Open Mobile Menu

Music

Key Stage 3

Students in Key Stage 3 receive five lessons per fortnight. A variety of class and group-based practical projects are undertaken each year through a range of performing, composing, listening and appraising activities, as well as whole-class singing and ensemble work. Through class-based projects, students are also given the opportunity to perform at termly concerts and other school events.

Music lessons at Cedar Mount Academy are designed to promote maximum opportunities for engaging in practical music-making. Music is taught and responded to as a language in itself, similar to how a spoken language will be learned from birth. This approach aims to embrace, challenge and inspire all students, regardless of previous experience, making music an accessible and culturally relevant art form and avenue of expression.

Individuals and groups are encouraged to further their own interests developed in class by visiting the department at break and lunchtime where they can practise and extend ideas developed during lesson time. They have 1 – 1 keyboard, piano and vocal tuition as well as attend a music club twice a week . Instrumentalists are also encouraged to bring their own instruments to all class lessons.

Key Stage 4

The department follows the AQA GCSE Music specification. This is delivered through a range of performing, composing, listening and appraising activities with a continued focus on practical music-making.

GCSE Music aims to develop the following skills:

• An interest and understanding of a range of musical experiences
• The ability to perform music and communicate to an audience
• The ability to perform music as a soloist and as part of an ensemble
• The ability to improvise
• The ability to compose original pieces of music
• Use of Music Technology software and hardware
• Communication and social skills
• How music is created and notated
• Awareness of social, historical and cultural influences on music

Students who opt for GCSE Music should already play an instrument or sing, or should be willing to take up an instrument as soon as they begin the course. It is not a requirement to be able to read traditional music notation.

In addition to developing students’ subject knowledge, this course also provides students with the opportunity to gain self-confidence and develop team-working skills. It also provides a solid foundation for progression to music-related courses, including A level Music and Music Technology, and a career in the music industry and professions as well as performing arts.

 

Proud to part of the Bright Futures Education Trust
Cedar Mount Academy
Gorton Education Village
50 Wembley Road, Gorton, Manchester, M18 7DT
CEOP