they can form bands and make music together.

Peripatetic lessons in Music

If your child already plays an instrument and would like lessons in school, we are able to arrange these lessons for your child. Additional music lessons will usually take place during the school day.

Orchestra

We have a well-established orchestra at Gartree. All pupils who play an orchestral instrument to Grade 1 standard and above are invited to join the Gartree orchestra who can be heard playing an eclectic mix of music from Abba classics to Chariots of Fire and Glee.

Singing club

Singing club is for any pupil who would like to sing. There are no auditions or expected standards. The only requirement is that you enjoy singing! Singing club focuses on the latest chart hits and we sing the songs of Adele, Christina Perry, Jessie J and many more.

Ukulele Club

We have a 20 strong ukulele club, which is open to all year groups. The ukulele is a fun and versatile instrument and the pupils learn chord progressions for well know songs.

Performances

There are many performance opportunities at Gartree including a Christmas Concert and Gifted and Talented showcase. Pupils also take part in lunchtime sound bites and perform in assemblies. Our most able musicians have the opportunity to attend an industry-standard recording studio to record their own musical pieces.

Pupils eligible for free school meals

If your child is eligible for free school meals, and wishes to learn an instrument in school, this will be fully subsidised by the school.

Key Stage 4

GCSE Music

How the course is assessed:

• 40% Final examination
• 30% Composing (two compositions)
• 30% Performing (two performances)

Exam Board: Edexcel (1MU0)

Course overview

This course will equip students with all the skills required to develop as a musician. The three key components of the course are appraising, composing and performing, with a focus on developing deeper musical understanding in a wide variety of contexts throughout the course. Students will be given the opportunity to perform with others and also use technology to compose music in a variety of genres and styles.

Areas of study

• Instrumental music 1700-1820
• Vocal Music
• Music for stage and screen
• Fusions

You can expect to:

• Appraise and understand music from a variety of genres. These include music for stage and screen, classical music and vocal music.
• Perform as a soloist and in groups/ ensembles
• Compose music based on your own ideas and set composing briefs.

Where does it lead?

Music is a creative and expressive subject that can lead to many fields including music teaching, music therapy, sound recording and music technology based industries. GCSE Music is an ideal path into A-level music, which can lead to many specialised courses including degree courses that specialise in composing, song writing and popular music. There are also many college courses specialising in performance, studio techniques, sequencing and turntablism.

Other useful information

Students would benefit from taking part in extracurricular music making in school and also following a dedicated practise regime on their chosen instrument. Students will be expected to take every opportunity to perform in school concerts, shows and events. The ability to read music is an advantage but not essential. Students will develop the knowledge of music theory throughout the course.