Music
Introduction to Music at Harris Academy Morden
Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. At HAMD we aim to give students a grounding in true musicianship and cultivate a love and curiosity for the subject.
Students learn essential musical skills including reading music, analysing music, both in writing and listening, the ability to describe music using specific musical vocabulary, composing, and performing. Students will also have the opportunity to explore a variety of instruments, genres, and cultural music; find their niche, and develop skills on an instrument and in several styles.
Music at Harris Academy Morden follows requirements set by the National Curriculum for Music in KS3 and expands on key skills students should have learned at KS2 such as developing an awareness and sense of pulse, moving to a beat, an introduction to the instruments of the orchestra, and music reading. Students' exposure to these key musical concepts will vary by the primary school, so will be covered in relative depth in KS3 to ensure all students have a solid foundation in essential musical skills and understanding.
A wide variety of genres, periods, and styles are explored, taking time to connect music to events in history, major pieces of literature and art, and show students that music is just as connected to their world as any other subject. We also look at music from different cultures, giving students a world experience that reaches beyond the classroom and gives them a glimpse into the wider world.
Students will engage deeply with music through a holistic approach, incorporating theory, analysis, evaluation, performance, and composition in each topic. This gives them a ‘real world’ experience as budding musicians.
Students with special educational needs and English as an additional language will be catered to in a variety of ways including grouping and pairing with students of like, or higher ability depending on what is most appropriate to the task. Differentiated resources to ensure material is accessible and scaffolded where appropriate, and Music as a subject are taught using kinaesthetic, aural, and visual methods to teach in a variety of learning styles.
Students are held to high standards in music. This allows them to have pride in their work, developing a sense of discipline, which cultivates creativity and inspires confidence in their performance abilities in front of their peers.
Topics covered at KS4 are explored in an accessible way as in KS3, For example, Film Music, The Blues in KS3 codeveloped within Music for Ensemble in KS4. Cover Songs reflecting Popular Music. This sequencing is deliberately challenging learners as they develop on their musical expedition. The foundation in basic music theory established in KS3 extended in KS4 students step into GCSE Music with confidence. The breadth and depth covered in KS4 also prepares students for a future in Music in KS5 should they wish to pursue the subject further.
