Music

Music

Music is more than singing in tune or striking a drum in time to the beat. In Music at The Laurels, the emphasis is on cultivating a love and appreciation of music while developing our pupils’ skills in performance, composing and appraisal. We offer all our pupils the opportunity to develop their listening and communication skills whilst learning how significant musical works and genres have shaped our world.

“I cannot write poetically, for I am no poet. I cannot make fine artistic phrases that cast light and shadow, for I am no painter. I can neither by signs nor by pantomime express my thoughts and feelings, for I am no dancer; but I can by tones, for I am a musician.”  Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Performance is highly valued and strongly encouraged through regular performance tasks in class and co-curricular opportunities. Pupils are to reflect on their own and other’s performances and strive to do their best. In the development of composition skills we aim to teach our pupils a wide range of musical styles and techniques that will give them the tools they need to express their own personal ideas with clarity and confidence. Listening is encouraged through the regular appraisal of significant musical works and peer appraisal of compositions and performances. We want to develop pupils who are considerate listeners, who understand their own minds and can critique others with intelligence and thoughtfulness.

My Learning at The Laurels

You will participate actively in Music lessons where you will work independently, in groups and in pairs on a variety of listening, performance and composition tasks. These activities will help you to develop good communication skills and explore your creative side in a supportive environment. You will be able to get involved in the many co-curricular activities on offer including Singing, Orchestral Ensembles and Music Theory,and participate in regular public performances.

Course Content

KS3
Years 7 to 9

Each year group from Year 7 to 9 will study a different genre of music each term, ranging from significant Classical works, through to Jazz, Blues and contemporary classical and popular styles. Pupils listen to music from the genre they are studying and learn the correct musical vocabulary to describe and appraise the music in depth. Performance and composition tasks are used as a tool to widen the breadth of our pupils understanding of each genre and to give them opportunities to explore their own creative ideas.

Each term pupils participate in class discussions, performances and composition tasks. We take every opportunity to enrich the curriculum by taking advantage of the close proximity of London’s cultural venues and events.

KS4
Years 10 and 11

Edexcel GCSE Music provides students with the opportunity to focus on three key areas of musicianship: Composition, Performance, and Appraisal.

Students will be taking their Music GCSE in Year 11. During the year students will compose two pieces of music, of at least three minutes’ combined duration: one composition to a set brief, and one free composition set by the students. Each composition is worth 15% of the total GCSE.

Students will perform a minimum of two pieces for their performance. A solo performance piece (which can have piano accompaniment or a backing track) and an ensemble performance with other musicians. Each performance is worth 15% of the total GCSE.

At the end of the two years, students will complete a 90-minute exam paper covering four areas of study:

•            Instrumental Music 1700—1820

•            Vocal Music

•            Music for Stage and Screen

•            Fusions

Examination Board

Edexcel GCSE

Clubs and Enrichment



•            School Choirs

•            Music Theory

•            Solfege Club

•            Chamber Music Ensemble

•            String Ensemble

•            Composition Club

•            Theatrical/Pop music club

•            Music appreciation

•            Musical Theatre and Opera Trips

•            Composition workshops

•            Body Percussion workshops

•            World Music workshops

•            Masterclasses