Music

Year 7 Music provides pupils with a broad and engaging introduction to the key skills, knowledge and understanding required for successful musical development. From the beginning of the course, the curriculum is designed around the three core strands of the Eduqas GCSE Music specification: performing, composing and appraising. This ensures that pupils develop as well-rounded musicians while establishing strong foundations for future study.

Pupils begin by exploring music notation and the elements of music, developing their understanding of rhythm, melody, harmony, dynamics, tempo, texture and structure. They then apply these concepts through practical work, including ukulele and choir, developing confidence, ensemble skills, listening and performance technique.

The Blues scheme introduces pupils to key musical features, historical context and improvisation, while encouraging them to perform and analyse music within a clear stylistic framework. Through composing from a stimulus, pupils learn to develop musical ideas, make creative decisions and communicate their intentions using appropriate notation and musical vocabulary.

The year concludes with popular music, allowing pupils to explore familiar styles while developing their understanding of songwriting, arrangement and production. Throughout Year 7, pupils are encouraged to listen critically, perform confidently and compose creatively, establishing the skills and independence needed for progression through Key Stage 3 and towards GCSE. 

Autumn 1	Performing from Notation
Autumn 2	Ukulele
Spring 1	Choir
Spring 2	Blues
Summer 1	Composing from a stimulus
Summer 2	Popular Music

Year 8 Music builds on the foundational skills developed in Year 7, encouraging pupils to develop their individual musical identity, confidence and independence. The curriculum continues to develop the three core strands of the Eduqas GCSE Music specification: performing, composing and appraising, while introducing a greater emphasis on ensemble performance and the communication of musical ideas.

Pupils develop their ability to perform from notation, strengthening their musical literacy and accuracy, before applying these skills through band work. Working collaboratively, pupils learn how to listen, respond, communicate and contribute effectively within an ensemble, developing an understanding of how individual parts combine to create a successful performance.

Through protest music, pupils explore how music can communicate ideas, opinions and messages, linking musical choices to social and historical contexts. Instruments of the orchestra develops listening and appraising skills, broadening pupils’ knowledge of timbre, families of instruments and orchestral textures. The radio advert scheme provides opportunities for pupils to compose with a clear purpose and audience, combining music, sound and spoken communication creatively. Reggae develops stylistic understanding, performance skills and ensemble awareness.

Across Year 8, pupils are encouraged to take ownership of their musical choices, communicate confidently with others and recognise their individual contribution to a wider ensemble.

Autumn 1 Autumn 2	Performing from Notation Band skills
Spring 1 Spring 2	Protest Music Instruments of the Orchestra
Summer 1 Summer 2	Radio Adverts Reggae

Year 9 music is designed as a year of consolidation, development and preparation for GCSE Music. Building on the knowledge, skills and experiences developed throughout Years 7 and 8, students are given increasing opportunities to work independently and apply their musical understanding through composing, performing and appraising. The curriculum aims to develop confident, reflective and increasingly versatile musicians, while strengthening the practical and theoretical foundations required for successful progression to GCSE.

Students revisit and consolidate key musical concepts including rhythm, melody, harmony, texture, structure, tonality, instrumentation and expressive devices, applying these in a range of contrasting musical styles and contexts. Schemes of work exploring Jazz, Minimalism, Film Music, Hip Hop, Rock and Free Composition provide opportunities to encounter different genres, composers and compositional approaches while encouraging students to develop their own musical voice.

Composition activities develop creativity, organisation and the ability to make purposeful musical decisions, while performing develops technical control, interpretation, ensemble awareness and confidence. Appraising encourages students to listen critically, use appropriate musical vocabulary and explain how musical elements create meaning and effect.

Across the year, students are increasingly encouraged to take ownership of their musical choices and evaluate their progress. This combination of practical musicianship, creative development and critical listening provides a strong foundation for the demands of GCSE Music.

Autumn 1 Autumn 2	Jazz Minimalism
Spring 1 Spring 2	Hip Hop Rock
Summer 1 Summer 2	Film Music Free Composing Project

The two-year GCSE Eduqas Music curriculum is designed to develop confident, independent and well-rounded musicians, while preparing students for successful progression into further education, further musical study and lifelong participation in music. Across Years 10 and 11, students build on the musical knowledge and practical skills developed throughout Key Stage 3, developing a deeper understanding of musical elements, structures, styles and contexts through the Eduqas areas of study.

Students develop their musicianship through regular opportunities to perform, compose and appraise, with increasing expectations of independence, accuracy and musical expression. Particular emphasis is placed on developing performance skills as both a soloist and ensemble musician, supporting students in becoming confident performers who can contribute positively to the musical life of the school community.

Composition work allows students to develop their creativity and understanding of musical processes through both free composition and composition in response to a brief. Students learn to make informed musical decisions, refine and evaluate their work, and communicate their ideas effectively using appropriate notation and technology where appropriate.

Appraising develops students’ ability to listen critically and apply their knowledge of musical elements, terminology and context to a range of repertoire. Through this integrated approach, the course aims not only to prepare students for the demands of the GCSE examination but to equip them with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills to continue as musicians beyond school, whether through further education, performance, composition or participation in their wider community.

Autumn 1	Forms and Devices Ensemble Performance
Autumn 2	Popular Music
Spring 1	Music for Ensemble Ensemble Performance
Spring 2	Music Performance
Summer 1	Film Music
Summer 2	Composition
Autumn 1	Forms and Devices Solo Performance
Autumn 2	Popular Music  Solo Performanc
Spring 1	Composition from a Brief Music for Ensemble
Spring 2	Film Music  Music Performanc