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Curriculum

Music

Curriculum intent, implementation, and impact

About the subject

“To practice any art, no matter how well or how badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it!” – Kurt Vonnegut

At HLC, Music is at the heart of our ethos, with all students studying the subject at Key Stage 3. We are incredibly proud of our students, whom we nurture to achieve their personal best and develop a deep appreciation for the power of music.

Our Music Team aims to inspire a love for the art form, capturing the imagination of students by introducing them to a wide variety of musical styles and traditions. Through this, we develop confident and creative individuals who are equipped to navigate the world around them. Students engage in practical music-making activities that encourage self-expression, helping them communicate ideas, emotions, and experiences through their music. As they progress, they develop critical listening skills and learn to evaluate their own work and the work of others.

In a supportive and respectful environment, students are encouraged to trust their musical abilities, building confidence and teamwork skills. Through studying different musical techniques and genres, students develop resilience, self-discipline, and a sense of wellbeing, which helps them overcome challenges and present themselves confidently in real-life situations.

We offer an extensive range of enrichment activities, including instrumental lessons, to give all students, regardless of ability, the chance to perform in a variety of events. Students with a passion and talent for music are supported in reaching their highest potential. We ensure that they have access to professional opportunities and experiences, preparing them for further study or a career in the music industry.

About the KS3 Curriculum intent, implementation, and impact

The curriculum is delivered primarily through practical activity with key concepts and theory being linked to skill development. Topics are chosen with the intent to engage all students and introduce a wide and varied diet of cultures and traditions whilst enabling them to explore the knowledge and skills that underpin these subjects. Each year schemes of work revisit essential previous knowledge & skills in greater depth, at a higher level or through different genres or traditions, helping student to embed key concepts into their long-term memory and to develop transferable skills. Students are encouraged to share and discuss their work regularly with occasional more formal assessments taking place in order to instil confidence in performance. 

The Music department aims to inspire a love for music and help students appreciate its relevance in today’s society. An ethos of respect and appreciation will be established alongside effective routines to support skill development. Students will be introduced to key musical terminology and apply it to practical tasks. The focus will be on participation, enjoyment, and collaboration, while also understanding the foundational elements of music.

In Music, students explore the key musical elements through activities that include listening, performing, and composing. A strong emphasis is placed on developing the techniques required to play an instrument or use the voice, something that many students may not have had the opportunity to do before. Participation in these musical activities provides a solid foundation for all further study, including the BTEC qualification undertaken at KS4.

In year 8 students revisit the concepts and skills introduced in year 7 which they then apply to a new selection of cultural material. There is greater focus on technique and interpretive skills, designed to equip the students with the necessary tools to undertake Music at KS4.

Students in year 8 will have developed resilience and be able to practice effectively on an instrument or develop suitable composition ideas. They should be able to perform back to the class with developing confidence as well as both self and peer assess accurately, using simple music vocabulary appropriately. They will appreciate the breadth of musical genres and show an awareness of some of the roles in the music industry.

Music Technology is introduced in the second rotation of year 8, giving students the opportunity to explore creative tasks using a DAW. This enables students to gain confidence in using Cubase software which will form a strong basis for the Year 9 Music Technology course and possibly leading to BTEC Music Technology at KS4

In Year 9, our curriculum enables them to consolidate skills taught in years 7 & 8 whilst gaining insight to the requirements of our vocational KS4 courses.  Students will experience a wide range of genres through which they will explore strategies enabling them to further develop their skills and technique.

Studying Music at Secondary School in the UK aims to develop students’ musical skills, creativity, and appreciation for diverse genres. By the end of Key Stage 3, students should be able to perform, compose, and listen critically, with an understanding of musical elements such as rhythm, melody, harmony, and structure. They will have developed technical skills on an instrument or voice and be confident in using these in various musical contexts, including solo and group performances.

Through practical activities, students build qualities such as discipline, resilience, and collaboration. They learn to work effectively in teams, share ideas, and communicate musically. Critical listening and analysis skills are also honed, helping students evaluate both their own work and that of others.

In addition, students will have a deeper understanding of music’s cultural significance and its role in society. These skills and qualities prepare them for further study in music, as well as equip them with transferable abilities like creativity, problem-solving, and self-expression, which are valuable for a wide range of future opportunities.

