Music

Curriculum Intent 

The Music curriculum at Bradford Girls’ Grammar School is underpinned by the idea of sound before symbol. This means that at every stage of the learning journey, musical knowledge is always gained through a range of practical and audible experiences. In lessons students learn to perform, compose and appraise music from a variety of styles and genres in a nurturing and supportive environment.

Through practical activities students build technical instrumental skills on the keyboard, guitar, ukulele, percussion and vocals from Year 7 to Year 9. Pupils from both phases can also explore instruments through peripatetic lessons to further develop their skills and understanding. The instrumental skills built in KS3 then allow students to access the curriculum at Key Stage 4, where students currently study the Edexcel GCSE Music specification. This allows them to specialise on their chosen instrument(s) to perform as both a soloist and part of an ensemble. Throughout their time studying Music, students are given opportunities to work with others, improving listening and communication skills.

Theoretical musical knowledge is embedded at every stage of the curriculum appropriate to age and key stage in order to provide the foundations for further in-depth study. By exploring a broad range of musical styles students are able to build cultural capital and gain an understanding of social and historical context. This develops not only their musical knowledge but respect and empathy for other cultures. This then feeds into their study at KS4, where they learn 8 set works from a variety of styles and genres.

In Music all students can achieve and make progress, regardless of background or needs, and is designed to support and challenge students where appropriate. Music links to a number of subjects, such as Maths, History, and English. Music also helps to develop motor/coordination skills through learning different instruments and oracy/literacy skills through peer and self-evaluation. 

Music Development Plan 2024-25

Music Intent and Implementation and Impact