Head of Department: Mr B Parker
Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. Our Music curriculum engages and inspires our pupils to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians. It improves their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement. As pupils progress, they learn to compose, and to listen with discrimination to the best examples of music.
If you would like to view related Key Stage 5 courses, please click here
Key Stage 3
Click the downloads on the left for more detailed curriculum information.
CVC Music School
The Music School offers all pupils from all years and abilities the chance to learn a musical instrument or participate in extra-curricular activities. Over the years, the music school has flourished and now nearly 200 pupils are learning instruments, passing exams and showcasing their talents in concerts and production.
Instrument & Vocal Tuition
We employ our own team of highly skilled instrumental tutors who offer a wide range of instruments for all pupils to learn.
Information Booklet: Please download and carefully read the booklet on the left of the Music page, completing the online application form. Enrolment in instrument lessons is based upon acceptance of the terms and conditions outlined.
Applications: Applications are welcome at any time from all pupils. If an instrument is oversubscribed, you will be placed on a waiting list until a place becomes available.
For year 6 pupils transitioning to CVC, a separate mailing will be sent during the Summer Term. Information can also be found on the “Year 6-7 transition” page
Extra-Curricular Activities
All pupils from year 7 to year 13 are invited to join one of the many clubs and activities on offer.聽 Whether you are learning outside school or have lessons in school and no matter what your ability there is a place for you. It鈥檚 a great way to meet new friends, be part of a community and help with your instrument playing.
We ask for a contribution towards running costs: 拢10 per child or 拢12 per family for unlimited clubs per term, payable via ParentPay.聽 You can sign up for and attend as many different extra-curricular activities as you wish.聽 聽If you鈥檙e not sure which club to join, you can try out a club for a week before committing to it on a weekly basis.
If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]
Key Stage 4
What is Music GCSE?
Music GCSE provides a contemporary, accessible and creative education in music with an integrated approach to the three main elements 鈥� performing, composing and appraising. You will be encouraged to broaden your musical horizons and understanding with areas of study that motivate and challenge.
What skills will I develop?
By the end of this course you will be able to perform confidently as a soloist and an ensemble player. You will also be able to compose fluently using appropriate notations and software.聽 You will understand how to comment on technical features of a wide range of music, from classical to world music and popular music.
What syllabus will I follow?
OCR J536 Music
What will the course look like?
In year 10 you will start to work on your first portfolio, performing on, and composing for your own instrument or voice. You will also be introduced to the 5 areas of study which include Film, World Rhythms, Pop Conventions and the Concerto. In year 11 a further portfolio will require you to respond to a set brief and record a group performance piece.
What homework will I get?
糖心logowork will be set weekly and will often be in the form of consolidation exercises, either based on the theory of the course or simple composition tasks. There is an additional expectation that you will be actively practising your instrument or voice. Furthermore, learners will progress well on this course if they listen widely and attend a range of events and concerts.
How will I be assessed?
There are two assessed performing and composing coursework units, totalling 60% of your final grade. There is also a listening exam paper, lasting 1陆 hours, taken at the end of year 11.
What jobs or further courses of study might this lead to?
Many pupils who take this course go on to take music or music technology at A level and to study related courses at university.聽 Others use this course to develop a raft of transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving, creativity and independent thinking.
Jobs that this might lead to include song writing, writing music for film or computer games, publishing, journalism, performing, teaching, music therapy, working in the community or working in the media.
Are there any entry requirements for this course?
Pupils must be keen on making music to take this course. You should be resilient, as there will be times your composition ideas don鈥檛 go to plan, and you will have to go back to the drawing board. Grade exams are always good to have, but there is no requirement that you have taken any to take this course. It聽颈蝉听helpful to be having instrumental or singing lessons and to be actively raising your level of music theory towards or beyond grade 5.
If I need additional support, what can I access?
Weekly after-school sessions are run when pupils can drop in to get extra help, or to catch up when they have missed a lesson in the week.聽 These are particularly useful when we are doing the assessed coursework.