Music
Key Stage 3
Music is taught through three areas of study at Northgate. These are listening, composing and performing. Key Stage 3 projects include world music, such as African drumming and Samba, a variety of popular music styles, such as Reggae, Britpop and Rock n Roll, and projects based on advert and film music using music technology to name a few. There is a strong emphasis placed on the elements of music and creativity, and many of the half-term projects are approached through practical music making in small groups. This group work encourages students to demonstrate the Northgate values such as determination and teamwork.
Extracurricular activities
Our extracurricular offer is reviewed each year and often changes depending on demand. Our groups include:
- Orchestra
- Choir(s) / Vocal Groups
- Rock School
- Jazz Band
- Theory Club
- String Ensemble
Instrumental Lessons
Instrumental lessons for most orchestral instruments, guitar, drum kit and piano are available.
A form to request tuition on orchestral instruments has already been issued to parents. The completed forms should be returned to Miss Tournay-Godfrey as soon as possible. Queries regarding payment should be direct to the school finance team.
Instruments are available for loan through the Suffolk Music Hub. To request an instrument, please complete the online form which can be found here:
Concerts and Shows
A number of regular concerts are organised both inside and of outside school, such as the annual Carol Service at St Margaret’s Church and the Northgate Spring Concert. The department also runs an annual Young Musician of the Year Competition which is open to students of all levels.
The School Show is staged at DanceEast and offers opportunities to be involved in performing and non-performing roles ranging from helping backstage, to technical and musical roles such as assisting with sound, and performing in the band.
For more detailed information about what is studied each term in Years 7 to 9, please see the curriculum overview at the bottom of this page.
Key Stage 4
What will students learn?
This course is divided into three units:
- Performing
- Composing
- Listening
Each unit will be integrated into a programme of study looking at a variety of styles and genres of music. The course will be divided into four main areas of study incorporating these different styles and genres. The four areas are as follows:
- Instrumental Music (1700-1820)
- Vocal Music
- Music for Stage and Screen
- Fusions
In each area of study, students will undertake an in depth study of two set works (a total of eight set works over two years). They will also be required to complete some wider listening of other pieces of music in a similar style and apply their knowledge to more unfamiliar music.
How will students be taught?
Students will be taught via a mixture of whole-class teaching, written and listening work, practical music exercises and practical performance sessions. Use of computers and recording equipment are common practice in the music department.
How will students be assessed?
60% of the course is coursework and students will be internally assessed for these units by their teacher. These units will then be moderated by an external examiner. The written examination is externally assessed.
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Performance coursework (30%): |
Students will perform at least two pieces (one piece MUST be as part of an ensemble). The two pieces must have a combined duration of four minutes in total. The second piece can be either as a soloist or as part of an ensemble. |
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Composition Coursework |
Students will submit two compositions in contrasting styles with a combined duration of at least three minutes. |
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Written Examination |
Students will sit a 1¾-hours written paper with listening CD. There are two parts to the exam.
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Examination Board & Course Type
Edexcel - GCSE Music (1MU0)
What can studying this subject lead to?
The course provides a good basis for study of Music at A level. It is advisable to boost knowledge with ABRSM Grade 5 theory if considering progressing to A level in the subject.
Revision Advice
A subject specific guide featuring key content, recommended resources and the specifications we cover in that particular subject can be downloaded below:
Teacher to contact for further information
Mrs C Rutter or Miss J Tournay-Godfrey