Key Stage 3 students are set tasks relevant to their current scheme of work. This may involve practising or revising material introduced in the lesson or it could be a research, appreciation or evaluation task. Homework tasks are handed out in lessons and published on Teams. 

We run an extensive extra-curricular programme designed to appeal to students with a variety of tastes, experiences and abilities. e.g.  

Vocal Group, Keyboard Club, Ukulele Club, Rock school & Instrumental lessons which are taught during the school day. These activities are open to students from all year groups.

Christmas Showcase: A celebration of all that taken place in Performing Arts through the autumn term.

Musical Production: Recent productions have included A Musical Mashup 2023, an evening of musical theatre, which was performed at Oakengates Theatre to great acclaim, and most recently We Will Rock You 2025 which we took to Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury for two evening performances as well as a matinee performed to primary students from across the Learning Community Trust.

Trips: We frequently run trips to theatres in Wolverhampton, Shrewsbury and Birmingham to watch professional live theatre & performances. This could a reward trip for those who contribute at a high level to our subjects or purely for entertainment.

We also run an annual residential trip to London for students who are considering continuing to study the Performing Arts at KS4 and beyond. We watch two West End shows and take part in workshops led by a professional cast member.

Other Enrichment opportunities:

We frequently take our students to perform in the local community, including in conjunction with other schools in the Trust.

We also host professional workshops annually across all performing arts disciplines. Occasionally, these workshops are led by former students who are now actively training or working within the Performing Arts industry. These young performers serve as inspirational role models, offering valuable guidance to those aspiring to pursue a career in the field.

The skills and qualities that students learn and develop through studying the Performing Arts will stand them in good stead for any career path and can equip them for many of life’s challenges.

  • Through the discipline of learning a specific skill, such as learning to play a musical instrument or studying a dance style, we develop student’s resilience.
  • We help to build self-esteem, confidence and respect for each other through the sharing our performance work and through the study of diverse cultures and traditions.
  • Performing Arts helps students to develop personal presentation and communication skills as well as promoting a healthy lifestyle.
  • Students develop creativity, imagination whilst exploring and reflecting on their own character and opinions.

About the KS4 Curriculum intent, implementation, and impact

At HLC, our Key Stage 4 Music curriculum is designed to deepen students’ understanding and appreciation of music, encouraging them to explore its significance in both personal and societal contexts. We foster a respectful and supportive environment where students are challenged to expand their musical skills while building confidence and creativity.

Students will refine their musical techniques through a combination of listening, performing, and composing activities. Students can choose between Music, which emphasises developing proficiency in playing an instrument or using their voice, and Music Technology, where the focus is on production and composition tasks. All of these activities not only enhance technical abilities but also encourage students to express themselves through music in a variety of styles and genres.

Key to our curriculum is the development of essential musical skills, including critical listening, analysis, and composition, preparing students for the practical and theoretical demands of the BTEC qualification in Music at KS4. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their musical journey, whether through solo or ensemble performances, creating original compositions, or offering technical support for school events.

The Music curriculum at HLC aims to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to pursue further study in music or to explore potential career opportunities in the music industry.

In Year 10 students in Music embark on the BTEC Tech Award in Music Practice. Students can opt for either the Music or Music Technology pathway. BTECs are vocationally related qualifications, where learners develop knowledge and understanding by applying their learning and practical skills in a work-related context. Additionally, they are popular and effective because they encourage learners to take responsibility for their own learning and to develop skills that are essential for the modern-day workplace. These skills include teamwork, working from a prescribed brief, working to deadlines and presenting information effectively. These qualifications open doors to progression into further study. 

Students must complete three components. Components 1 & 2 are moderated work, each forming 30% of the qualification. Component 3 is externally examined and worth 40% of the final grade.

Component 1: Exploring Music Products & Styles: This component will explore the techniques used in the creation of different musical products and investigate the key features of different musical styles.

Component 2: Music Skills Development: During this component, students will have the opportunity to develop two musical disciplines through engagement in practical tasks, while documenting their progress and planning for further improvement.

Component 3: Responding to a Music Brief: Students will be given the opportunity to develop and present music in response to a given music brief. develop composition skills using both music software and acoustic instruments to produce original compositions that respond to a specific brief.

