Music
Introduction
The music department at Isleworth & Syon is a vibrant and dynamic area of the school which aims to encourage all students to participate in musical activities, through both the varied and challenging classwork, and through a vast array of extra-curricular activities.
We encourage as many students as possible to take part in performances to demonstrate ability across the whole spectrum. The programme comprises of performances rehearsed in class time and at extra-curricular clubs. We also encourage students to set up and rehearse their own ensembles.
Instrumental lessons are arranged in the school, using specialist peripatetic teachers provided by the Hounslow Music Service, ensuring that all students at Isleworth & Syon are given the opportunity to learn an instrument formally during their time at the school and pursue accredited music qualifications.
Our Music Development Plan gives further information.
KS3
Summary
At Key Stage 3, students explore a host of musical genres and styles practically through performance, composition, listening and appraising. Students use their voice, percussion instruments, keyboards, music technology and their own instrumental disciplines to succeed and develop as musicians.
Curriculum Content
Year 7
Curriculum
Pulse & Rhythm
This unit introduces pupils’ awareness to the importance of pulse and rhythm as a fundamental upon which music is built and performed.
Voiceworks
This unit develops pupils’ ability to explore the voice through singing a wide range of different types and styles of songs, developing their ability to sing music in two (or more) parts.
Keyboard Skills
Students develop their keyboard skills and learn to read and write musical notation.
Introduction to Sequencing
All students will develop skills and an understanding of music production using Logic Pro X software.
British Folk Music
Students study and perform traditional music from the British Isles and explore how it has influenced modern music.
Pentatonic Composition
All students explore the pentatonic scale and compose original pieces in a number of styles.
Assessment
Pulse & Rhythm
Composition and listening assessment using classroom instruments and music technology.
Voiceworks
Practical assessment in singing with a range of listening and appraising tasks.
Keyboard Skills
A range of keyboard performance and composition challenges to rehearse and showcase.
Introduction to Sequencing
Students are assessed through a series of music production activities in addition to a key terms assessment.
British Folk Music
Practical assessments using voice and guitars. Summative key terms assessment.
Pentatonic Composition
Students are assessed on their progression throughout several lessons on keyboards and tuned percussion.
Progress & Preparation Activities (PPA)
PPA will be communicated with students via PARS / INSIGHT and will be hosted on their Teams music classroom.
Further Resources
The school has a subscription to The Day, an online news service for schools. Click the button to the right, then browse ‘Subjects’ in the top menu to find music resources.
Please see below for a number of resources to maximise students’ progress during their Year 8 curriculum.
- MusicTheory.net – a useful website that will help with music theory
- BBC Bitesize: KS3 Music – an informative website with information on music-making as well as the language of theory of music.
- 8Notes -free sheet music and lessons.
- NyphilKids.org – a fun and informative website about the orchestra with quizzes and games.
Curriculum
Space Music
Students explore chromaticism and timbres used to create atmospheric music.
Melody & Ostinato
Focuses on how composers combined ranges and patterns of notes to create an intended outcome.
Blues
Explores the history of blues and its influence on today’s music.
All About the Bass
Students explore the bass clef, bass line patterns, riffs and walking bass patterns.
Riffs and Rock Music
Explores how riffs are created and their influence on creating popular music from the 1960s onwards.
Film Music
Introduces students to the musical devices used in film music with a particular focus on leitmotifs.
Assessment
Space Music
Students will be assessed on a number of short compositions which feature chromaticism, elements and suitable timbres.
Melody & Ostinato
Performance and composition assessments using voice, classroom instruments and music technology.
Blues
Practical assessments using voice / guitars. Pupils also compose their own Blues song. End of unit key terms assessment.
All About the Bass
Practical challenges using double bass, bass guitar , guitar and keyboard. Summative key terms assessment.
Film Music
Practical assessments – performances and short compositions with film music characteristics.
