Music

Overview of Department

At Rye College, we believe that Music is not only a universal language but also a crucial ingredient of a broad and balanced education, whether this be a means of providing students with the tools required to develop self-learning skills, creativity, confidence, self-expression or joy. Consequently, our high-quality music education aims to engage and inspire our students to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians, and so increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement.  

Curriculum Statement: Values and Aims  

As well as enabling students to develop our students' instrumental abilities, we also believe that a well-designed Music curriculum is an important vehicle for students to develop their understanding of technology that is vital in the modern world. As a result, we are passionate about providing our students of all backgrounds with a music curriculum that supports them in being able to express their emotions, thoughts and opinions, and helping to positively shape their views through the studies of a range of different cultures and societies across the world. By so doing, we aim to provide all of our students with a curriculum that supports life transforming learning for all.  

We ensure that our curriculum meets the National curriculum by providing our students with opportunities to:  

• Perform, listen to, review and evaluate music across a range of historical periods, genres, styles and traditions, including the works of the great composers and musicians 
• Learn to sing and to use their voices, to create and compose music on their own and with others, to learn a musical instrument, use technology appropriately and have the opportunity to progress to the next level of musical excellence 
• Understand and explore how music is created, produced and communicated, including through the inter-related dimensions: pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture, structure and appropriate musical notations

OCR GCSE Music  

OCR GCSE Music is an absorbing, interesting, highly challenging and stimulating course. It is essential that students reach a reasonable standard on their chosen instrument or be confident singers, before starting the course. If students are unsure, if they meet the requirements of this subject, they should discuss with Mr. Harrison before making their choices. Students interested in music technology and software are encouraged to enrol, as they can use computer software as a form of performance. Instrumental lessons are highly encouraged and are available in school, if requested. 

Course Outline: 

Knowledge Framework

At the heart of our curriculum is a commitment to providing pupils with powerful knowledge and a deep understanding of each subject. This framework illustrates the key knowledge, concepts and skills that pupils will acquire, as well as the ways of thinking and working that are unique to the discipline. By building learning progressively over time, we enable pupils to become confident, knowledgeable and successful learners.

Progression Maps 

Our subject progression maps set out how students build and deepen their knowledge, understanding and skills over time. They make learning progression clear, ensuring that students develop greater expertise through a curriculum that is carefully sequenced and rooted in the unique nature of each subject.

Music Progression Map

Long Term Plan

Our long-term plans show the units of work taught in each subject and when they are taught. They provide an overview of the curriculum across the academic year and demonstrate how learning is sequenced within each subject.

Music Long Term Plan

Unit End Points

From our progression maps, we have identified end points for each unit of study. These make clear what students should know, understand and be able to do by the end of each unit. They ensure that learning builds over time in a logical and coherent sequence, helping students to secure the knowledge and skills needed for future learning. Teachers regularly check that students are secure in these endpoints and provide support where needed.

Music Unit End Points

Career Progression Routes

OCR GCSE Music could lead onto higher education music related courses that along with further training, could result in employment in the music industry such as a film composer, professional musician, and sound technician. It is a highly regarded qualification for entry to a wide range of courses at Universities and Colleges of Higher Education. The course will also provide students with transferrable skills such as self-management, communication and presentation.