Year 10 students focus on Component 1 for the first half of the year with the controlled assessment taking place in April – May. Students also develop their performing, composing and production skills as these underpin all three components.

In Year 11, Music students continue to follow the BTEC Tech award in Music Practice.

The set assignment for Component 2 will be released in October and students will start to complete assessed work which will be submitted for moderation in December.

From January students will prepare for and sit their externally assessed Component 3 exam which will take place in 23 hours of supervised time over a 12 week period.

Studying Music and Music Technology at Key Stage 4 provides students with the opportunity to further develop their musical and technical skills while exploring the role of music in society and the creative industries. By the end of Key Stage 4, students will have honed their ability to perform, compose, and critically analyse music, using both traditional instruments and digital technology. They will become proficient in music production techniques, including recording, editing, and mixing, while gaining hands-on experience with music software and equipment.

Through individual and collaborative projects, students will build key skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and effective communication. They will learn to work as part of a team in both live performance and studio environments, while developing resilience, organisation, and self-discipline.

In addition to practical skills, students will deepen their understanding of music theory, history, and its cultural significance, enabling them to make informed decisions in their own musical work. These skills prepare students for further study in music or music technology, as well as potential career paths in the music industry, including composition, performance, production and sound engineering.

Key Stage 4 Performing Arts students are set work each week that relates to the current BTEC unit being studied. This can include individual practice with subsequent reflection on their skill development and progress. It may be research into specific professional works which support the learning in lessons. Tasks and resources are always distributed in lessons as well as being published on Teams. 

We run an extensive extra-curricular programme designed to appeal to students with a variety of tastes, experiences and abilities. e.g.  

Vocal Group, Keyboard Club, Ukulele Club, Rock school & Instrumental lessons which are taught during the school day. These activities are open to students from all year groups.

Students enrolled in BTEC Music are also provided with opportunities to stay after school to practice their instruments, refine their ensemble skills, or further develop their composition and production skills in the music tech suite.

Christmas Showcase: A celebration of all that taken place in Performing Arts through the autumn term. Students studying Music BTEC are encouraged to participate in this performance opportunity, either through a solo or ensemble performance.

Musical Production: Recent productions have included A Musical Mashup 2023 an evening of musical theatre which was performed at Oakengates Theatre to great acclaim, and most recently We Will Rock You 2025 which we took to Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury for two evening performances as well as a matinee performed to primary students from across the Learning Community Trust.

Trips: We frequently run trips to theatres in Wolverhampton, Shrewsbury and Birmingham to watch professional live theatre & performances. This could be linked to students’ exam work, a reward trip for those who contribute at a high level to our subjects or purely for entertainment.

Other Enrichment opportunities:

We frequently take our students to perform in the local community, including in conjunction with other schools in the Trust.

We also host professional workshops annually across all performing arts disciplines. Occasionally, these workshops are led by former students who are now actively training or working within the Performing Arts industry. These young performers serve as inspirational role models, offering valuable guidance to those aspiring to pursue a career in the field.

The skills and qualities that students learn and develop through studying the Performing Arts will stand them in good stead for any career path and can equip them for many of life’s challenges. 

  • Through the discipline of learning a specific skill, such as learning to play a musical instrument or studying a dance style, we develop student’s resilience.
  • We help to build self-esteem, confidence and respect for each other through the sharing our performance work and through the study of diverse cultures and traditions.
  • Performing Arts helps students to develop personal presentation and communication skills as well as promoting a healthy lifestyle.
  • Students develop creativity, imagination whilst exploring and reflecting on their own character and opinions.
  • All KS4 Performing Arts courses include exploration of the various job roles and careers that make up the industry.

Several of our students continue to study A level and BTEC Performing Arts courses at post 16 providers, both at our local colleges and further afield. We are proud that our students tell us how well prepared they feel to take this step and are delighted that a significant few have progressed onto some of the most prestigious Performing Arts academies in the country.

A degree in Performing Arts subjects can lead in numerous directions; far too many to list here. As well as being an actor, dancer or musician, other possible careers include screenwriter, sound technician, choreographer, director, music therapist, stage manager, arts administrator and, of course, teacher.

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