Progress & Preparation Activities (PPA)
PPA will be communicated with students via PARS / INSIGHT and will be hosted on their Teams music classroom.
Further Resources
The school has a subscription to The Day, an online news service for schools. Click the button to the right, then browse ‘Subjects’ in the top menu to find music resources.
Please see below for a number of resources to maximise students’ progress during their Year 8 curriculum.
- MusicTheory.net – a useful website that will help with music theory
- BBC Bitesize: KS3 Music – an informative website with information on music-making as well as the language of theory of music.
- 8Notes -free sheet music and lessons.
- ClassicsforKids.com – a creative website where students can compose their own music without any additional software at home.
Curriculum
4 Chords
This unit develops students understanding and application of chords. We also explore a GCSE set work by Queen.
Video Game Music
Students explore character and ground themes as well as sound effects I computer and video game soundtracks.
African Drumming
This unit develops students’ understanding of polyrhythmic music and African drumming techniques and conventions.
The Popular Song
Students explore approaches to popular song-writing forms including stylistic features, harmony and music technology techniques.
Songwriting
Students explore songwriting and lyric writing to prepare them for GCSE Music set work study.
Song Production
Students produce a high-quality composition demonstrating their progress in the art of songwriting and music production.
Assessment
4 Chords
Listening and Appraising tasks with a range of composition challenges. End of unit key terms assessment.
Video Game Music
Composition and performance assessments using Logic Pro X. Listening activities as well as an end of unit key terms assessment.
African Drumming
Practical ensemble and small group assessments, with group composition challenges.
The Popular Song
Practical assessments using GCSE assessment criteria for solo and ensemble performance skills.
Songwriting
Songwriting tasks with a range of composition challenges. End of unit key terms assessment.
Song Production
Composition and arrangement challenges with some listening assessments. End of unit key terms assessment.
Progress & Preparation Activities (PPA)
PPA is set on Insight / Parent Portal by class teachers generally on a weekly basis.
Further Resources
The school has a subscription to The Day, an online news service for schools. Click the button to the right, then browse ‘Subjects’ in the top menu to find music resources.
Please see below for a number of resources to maximise students’ progress during their Year 9 curriculum.
- MusicTheory.net – a useful website that will help with music theory
- BBC Bitesize: KS3 Music – an informative website with information on different musical styles and well known composers.
- Incredibox – a website that helps students understand some compositional techniques.
KS4
Summary
At GCSE, students now study the Edexcel syllabus and further develop their ability to perform, compose, listen and appraise through musical strands that encompass the Western Classical tradition, World Music and Popular traditions. The students work as an ensemble to compose and perform original music for the annual school production. Students will explore four areas of study which focus on different genres of music. These will all be experienced through a variety of listening, analysis, performing and composing activities.
In addition to helping students acquire subject knowledge, this subject:
- Provides students with the opportunity to gain self-confidence through performing to others;
- Develops team-working skills through performing and composing with others;
- Extends students’ creative skills through composing music;
- Encourages the understanding of the importance of continuous evaluation and refinement in any musical process.
GCSE Music
Specification Code: 1MU0
Level: GCSE
Examination Board: Edexcel
Curriculum
Over the two-year course, students will study the following topics:
- Instrumental Music 1700-1820
- Vocal Music
- Music for Stage & Screen
- Fusions
Assessment
All assessments are taken at the end of Year 11.
Unit 1 – Listening to and Appraising Music
Written examination – 1 hour 30 minutes – 40% of GCSE grade
Unit 2 – Performing Music
Controlled assessment – 1 solo performance, 1 ensemble performance (60 marks) – 30% of GCSE grade
Unit 3 – Composing Music
Controlled assessment – 1 composition to a brief, 1 free composition – 30% of GCSE grade
Further Resources
The school has a subscription to The Day, an online news service for schools. Click the button to the right, then browse ‘Subjects’ in the top menu to find music resources.
Please see below for a number of resources to maximise students’ progress during their Year 10 curriculum.
