Music
Department Ethos
Music at Cams Hill includes and embraces all styles and abilities in a rich and varied curriculum. We are committed to helping every pupil achieve excellence, whatever their musical interests and aspirations. A vibrant extra-curricular life supports dynamic classroom teaching which ensures all pupils have a broad grounding in music by the end of Year 9, and sets pupils up for further study at A-level and beyond.
“Without Music, life would be a mistake.” – Nietzsche
“Music expresses that which cannot be said, and on which it is impossible to be silent.” – Victor Hugo
“The world’s most famous and popular language is music.” – Psy
Learn more about Music at Key Stage 3
Our key stage 3 curriculum aims to give pupils a broad grounding in music from around the world and throughout history. Pupils are grouped in mixed-ability classes, recognising that music is a universal language. Pupils leave Year 9 able to read notation, work fluently with industry standard music technology equipment and packages, and sing and play on a variety of instruments.
Programme of Study for Key Stage 3
Year 7
History of Western Music 1500-1950
Music Technology
Year 8
Music of Western Africa
Early Blues, Field Hollers, Spirituals, Blues
Soul & Hip Hop
Year 9
Music for Film / Art Music of the 20th Century
British Rock Music since 1960
Learn more about Music at Key Stage 4
At key stage 4, our curriculum is aimed at preparing pupils for further study and developing their interest in specific areas of music. Performance, theory and history are covered in our GCSE offering, and NCFE caters for those who want to focus on a practical exploration of all aspects of music technology, recording, and production.
GCSE details
We follow the Edexcel GCSE in music and the NCFE in Music Technology. The unit breakdown is as follows.
GCSE
- Performing
- Composing
- Appraising
NCFE
- Using a Digital Audio Workstation
- Creating Music
- Studio Recording
- Sound Creation
(written and practical assessments in each of these elements)
Extra-curricular opportunities
Ensembles include a choir, a concert band and a string ensemble.
The department holds public concerts throughout the year, entering national competitions and embarking on foreign tours.
Links and downloads
GCSE Syllabus: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/music-2016.html
NCFE Music Tech Home: https://www.ncfe.org.uk/qualification-search/ncfe-level-2-technical-award-in-music-technology-3665.aspx