Music

Music at Northallerton School & Sixth Form College develops confident performers, thoughtful composers and analytical listeners. Students explore music practically and theoretically, building technical skill, creativity and critical understanding.

Core strands:

  • Performing (solo and ensemble)

  • Composing and songwriting

  • Listening and appraising

  • Music theory and notation

The curriculum is carefully sequenced from foundational rhythmic and instrumental skills in Key Stage 3, through to the full GCSE specification at Key Stage 4. Students progressively develop independence, technical accuracy and evaluative depth.

Assessment is aligned to Eduqas GCSE assessment objectives, with performance recordings, composition portfolios and listening examinations informing ongoing feedback and targeted intervention.

Independent rehearsal, composition refinement and structured listening tasks support long-term musical development.

 

View our School Music Development Plan Here

Key Stage 3

Curriculum Intent

At Key Stage 3, students build practical musicianship, theoretical understanding and cultural awareness through performance, composition and listening.

Students develop:

  • Rhythmic accuracy and notation skills

  • Instrumental technique (keyboard, ukulele and percussion)

  • Understanding of musical elements and structures

  • Ensemble performance skills

  • Analytical listening and written evaluation

KS3 Curriculum Overview

Term Year 7 Year 8 Year 9
Autumn 1 Understanding Rhythm Night Music Soundtracks (Film Music)
Autumn 2 Keyboard Skills Off Beat (Reggae) Samba Carnival
Spring 1 Musical Variations Saharan Sounds (African Music) Create a Pop Song
Spring 2 Ukulele Skills Rock ’n’ Roll Free Composition
Summer 1 Gamelan Music Ensemble Performance GCSE Transition – Theory
Summer 2 Performance Project Composition Project GCSE Transition – Listening Skills

Projects increase in musical complexity each year, with Year 9 strengthening theoretical knowledge and compositional structure in preparation for GCSE study.

Key Stage 4 – GCSE Music (Eduqas)

Students follow the Eduqas GCSE Music specification.

Curriculum Structure

  • Component 1 – Performing (30%)

  • Component 2 – Composing (30%)

  • Component 3 – Listening and Appraising (40%)

  • Study of four Areas of Study:

    • Musical Forms and Devices

    • Music for Ensemble

    • Film Music

    • Popular Music

The curriculum is structured to balance practical coursework with listening preparation. QLA from mock examinations informs responsive teaching and bespoke intervention in Year 11.

KS4 Curriculum Overview

Term Year 10 Year 11
Autumn 1 Music Theory & AOS1 Set Brief Composition
Autumn 2 AOS2 – Music for Ensemble AOS1 Revision
Spring 1 AOS3 – Film Music AOS4 Revision
Spring 2 Free Composition GCSE Revision Programme
Summer 1 Performance Coursework Bespoke Listening Intervention
Summer 2 Composition Refinement Final Examination

Year 11 includes targeted listening practice, extended written responses and structured revision informed by assessment data.

Sixth Form

There is currently no post-16 Music provision.

Literacy, Careers and Personal Development

  • Vocabulary – Explicit teaching of musical terminology including motif, cadence, modulation, texture, structure and stylistic conventions.

  • Knowledge organisers – Area of Study booklets and glossaries support retrieval and exam preparation.

  • Careers links – Performer, composer, producer, music technologist, film composer, music journalist, teacher, ethnomusicologist.

  • SMSC / personal development – Cultural appreciation, collaboration, discipline, resilience, creative self-expression and confidence through performance.