Music

Rationale

At FSG, music is viewed as a vitally important part of the broader curriculum. It provides opportunities for our students to share their emotions, solve problems, collaborate effectively and think outside the box. Through the study of a carefully designed curriculum students develop self-confidence, resilience and social skills through musical discourse. Your musical journey will encompass the following key areas which are threaded through each project: performing, composition and appraising. We provide an extensive extra-curricular program where students can develop their musicianship skills outside the classroom. The bands and ensembles that rehearse and perform regularly are, Pop Choir, Chamber Choir, Training A cappella Choir, Advanced A cappella Choir, Rock Band, Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble and Bubble Band. Additionally, we have a team of highly experienced peripatetic teachers who offer instrumental lessons in piano, voice (classical, popular) guitar (bass, electric and acoustic), flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, tenor horn, baritone horn, tuba, violin, viola, cello, double bass, drum kit and percussion.

Overview

Key Stage 3

In Year 7, students are introduced to the elements of music which lay the foundation for their musical learning journey. MAD T SHIRTS is the mantra which reminds us of the building bricks of music. Singing is a key feature of music at FSG and the full cohort take part in their own vocal concert at the end of Term 1, celebrating their achievements through self-composed songs and popular classics. A real memory maker! Year 7 continue to develop their skills in composing, performing and appraising through the study of the four chord pop song, minimalism and African drumming. In Year 8, students are encouraged to sharpen their critical listening skills, identifying instruments, different musical genres and structures and devices within music. Musical composition begins with writing the music and lyrics for a song in the Blues tradition and later melodies and variations in Baroque. Students in Year 9 have opted for study at GCSE and develop all aspects of musicianship beginning with how to write a successful song, performing as an ensemble at the annual Christmas Concert and later composing music for film.

Key Stage 4

By the time students have reached this point in their musical journey, they have developed the key skills and knowledge to confidently begin the GCSE course. They recognise the links between performing, composing and appraising and how this informs their understanding of music as a whole. Students continue to learn with a sharp focus on true musical discourse eg playing the chord progression of a song (Africa by Toto) and forming a band and performing a simplified version of Badinerie from Bach's Orchestral Suite No. 2. Both examples of set works. The four areas of study encourage students to enhance their knowledge of a range of genres and styles. Musical forms and devices with the focus on Western Classical Music where students study how the great composers formed and developed musical ideas. Music for Ensemble explores how texture and sonority play a role. Lastly, Film and Popular music places now familiar musical elements in wider context.

Extra Curricular Opportunities

Music Lessons

If your child has decided they would like to learn an instrument, please fill in the form here so we can match you with a teacher or put you on the waiting list.  This form should also be used by new students joining the school at the beginning of an academic year - please fill it in during Term 5 before you join us.

Although the school facilitates contact between teacher and student, the lessons are a private arrangement between the family and teacher.  Rates are set by the teachers themselves, and they will be in contact once we have assigned a teacher to your child. Timetables are posted on the departmental notice board in music, and often the times of the instrumental lessons will change week to week to make it unlikely that students will miss too much of the FSG curriculum.

Online Resources

Exam Boards

GCSE - Eduqas

A-Level - Eduqas

If you would like to know more about our curriculum, please do not hesitate to contact the school.