Overall Curriculum Goals

Term 1
Autumn

Term 2
Spring

Topic Title: 

AOS 1The Western Classical Tradition from 1650-1910

Topic Title: 

Composition and Exam Practice

Topic Intent:

In AOS 4 we learned about composers who took what had been done before and set out to work in a completely different way. Denying the rules set out by previous composers and 
deliberately pushing the boundaries of what listeners would accept. Music in the Classical era epitomised the rules these composers raged against. Formal structures with simple texture, clean 
and clear melodies with little or no dissonance and expression, perfectly laid out like the architecture of the time. Under the surface there’s more than that going on. Haydn was delicately  
subversive, playing with structure in ways to make his music unpredictable. Handel wrote grand works that have stood the test of time, Mozart was relentlessly playful. 
Throughout the romantic era composers gently bent the rules to prepare them to be smashed when Stravinsky came along! 
Studying the great works of the western classical tradition gives our students an insight into the evolution of music over 350 years! Understanding how form and structure evolved alongside 
technology and instruments gives them an insight into why music has changed so much. Our students will learn to craft their own compositions by exploring the techniques introduced by  the 
greatest composers of all time. Just like Haydn and the composers of the 20th century, if we want to break the rules and create music that is a true expression of out artistic intentions, we need 
to understand what those rules are. You can’t change the future without understanding the past! 

Topic Intent:

During the GCSE course we have covered all 4 areas of study, exploring music from 1650 to the present day in a range of styles. We have created compositional responses 
to the music we have explored and developed our compositional technique. 
In this term we will bring everything together as we revise the topics taught, prepare for the listening exam and complete our AO2 compositions, 
Revision is vital to our success in the listening exam. We will revisit each area of study focussing on key musical features: 
Dynamics, Rhythm, Structure, Melody, Instrumentation, Texture, Harmony 
Composition is vital for the developing musician. By composing our own music we switch into a creative mindset and explore the features of music freely, thinking about music more 
deeply. This exploration has a great impact on our ability to listen to music with a discerning ear and makes us more expressive and thoughtful performers. 

Key Content / Skills:  

Key Content / Skills:  

Assessment:

Students are assessed on the progress in Performance, Composition and Listening.

Home Learning:

GCSE music students are expected to commit to regular practice time on their chosen instrument. This forms the majority of music home learning. Additional extension tasks are set relating to the study of the areas of study

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