Music

This is a summary of how our school delivers music education to all our pupils across three areas – curriculum music, co-curricular provision and musical experiences – and what changes we are planning in future years. This information is to help pupils and parents or carers understand what our school offers and who we work with to support our pupils’ music education.

Curriculum music

This is about what we teach in lesson time, how much time is spent teaching music and any music qualifications or awards that pupils can achieve.

St Peter’s Music Department promotes the Catholic ethos of the school, particularly through the provision of music for liturgy. As an essential part of a broad curriculum, we aim to enrich students’ lives by inspiring them to perform, listen to, and evaluate music of the great composers across historical periods, genres, styles and traditions. Students will have the opportunity to sing and to play a variety of musical instruments, developing fluency and expression. They will improvise and compose music independently and collaboratively, drawing on a range of musical structures and notations. Students will explore how music is created, produced and communicated through the full spectrum of musical elements. We aim to challenge KS3 students by embedding the fundamental skills required for GCSE & A Level Music. Students & staff are encouraged to participate in music both in and out of the classroom which promotes community well-being. All students are treated equally and we offer financial support to close the gap for the less-fortunate and vulnerable to receive individual instrumental or vocal lessons via Pupil Premium funding. Ultimately, we help students to explore their musical potential and celebrate their musical talents, achievements and progress during their time at St Peter’s, enabling the joy of music to infiltrate and enrich their future lives.

For details on our Musical experiences and Co-curricular music please click a button below

Co-curricular music   Musical experiences

Key Stage 3

Key Stage 3 students receive 2 x 55-minute lessons of curriculum music over the fortnightly timetable. The department consists of one large teaching room with access to keyboards, guitars, drum kit & percussion, one computer suite running Cubase, Sibelius and Musescore software, and four practice rooms.

The Curriculum for KS3 Music has been informed by the Model Music Curriculum whereby students are given opportunities to hone their skills in singing, listening composing and performing.

Curriculum Overview by Year Group and Term

GCSE Music

In Years 10 & 11, students can further develop their skills and understanding further by opting for Eduqas GCSE Music. This course offers a broad and coherent course of study which encourages an integrated approach to the three distinct disciplines of performing, composing and appraising through four interrelated areas of study. They receive 5 x 55-minutes lessons of curriculum lessons across the fortnightly timetable.

Curriculum Overview by Year Group and Term

Special Educational Needs & Disabilities

We are deeply committed to increasing access and providing robust support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in music education. A range of measures and accommodations are provided:

Adapted Instruments and Equipment:

• Use of practice rooms during curriculum lessons for students with sensory needs
• Modified use of instruments for students with physical needs

Curriculum Modifications:

• Differentiated instruction and adaptive teaching to meet varying abilities
• Incorporation of appropriate technologies for students with visual or hearing impairments

Assessment Accommodations:

• Extended time allotted for assignments, performances and assessments
• Adjustments made to performance requirements when necessary

Staffing Support:

• Teaching Assistants are present in music classes as needed, to provide additional guidance

Ensemble Inclusion:

• Mixed ability groups that celebrate diversity
• Carefully considered repertoire selection to ensure inclusivity

Accessibility:

• Ensuring music rooms, practice spaces and performance venues have accessible entrances, seating etc
• Providing required staffing for students who may need a 1:1 TA for off-site events
• Offering printed materials in alternative formats, such as large print, blue paper etc

We aim to provide a broad and balanced curriculum that engages with all students. Teachers use proactive, adaptive teaching to meet the individual needs of pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). We value diversity and celebrate individual qualities allowing all pupils to feel part of our community and to thrive during their time at St Peter’s. Our teachers set challenging, but achievable, individual targets for pupils with SEND and encourage pupils to progress and succeed in a caring, accessible and inclusive environment. We actively encourage and welcome students of all ages and abilities to be involved in our extra-curricular programme.

For details on our Musical experiences and Co-curricular music please click a button below

Co-curricular music   Musical experiences

In the future

This is about what the school is planning for subsequent years.

• The Music Department will endeavour to continue to offer high-quality musical education across the key stages. Staff will continue to work closely with music colleagues in local secondary schools. The Music HoD will continue to attend the annual Secondary Music Teachers CPD days at GSW Hub.
• We believe that having the opportunity to work more closely with our feeder primary schools would be beneficial in promoting instrumental playing from an earlier age, in addition to promoting our department and our school.
• Use current department teaching staff’s instrumental expertise to develop brass playing in the school. At present, we only have one brass player in the school, so this needs to be urgently addressed
• We would like to take more students to experience live music, in particular, a stage musical and a concert featuring music for full orchestra.
• We would love to organise a music tour either within this country or indeed, abroad.

At St Peter’s, we are continuously exploring new avenues to enhance and enrich our music provision, ensuring that our students have access to a wide range of opportunities and experiences, both within the classroom and beyond. Our commitment to musical excellence drives us to stay at the forefront of music education as best we can.

Further information

For students, parents and the wider community seeking additional information or resources related to music education, we recommend exploring the following organisations and resources:

GSW Music Hub (formerly Make Music Gloucestershire):

https://www.makemusicgloucestershire.org.uk/ A local organisation dedicated to supporting and promoting music-making opportunities for all ages and abilities.

Gloucestershire Music:

https://www.gloucestershiremusic.co.uk/ Our trusted partner, providing high-quality music education services and resources across the county.

The Department for Education Guide for Parents and Young People:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/music-education-information-for-parents-and-young-people

A comprehensive guide from the Department for Education on how young people and their families can get involved in music education, both in and out of school.

As we continue to refine and evolve our music development plan, we welcome input and collaboration from our local community and music education partners. Together, we can create enriching experiences that inspire and empower our students to embrace the transformative power of music.