Music at Leckford Place

The Music Department occupies a unique position in the life of Leckford Place School and is one of the busiest places in the school. It plays a dual role; both to educate pupils in the classroom, as well as enriching pupils’ school experience through musical instrument lessons, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, and school and community concerts.

Music in the curriculum

The Music Department offers classroom programmes at all year levels. In Years 7-9, all pupils study music for two lessons a week. They are given the opportunity to build on the knowledge, understanding and skills acquired at Key Stage Two. Pupils acquire skills in performing, both as an individual and in a group. They learn to create and develop music by improvising and composing, and develop knowledge and understanding of a range of music styles through listening and appraising. They learn to respond critically and perceptively to music. Pupils study a range of topics including: blues and jazz, song writing, musical elements and notation, instruments, world music, music for special occasions, programme music, music and media, rap, the history of music, and composing for a dramatic production. Learning is facilitated through a variety of practical and theoretical activities; singing, performing, improvising, composing, listening, appraising, and research. Learning takes place as a class, in smaller groups, and as individuals. Pupils are assessed formatively throughout each term, and through a variety of summative practical and written tasks. Short homework tasks are set on a regular basis, to support classroom learning.

Music as a GCSE option

Pupils who choose music in Years 10 and 11 take music at GCSE level. The Edexcel GCSE in Music allows the study of music through the integration of performing, composing, listening and appraising. The course gives pupils the opportunity to develop a life-long interest in music, and to progress to further study in music. Classroom work in Key Stage Three provides a strong foundation for Music study at GCSE. In addition, pupils who select the music GCSE option should be taking private or school lessons on their chosen performance instrument. The expected level of performance for GCSE is Grade 4. Pupils are also strongly encouraged to participate in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.

Instrument tuition

Significant numbers of pupils at Leckford Place School choose to enrich their school experience through enrolment in the musical instrument lesson programme. Students may wish to prepare for external practical and theory exams, or learn to play an instrument for enjoyment. Tuition is provided by specialist instrument tutors who visit the school on a weekly basis. Lessons run on a rotating timetable during the school day, to ensure minimum impact on pupils’ academic programme. Instrument tuition is available to all students and covers a wide range of instruments and musical styles: Acoustic guitar, Clarinet, Saxophone, Electric Guitar, Keyboard, Music Technology, Drums, Voice, Bass Guitar, Piano and Violin. Instrument pupils have the opportunity to enrol in external exams and perform at school concerts and events.