Music

Head of DepartmentMrs Evonne M Pellow

Music is a powerful, unique form of communication that can change the way pupils feel, think and act. It brings together intellect and feeling and enables personal expression, reflection and emotional development. As an integral part of culture, past and present, it helps pupils understand themselves and relate to others, forging important links between the home, school and the wider world. The teaching of music develops pupils’ ability to listen and appreciate a wide variety of music and to make judgements about musical quality. It encourages active involvement in different forms of music making, both individual and communal, developing a sense of group identity and togetherness. As an inclusive school the arts are a valuable means of developing confidence and communication skills, and facilitating expression, ideas and feelings. In addition, through purposeful, imaginative and ambitious activities, pupils learn to take managed risks, trying out new ideas and new ways of working without fear of failure.

We aim to develop over time, following the National Curriculum and Model Music Curriculum, a number of areas for all learners that are sequenced in such a way to build and strengthen skills over time. Foundation Learners will receive flexible access to the Music curriculum. The same topics are covered but the required level of performance will be adapted to suit the needs of the individual learner.

By the time a pupil leaves Holy Family, regardless of ability, they will have had the opportunity to:

  • take peripatetic lessons in an instrument of their choice
  • perform as part of a group including percussion, ukulele, steel pans, keyboard or choir
  • perform music in solo, duet and larger groups
  • learn how to use music technology software to record, edit, and develop their work
  • study how to compose music and create several pieces of their own work
  • study the work of famous composers from throughout music history and look at the development of music and musical instruments since the medieval period
  • study music theory throughout Key Stage 3, and in greater depth at KS4 should they choose music at GCSE level
  • develop an appreciation of music by learning how to critically listen to music, analyse and understand how music works
  • experience music in both live and recorded form, with enrichment from visiting live performances where appropriate

SEND Learners receive adapted access to the mainstream Music curriculum.  The same topics are covered but the required level of performance will be adapted to suit the needs of the individual learner.  Prior learning is ascertained for ALL learners, and the curriculum is adapted accordingly.

Music Curriculum Map

 

AUTUMN

1

AUTUMN

2

SPRING

1

SPRING

2

SUMMER

1

SUMMER

2

YEAR 7

EXPLORING RHYTHM

DEVELOPING AURAL DISCRIMINATION

USING MY VOICE

EXPLORING MELODY

EXPLORING HARMONY

WHAT MAKES A GOOD SONG

DEVELOPING SONG STRUCTURE

YEAR 8

EXPLORING CHORDS 

DEVELOPING CHORDS & MELODY

EXPLORING SYNCOPATION

DEVELOPING AURAL DISCRIMINATION

EXPLORING TEXTURE & STRUCTURE

→→→→→→

 

YEAR 9

DEEPENING KNOWLEDGE OF MELODY, CHORDS & HARMONY

DEVELOPING CRITICAL ENGAGEMENT

EXPLORING 20TH CENTURY

DEVELOPING CRITICAL ENGAGEMENT

EXPLORING MUSIC FOR FILM

DEVELOPING CRITICAL ENGAGEMENT

YEAR 10

LEVEL 1/2 TECH AWARD IN MUSIC

LEVEL 1/2 TECH AWARD IN MUSIC

LEVEL 1/2 TECH AWARD IN MUSIC

LEVEL 1/2 TECH AWARD IN MUSIC

LEVEL 1/2 TECH AWARD IN MUSIC

LEVEL 1/2 TECH AWARD IN MUSIC

YEAR 11

LEVEL 1/2 TECH AWARD IN MUSIC

LEVEL 1/2 TECH AWARD IN MUSIC

LEVEL 1/2 TECH AWARD IN MUSIC

LEVEL 1/2 TECH AWARD IN MUSIC

 

 

Key Stage 3

Music Key Stage 3 Curriculum Maps

Key Stage 4

Music Key Stage 4 Curriculum Maps

 

Enrichment

The Music department offers educational trips to the theatre (including West End), orchestral concerts and regularly has visiting musicians to augment the delivery of Music.  GCSE booster sessions are offered each week to enhance pupils learning and help with any difficulties they have encountered. Peripatetic lessons are offered weekly on the following instruments: woodwind, brass, lower and upper strings, drum kit, voice, electric and acoustic guitar.  Pupils showcase their work throughout the year at various concerts, school celebrations and community events. There is a lively extra-curricular programme running weekly – choir, guitar club and percussion group are central for musical enrichment.


Sky Music Hub concert

Music department went to the Sky Music Hub concert on Tuesday 27th June for an amazing concert featuring Brass and Wind bands, who treated us to a March by local composer W Rimmer right through to a medley of songs from Mamma Mia.

The second half featured the Aurin Girls choir from Hungary who are touring the UK. They sang songs by Britten, traditional Hungarian songs and a haunting performance of Eric Whitacre's 'Seal Lullaby.'

Such a lovely way to spend a Tuesday evening!


Good Shepherd Mass

On Wednesday 28th June 2023, 20 members of Holy Family School choir attended the Good Shepherd Mass at the beautiful Metropolitan Cathedral in Liverpool. On the day we had a short rehearsal before the mass.  After practising the hymns, accompanied by the spectacular cathedral organ, we had a short break before the service. 

 

Whilst the cathedral was busy during rehearsal, with 1000+ primary and secondary pupils, it was even busier during the actual mass, where another 700+ joined us in celebration.  There were many students from other local schools, and Archbishop Malcolm McMahon celebrated the mass.  

 

We had a wonderful day and enjoyed performing at this event.

 

 

 

Check out our Twitter feed for more information #HFCHSMusic

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