- BBC Bitesize: GCSE Music – Website that is designed for students to help them revise for their Listening to an Appraising Music exam paper which also provides ideas for their compositions.
- MusicTheory.net – A useful website that aids students with interval and cadence recognition which is a major part in the written exam paper.
- Cram.com – a very useful website that can be used for all subjects! Students can create their own revision cards and share with their peers.
KS5
Summary
In Sixth Form, students study the RSL Subsidiary Diploma for Music Practitioners which provides a music industry qualification which equips students with the skills, knowledge and understanding for entry into the music industry or progression to further study at a higher level.
The qualification offers practical structures learning with the flexibility to specialise in different disciplines relevant to employment within the music industry: performance, composition and music technology.
The qualification focuses upon the recognition of achievement through practical musical skills, production skills and technical skills as well as offering flexibility of unit combination.
RSL Subsidiary Diploma for Music Practitioners
Specification Code: 7691
Level: Tech A level
Examination Board: RSL
Curriculum
Learners can follow one of three pathways – Performing, Composing or Technology.
Those on the performing pathway undertake an externally assessed core unit (Rehearsal & Performance), which requires learners to work to a brief, set with input from industry practitioners (employers) specific to the area of specialism. In addition, they take an internally assessed core unit (Planning a Career in Music) together with a number of optional units that can develop their skills and understanding of musicianship, repertoire, rehearsal, promotion, and live/recorded performance.
Those on the composing pathway undertake an externally assessed core unit (Composing & Sequencing), which requires learners to work to a brief, set with input from industry practitioners (employers) specific to the area of specialism. In addition, they take an internally assessed core unit (Planning a Career in Music) together with a number of optional units that can develop their skills and understanding of composing and arranging skills, musicianship, repertoire, collaboration, promotion, historical and contextual issues and realisation of repertoire.
Those on the technology pathway undertake an externally assessed core unit (Live Sound Recording & Sound Reinforcement), which requires learners to work to a brief, set with input from industry practitioners (employers) specific to the area of specialism. In addition, they take an internally assessed core unit (Planning a Career in Music) together with a number of optional units that can develop their skills and understanding of acoustics, inputs and levels, recording and sequencing skills, mixing and production, manipulation, historical and contextual issues and realisation of their repertoire.
Assessment
There are three bands of assessment: Pass, Merit and Distinction for each unit. There are no examinations – 100% project portfolio work. Assessments are ongoing across the two years of study.
Further Resources
The school has a subscription to The Day, an online news service for schools. Click the button to the right, then browse ‘Subjects’ in the top menu to find music resources.
Please see below for a number of resources to maximise students’ progress during their curriculum.
- Exam Board – A useful website that outlines the details of the course and requirements of students.
- Music Gurus – easy, affordable lessons and feedback from professional musicians.
- Teoria.com – a revision website that helps students practice aural dictation, recognise chord movements and cadences
Extra-Curricular
The music department is pleased to offer a range of extra-curricular activities to all students at Key Stages 3, 4 and 5.
Extra-Curricular Ensembles
There are also a number of groups organised by the department for breaktime, lunchtime and after school. These include:
- I&S Big Band
- I&S Concert Orchestra
- The InSpire Vocal Crew
- Guitar Ensemble
School Events
- Senior Awards Evening (December);
- Winter Concert (December);
- Whole School Production (January);
- Drama & Music Showcase (March);
- Summer Arts Festival (July);
- Key Stage 3 Awards Evening (July);
- End-of-term assemblies (December, March/April, July);
- Any other assemblies where the opportunity arises.
- Battle of the Bands
- School album
MORE: View the extra-curricular timetable.
Music Instrument Lessons
Music instrument lessons are taught by visiting tutors from Hounslow Music Service. As well as 10 weekly lessons per term, students can enter public music examinations on their chosen instrument(s).
To apply for lessons, please read the information sheet below and then click the ‘Apply Now’ button underneath:
