Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Academic year that this summary covers | 2024 – 2025 |
| Date this summary was published | September 2024 |
| Date this summary will be reviewed | September 2025 |
| Name of the school music lead | Charlotte Okunlola |
| Name of school leadership team member with responsibility for music (if different) | Justine York |
| Name of local music hub | Walsall Music Education Hub and Service |
| Name of other music education organisation(s) (if partnership in place) | n/a |
This is a summary of how our school delivers music education to all our pupils across three areas – curriculum music, co-curricular provision and musical experiences – and what changes we are planning in future years. This information is to help pupils and parents or carers understand what our school offers and who we work with to support our pupils’ music education.
Part A: Curriculum Music
This is about what we teach in lesson time, how much time is spent teaching music and any music qualifications or awards that pupils can achieve.
| In key stage 3 all pupils study music for one hour once every two weeks throughout the academic year. They cover a range of topics focusing on the strands of performance, composition and appraising music. Pupils also learn how to use music technology using GarageBand and Logic Pro software to create and produce music. Pupils use MIDI keyboards to record in their performance parts and then edit it (change instrument sounds, make it more in time, add loops, change the volume and panning) using music technology software. The progression model is based on the Model Music Curriculum (March 2021) In each year group there are two topics taught throughout the year which link with each other to deepen pupils’ knowledge, skills and understanding. There is a practical assessment (composition or performance) and listening assessment each year based on the two topics and theory they have been focusing on. The elements of music are interweaved throughout each topic and are a focal point in assessments. There is one music technology suite with enough computers for one per pupil and one classroom with enough keyboards for one between 2 pupils. The topics that students cover are: Year 7 Jazz – Performance – Solo Performance (Keyboard) Rock ‘n’ Roll – Ensemble Performance (Keyboard) Year 8 Film Music – Solo Performance (Keyboard) Video Game Music – Composition (GarageBand) Year 9 Rap and Hip Hop – Performance (Keyboard) Rap and Hip Hop -Composition (Logic Pro) All pupils participate and follow the same music curriculum. Students with additional needs, and pupils with SEND are supported through providing then with instruments that are adapted for them (e.g. smaller instruments and equipment where necessary). There is also a music specialist academic mentor in a small number of KS3 classes, and rehearsal spaces are available if required. The class teacher also works with individual students to meet their needs (e.g. playing the music quieter if needed, using glockenspiels rather than keyboards to meet sensory needs, all pupils have access to headphones to use the equipment either individually or in pairs to reduce overall classroom noise). In KS4 pupils currently opt for the BTEC tech award qualification (2022). Year 11 pupils have 5 music lessons per fortnight. Pupils are given the opportunity to borrow a school instrument if they do not have access to their own instrument to practice at home. Pupils have access to one of 5 practice rooms during lessons and after school to rehearse on their instrument. The course is made up of three components: Musical Styles Music Development Responding to a brief In each component pupils build upon the performance, composition and appraisal skills they have learned in KS3. Graded Instrumental Exams Grace Academy Darlaston also provides musical instrument lessons in drum kit, trumpet, trombone, electric guitar, acoustic guitar and bass guitar. In learning these instruments pupils can take graded RSL or ABRSM grades on their instrument. Where students achieve grade 6 or above in a graded music exam they count towards UCAS points for applications to higher education. Music Hub Grace Academy Darlaston has a partnership with the Walsall Music Education Hub and service. The instrumental lessons and instrument hire are provided by the hub and are paid for by the school. The Music leader regularly attends networking meetings with the hub in order to support and enhance the music curriculum. |
Part B: Music Enrichment
This is about opportunities for pupils to sing and play music, outside of lesson time, including choirs, ensembles and bands, and how pupils can make progress in music beyond the core curriculum.
| Music tuition is offered Monday through to Thursday during enrichment+ for one hour after school. All lessons and ensembles are open to all pupils and some groups have a waiting list. Instrumental lessons in guitar, drum kit and brass are paid for by the school, and ensemble opportunities are provided for free by Grace Academy staff. Pupils do not have to study music to attend music lessons, and they are open to all pupils including Post 16. To find out more about lessons or to join the waiting list for instrumental tuition pupils should speak to the Head of Music, Mrs Okunlola. Current out of hours enrichment consists of: Guitar Lessons Beginners (small group) Guitar/ Bass lesson KS4 (delivered as one to one and small group lessons to support pupils working at a higher grade and towards graded exams) Drum kit (The drum teacher works with students one to one, rotating throughout the hour) Brass (small group 30 minutes KS3) Brass (small group – 30 minutes KS4) Voice Squad (Large group – 1 hour KS3) Rock ‘n’ Pop Bands (KS4) Musical Theatre Club (1 hour) Pupils who take part in guitar and brass lessons are able to loan an instrument from the music hub, paid for by Grace Academy. Pupils who study music at KS4 are able to loan an instrument from the music department at no cost. Pupils having guitar, drums and brass lessons can take graded exams on their instrument through Rock School (guitar and drums) and ABRSM (brass). The department has 5 practice rooms available for pupils to rehearse. Instrumental tuition and ensembles take place within the practice rooms and classrooms on Monday to Thursday after school. Pupils may use the practice rooms for rehearsal and this can be arranged with the Head of Music. |
Part C: Musical Experiences 2024/2025
| All events are free for pupils and parents to attend. Pupils from all year groups can perform/ take part in the experiences unless specified below. Christmas Fayre: Voice squad performs at the Christmas Fayre. Christmas Performing Arts Showcase: A showcase of the ensemble, solo and BTEC work. Walsall Young Musician of the year: Pupils send in a video of themselves performing their instrument to the music hub to be in the chance to become Walsall’s Young Musician. Singing Festival: A festival of singing organised by the music hub. The voice squad will learn more about their voice through this singing workshop which will end in a final performance of three songs with other schools that they have never performed before. Musical: Throughout the year an auditioned cast from KS3 work on the school production. Summer Fayre: Pupils in ensembles have the opportunity to perform at the school Summer Fayre. |
In the Future
2024/2025
- Reintroduction of keyboard club in enrichment after school
- Performances in assembly to celebrate success.
- Summer Showcase/ Talent show