Department Vision
At Queen’s Gate School, our Music curriculum is designed to both challenge and nurture our pupils, fostering a deep love and understanding of music through engaging experiences in performance, composition and listening. We believe that music education should be enjoyable and enriching, encouraging students to immerse themselves fully in their musical journey. Our students learn to create and notate music by ear, without instruments, and with the support of instruments or computer technology, providing a well-rounded approach to musical literacy.
Pupils achieve their goals through a variety of activities, including listening and analysis, research, group and individual composition, and hands-on performance using both voice and instruments. This diverse exploration includes music from various eras, countries, and styles, such as Western classical, World Music, Pop, and Jazz, broadening their musical horizons and deepening their appreciation for different genres.
Year 7 – 9
In Year 7, students embark on a comprehensive musical journey. They explore the elements of music, learning about pitch, dynamics, timbre, and texture. They delve into rhythm and pulse, understanding the importance of timing and beat. Effective keyboard performance techniques are taught, along with an introduction to orchestral instruments and their unique sounds. Students also study musical structures, such as binary and ternary forms, and explore harmony and accompaniments to enhance melodies.
In Year 8 Music classes, students delve into a variety of engaging topics. They start by exploring Jazz and The Blues, learning about the history, key characteristics, and influential artists of these genres. They then move on to exploring textures and rhythms, understanding how different layers of sound and rhythmic patterns interact in music. Students study repeated musical patterns, such as hooks, riffs, and ostinato, and how these elements create memorable music. They also explore various ways to develop musical ideas, enhancing their creativity and compositional skills. Finally, they delve into Reggae and syncopation, learning about the distinctive rhythms and cultural significance of Reggae music.
In Year 9 Music classes, students explore a range of fascinating topics. They begin by exploring film music, learning how music enhances storytelling and evokes emotions in movies. Next, they delve into rhythm, chords, and metre in music for dance, understanding how these elements create movement and energy in dance music. Students also study ways to develop music from small ideas in twentieth-century music, examining techniques used by composers to expand and transform simple motifs into complex pieces.
These topics provide a solid foundation, fostering both technical skills and creative expression, and encouraging a lifelong appreciation for music.
GCSE
At Queen’s Gate, we follow the Eduqas GCSE Music course. This offers a comprehensive and engaging curriculum designed to develop students’ musical skills and appreciation. The course is divided into three main components: Performing, Composing, and Appraising. In the Performing component, students present solo and ensemble pieces, showcasing their technical and expressive abilities. The Composing component allows students to create original music, responding to set briefs and their own creative ideas. The Appraising component involves a listening examination, where students analyse and evaluate music from various genres and periods. Choosing this course provides a balanced mix of practical and theoretical learning, fostering a deep understanding and enjoyment of music.
Super Curriculum
To enrich their musical experience, we organize outings and workshops that complement the curriculum. Our thriving extra-curricular groups are an essential part of Queen’s Gate musical life, offering numerous performing opportunities throughout the school year. These events allow students to showcase their talents and build confidence, making their musical journey both enjoyable and rewarding. We are committed to creating an environment where every student can find joy in their musical experiences and develop a lifelong passion for music.
