St Leonard's

KS3 Music curriculum

Intent: It is hard to imagine a world without music and at St Leonard’s pupils are taught to appreciate a wide variety of musical styles, ranging from Bach to Bebop. Pupils are taught how music works, and how to compose and perform. We believe that music lives beyond the classroom. As a result, there is a wealth of opportunity for pupils to develop their musical skills in a wide range of extra-curricular activities, ranging from informal drum and keyboard clubs to outstanding orchestras and choirs. There are at least two high profile concerts per year, where pupils are able to perform to a large and appreciative audience, thus strengthening community cohesion and developing their confidence and resilience.

Music is studied by all pupils for one hour a week at KS3, with a healthy uptake at GCSE and A Level. The department is rightly proud of its excellent reputation, which centres around very high-quality teaching by skilled and experienced staff in a purpose built and well-equipped area of the school where creativity thrives.

Pupils are encouraged to make music, and to think more musically from the moment they arrive in the department in Year 7. The theory of music is taught through a range of immersive listening, composing and performance opportunities.

The pillar of music education can be seen and heard through the department’s focus on musical elements, such as melody, rhythm and structure. Indeed, these elements underpin musical education through a pupil’s time in the school and, hopefully, well beyond it.

Of course, no music department would be complete without a range of additional instrumental lessons and enrichment activities on offer and St Leonard’s is well served by the Durham Music Service and private teachers, and a diverse assortment of exciting enrichment opportunities freely available and open to young musicians of all abilities.

You can read more about how we want to develop Music in the Music Development Plan.

KS4 GCSE Music

Exam board: OCR
Course code: J536
Examinations: NEA integrated portfolio 30%, Practical component – ensemble performance 30%, Listening and appraising written paper 40%
Progression routes: A music qualification has many transferable skills, and employers look for people who can collaborate in teams, think creatively and show tenacity, all of which are integral skills for musicians. Future career routes could include the following: Performance, Teaching, Arts and entertainment management, Marketing, Music therapy, Music studio technician

KS5 courses