Curriculum

Music

In this technologically developing world we believe that Music has become an important part of our everyday lives and is a universal forum for creativity and expression. At Cardinal Wiseman we like to offer all students a variety of ways in which they can experience music, within the classroom, as part of extra-curricular activities, through individual instrumental lessons and through contributing to the spiritual life of the school. We believe all students, regardless of musical experience or ability, should be able to access Music and we aim to provide a curriculum and extra-curricular programme which enables them to achieve their potential.

"Music is the universal language of Mankind"

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

learning journey music 2023.pdf

Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9)

The music department provides a broad curriculum across all key stages, which shows clear progression and enables students to develop their skills on a variety of instruments and musical mediums. The curriculum enriches students’ knowledge and understanding of different musical genres and cultures through performing, composing and listening and analysis. Students are also given the opportunity to create music using specific musical software such as Garageband and LogicPro.

Year 7

  • Autumn Term: The Elements of Music
  • Spring Term: Rhythm
  • Summer Term: Keyboard Skills

Year 8

  • Autumn Term: Ukelele
  • Spring Term: African Drumming
  • Summer Term: Hooks and Riffs

Year 9

  • Autumn Term: Jazz Music
  • Spring Term: Film Music
  • Summer Term: What Makes a Good Song

Key Stage 4 (Years 7, 8 and 9)

GCSE

The Music GCSE course follows the EDEXCEL syllabus which continues to develop the three skills; performing, composing and listening and analysis. All three skills are assessed at the end of year 11, focusing on four Areas of Study:

  • Musical Forms and Devices
  • Music for Ensembles
  • Film Music
  • Popular Music

Assessment is on-going throughout the course. Formal assessments include:

  • Performing component - 1 solo/ensemble performance on your preferred instrument (normally in Dec of year 11)
  • 1 ensemble performance on your preferred instrument (normally in Jun of year 10)
  • Composing component -2 compositions completed in year 11
  • Listening exam
  • One exam (1 hour 30 min) with 2 sections, both of which focus on the four areas of study

Success and Achievements:

Some examples of musical events and successes in recent years at Cardinal Wiseman School are:

  • Music Showcases
  • Carol services
  • Drama and Music recitals,
  • GCSE and A level Music recitals
  • Weekly masses
  • African Drumming workshops
  • Tutti Project Singing workshops
  • End of term concerts
  • Gospel choir performances at various events including Ealing Youth Prom
  • Performances at open evenings and Celebration of Success events

Instrumental Lesson Timetables - Click here

Photograph is of a performance at our Expressive Arts Evening 2014

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