Head of Faculty: Mr A Worrell
Second in Faculty: Ms E Clark
Key Stage 3
During Key Stage 3 students follow the revised National Curriculum with links to the new GCSE specification and ISM guidelines for progress. The emphasis is very much upon practical musicianship and acquiring practical music skills.
Lesson content in KS3 varies half-termly from composing game or film music, through to whole class performance, and small pop group practice. Theory and musical literacy reinforce the practical learning, and as a Mac-based department, students are encouraged to use Garageband and Logic.
All students are strongly encouraged to opt for instrumental lessons should they wish to, and these are primarily provided by NYCC Music Service, Hatton’s School of Performing Arts, and East Coast Vagabonds. All instrumental disciplines are offered and students in receipt of certain benefits may receive free or subsidised lessons on their first study starting in KS3. Once at the required standard students are encouraged to take ABRSM and/or Trinity examinations, and to join the Scarborough Area Music Centre ensembles to enhance their performance opportunities.
Key Stage 4
GCSE Music
Exam Board: EDUQAS Music
The KS4 Eduqas course comprises of three main components:
Component 1: Performing
Component 2: Composing
Component 3: Appraising
The Eduqas exam requires students to sit a final 40% listening paper on set works and musical elements in addition to performing and composing their own music during KS4, and submit a portfolio at the end of the course.
All KS4 Music students are expected to perform regularly in all Faculty internal and external events.
The school runs a weekly choir, as well as a school band and lunchtime piano club. Once at the appropriate standard, GCSE students are expected to play in the school ensemble as well as providing smaller ensembles for productions and concerts. In the last five years we have also run Musical Theatre extra-curricular productions such as Little Shop of Horrors, Grease, High School Musical and We Will Rock You.
