Music

Vision

Our Music curriculum challenges and inspires all students to develop their understanding of the world through music.

Our ambitious curriculum is designed to teach all students to think critically about music through listening, performing and composing. At the core of this is the use of keyboards, with the development of keyboard skills central to all of our learning. The ambition for all students is to be able to compose a chord sequence and melody, perform it with two hands on the keyboard and record it using a digital audio workstation by the end of Key Stage 3.

This challenging curriculum is built on the foundations of understanding the musical elements of rhythm, melody, harmony and texture. All students will broaden their musical horizons through  exposure to influential styles, traditions, artists and composers through directed listening in every lesson as well as listening and reading lists for each year group. This is supported and further enhanced by a co-curricular programme, which is accessible to all students. 

All students will develop their abilities to communicate ideas and perspectives through music; think critically about the impact of music on their emotions, cognition and behaviour and a deeper understanding of the cultural importance and contribution of music to their lives.  The music curriculum at Marlborough takes students’ pre-existing knowledge and skill in music and gives them the confidence to participate in music beyond the classroom. Whether that be further music education, a career in the music industry, participating in community music or for individual enjoyment. 

Curriculum Map

Each KS3 unit of work is linked to the Unit Overview which specifies core knowledge, vocabulary and forms of assessment. 

GCSE and A level courses are linked to the relevant exam board specification. 

The Marlborough School Music Development Plan 

Head of Department

Mr J Smith