Music
Music
At The Angmering School, the Music curriculum is built around the school values of Ambition, Respect and Courage. We aim to inspire students to become confident performers, creative composers and thoughtful listeners who develop a lifelong appreciation of music in all its forms. Through practical and theoretical experiences, students are encouraged to be ambitious in their musical development, show courage in performance and creativity, and demonstrate respect for a wide range of musical traditions, cultures and styles.
Music contributes significantly to students’ wider education and personal development by promoting creativity, collaboration, resilience and self-expression. Students learn to communicate effectively, work as part of an ensemble and evaluate their own work constructively. The subject also develops transferable skills such as problem solving, organisation, teamwork and confidence, all of which support future education and employment opportunities. Through exposure to world music, popular music, classical traditions and music technology, students gain valuable cultural capital and broaden their understanding of different communities and artistic traditions.
Our curriculum is designed to ensure that all students develop the essential skills of performing, composing, listening and appraising. Students learn how music is created, structured and communicated while building technical proficiency on instruments, through singing and through music technology. Opportunities for live performance, composition and collaborative work ensure that students experience music as both an academic and creative discipline.
The Music curriculum is ambitious and inclusive for all learners. Lessons are carefully planned to support students with SEND and disadvantaged students through adaptive teaching, modelling, scaffolding and practical learning opportunities. Students are encouraged to participate regardless of prior musical experience, with access to instruments, technology and extra-curricular opportunities helping to remove barriers to participation. Our curriculum fully reflects the National Curriculum requirements for Music, ensuring that students perform, compose, listen critically and develop an understanding of music from different traditions and historical periods.
Students say…
“Music lessons help me build confidence because we are always encouraged to perform and try new things.”
“I enjoy learning about different styles of music and using music technology to create my own pieces.”
“The extra-curricular clubs are really welcoming and give everyone a chance to get involved.”
What are the key features of the programmes of study?
Music follows the National Curriculum and is centred around the three key areas of performing, composing and appraising. Students develop practical musicianship through singing, instrumental work, composition projects, listening activities and the use of music technology. The curriculum explores a broad range of musical styles, genres and traditions.
What will my child study in year 7?
Students study a range of introductory projects designed to build confidence and musical foundations. Topics include reading and playing music, keyboard skills, composing melodies, creating mood music and using music technology.
What will my child study in year 8?
Students further develop their understanding of musical structure and style through projects including Reggae Music, The Blues, Ground Bass Variations and Pop Song Performance.
What will my child study in year 9?
Students explore more advanced and independent musical work through topics including World Music, Popular Music Conventions, Individual and Group Performance, Film and Video Game Music, Songwriting and Remixing.
How are the groups organised?
Students are taught in mixed-ability groups throughout Years 7, 8 and 9.
What equipment is needed?
Students are expected to bring their standard school equipment. Instruments, keyboards and music technology resources are provided within lessons. Students receiving peripatetic instrumental lessons should bring their own instrument where appropriate.
What assessment is used? (formative and summative)
Students are assessed regularly through practical performances, composition tasks and listening activities. Assessment includes both formative assessment during lessons and summative assessment at the end of projects.
How do you give feedback to students?
Students receive verbal feedback during practical work alongside peer and self-assessment opportunities. Progress is tracked using assessment logs through Google Classroom and pupil progress, enabling students to reflect on and improve their work over time.
What course(s) is/are offered?
Pearson BTEC Tech Award in Music Practice
What will my child study in year 10?
Students develop practical performance and composition skills while exploring the music industry and professional working practices. Learners complete coursework projects linked to rehearsal, music creation and performance. PSA 1.
What will my child study in year 11?
Students continue to develop their practical and creative skills while preparing for the externally assessed component. Work includes responding to musical briefs, refining performance techniques and completing coursework portfolios. PSA 2 and 3.
How is the course assessed?
The course is assessed through a combination of internally assessed coursework units and an externally assessed component.
What course(s) is/are offered?
We offer the RSL Level 3 Diploma in Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA). This vocational qualification is equivalent to 1.5 A-levels and provides a flexible, multi-disciplinary pathway for students to develop professional-level skills across Dance, Drama, and Music.
Link to specifications
You can view the full course units and assessment guidelines directly on the exam board's website: RSL Level 3 Creative and Performing Arts Specification.
What will my child study in year 12?
Students build advanced practical techniques and industry knowledge through workshops and projects.
Performance Modules: Specialised training in Dance - Choreography, Drama - Approaches to Acting, and Music - Ensemble Performance.
Professional Development: The mandatory unit Internal - Careers in the Arts, where students explore the financial, practical, and operational realities of working in the creative industries.
What will my child study in year 13?
Students refine their chosen specialism and focus on professional-grade execution, to become industry ready performers.
Advanced Training: Units include Dance - Ensemble Performance, Drama - Vocal Techniques, and Music - Solo Performance.
External Assessment: Preparation for the major External Exam where students work to a tight, industry-style brief to mount a final showcase.
How is the course assessed?
The course is fully vocational and split into 7 units over two years:
- 6 Internally Assessed Units: Graded through practical performance showcases, video recordings, rehearsals, and digital portfolios.
- 1 Externally Assessed Unit: A major performance project set and marked directly by RSL examiners to test industry readiness.
What will the course allow me to progress to in the future?
Higher Education: Earns up to 84 UCAS points (Distinction*), facilitating entry into Performing Arts Conservatoires, Dance Academies, or University degrees.
Industry Portfolios: Helps students curate high-quality showreels and audition pieces for direct entry into commercial performance, theatre, or live music work.
Transferable Paths: Develops project management, public presentation, and elite teamwork skills crucial for careers in creative producing, event management, media, and education.
The Music department combines strong practical expertise with a passion for developing creativity and confidence in all students. Lessons are highly interactive and include performing, composing, listening, discussion and the use of music technology to engage students in active musical learning. Teaching approaches include modelling, guided practice, collaborative ensemble work and regular opportunities for students to perform and refine their work.
Knowledge retention is supported through regular revisiting of key musical vocabulary, notation, rhythm patterns and listening skills across all year groups. Retrieval practice is embedded through starter activities, low-stakes quizzes, performance recall and repeated application of musical concepts in new contexts. Students build progressively on prior learning so that skills and understanding become increasingly secure over time.
Music makes a strong contribution to literacy through the development of specialist vocabulary, analytical discussion and evaluative writing. Numeracy is developed through rhythm, counting, timing, beat subdivision and musical structures. Technology plays an important role within the curriculum, with students using music software and digital resources to compose, record, edit and evaluate music.
Homework is set half termly to support and extend classroom learning. Tasks are set using a dedicated interactive music platform Teaching Gadget.
The Music department offers a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities designed to enrich students’ musical experiences and build confidence beyond the classroom. Current opportunities include Vocalise choir, Blue Monkeys jazz band, Band Shack rehearsal sessions and KS4 music workshops. Students also have access to instrumental and vocal tuition across a range of instruments including guitar, drums, keyboard, brass, woodwind, strings, DJing and singing.
Concerts and performances are regular features of school life and provide students with opportunities to perform publicly, develop teamwork and celebrate their achievements. These activities broaden students’ cultural capital by exposing them to a range of musical genres, performance settings and collaborative experiences. Extra-curricular activities support and extend the taught curriculum by allowing students to apply classroom learning in authentic and creative contexts.
