Music
Our Music department develops performing, composing, and appraising in equal measure. Students perform as soloists and with others, compose in contrasting styles (including Western Classical techniques), and analyse set repertoire and unfamiliar music with confidence.
Curriculum Intent
At Poole High School, our Music curriculum aims to inspire students to become confident, creative and reflective musicians who understand the value and significance of music within society. Through performing, composing and appraising, students develop both their musical skills and their appreciation of a wide range of musical styles, traditions and cultures.
Students are encouraged to develop their creativity and individuality through composition, exploring how musical ideas can be created, refined and communicated. They build a secure understanding of musical elements, theory and composition techniques, enabling them to create original and stylistically informed music with increasing confidence and sophistication.
Performance lies at the heart of our curriculum. Through regular rehearsals, ensemble work and public performances, students develop technical proficiency, musical expression and stage confidence. These experiences also foster essential transferable skills such as communication, collaboration, leadership, resilience and self-discipline.
Students engage critically with music through listening, analysis and evaluation, developing the ability to explore how composers, performers and producers use musical elements to create meaning and impact. Through the study of a diverse range of genres, styles and historical periods, students gain an understanding of music's cultural, social and historical significance.
Our curriculum combines creative exploration with academic rigour, preparing students for further study, employment and lifelong engagement with music. Above all, we aim to nurture a lasting passion for music, enabling students to develop as creative individuals who can work collaboratively, think critically and contribute positively to the cultural life of their communities.
Key Stage 3
Classes in Music are taught in mixed ability sets at KS3. The musical elements underpin the music curriculum and it is carefully sequenced so students are taken on a musical journey throughout KS3 developing the musical skills needed for KS4 and beyond. The musical elements underpin the curriculum at KS3 and this is the foundation for their musical journey. All of this is learnt through the three strands of Composing, Performing and Listening.
In year 7 students begin with the basic skills needed to play keyboards, ukuleles and sing. This is done by learning the skills needed through practical activities and topics including, Instruments of the orchestra, Folk Music and the processes of music.
In year 8 students build on the skills learnt in Year 7 and extend their knowledge of Blues music, Film Music and the ‘Planets’.
In year 9 students build further on the skills learnt in Year 7 and 8 to learn ‘Songwriting', ‘Game Music’ and ‘The Greats’.
Students from all key stages are encouraged and are welcome to participate in a music extra-curricular club.
Key Stage 4
Key Stage 4 builds on the foundations laid in earlier Years and allows students the creativity to develop whilst learning compositional techniques and performance skills building confidence to perform. It is also designed to broaden their horizons of music analysis and appreciation. Music technology plays a big part in the music industry and students will learn how to compose using music software.
Music will only appear as an option to those students who are currently playing an instrument at a reasonable level as determined by the music department.
There are five areas of study in GCSE Music:
My music
The concerto through time
Rhythms of the world
Film music
Conventions of pop
