Curricular Music
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The Perse Music Curriculum aims to develop pupils' skills and appreciation of a variety of musical styles. The emphasis, particularly at Key Stage 3 is on practical musicianship, whether that be using keyboards, music software, classroom instruments or singing. As well as a large number of classroom percussion instruments and electronic keyboards, we have a suite of networked computers running Cubase and Sibelius 4 software. The curriculum is delivered to all pupils in years 1 and 2 and many pupils opt to continue their music tuition in the 3rd form and also for GCSE and A-Level.
Key Stage 3
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Much of the music-making at Key Stage 3 is carried out in pairs or in small groups. Pupils have the chance to develop their theoretical skills through composition, performance and listening. They are also encouraged to bring in their own instruments for this purpose. Topics include Music of Africa, The Blues, Latin-American Music and Disco.
GCSE Music
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Pupils taking our OCR GCSE music have found the course both approachable and rewarding and our pupils consistently achieve very high standards (this included 22 A*s out of 25 candidates in last year's results). Much of the Music GCSE is coursework based, with pupils undertaking a number of performances during the course and presenting a small portfolio of compositions at the end of it. There is also a listening exam which allows pupils to apply their musical knowledge and understanding that they have gained through their studies. As well as offering GCSE as part of the curriculum, we also currently offer it as a fast-track option which takes place after school and this is condensed into a one year course.
Sixth Form studies and beyond...
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From September 2008, our Sixth Form pupils will be sitting the new Cambridge Pre-U Music Qualification which looks to provide opportunities for candidates to develop a range of musical skills. The main areas of this course are Listening, Historical Study and Analysis, Performing, Composing and a Personal Study which involves further study in an area of pupils' choosing (such as an extended recital or dissertation). Not only does this course give pupils a solid all-round musical understanding but would also form an excellent preparation for pupils wishing to continue their music tuition at University.
Typically, at least one or two pupils per year proceed to read Music at Higher Education, some of these to Oxbridge Colleges. In the summer of 2007, one of our Sixth Form pupils achieved an outstanding score of 597/600 marks across all the examined modules.
Further Links
Specification and Downloads relating to OCR GCSE Music >
Specification and Downloads relating to OCR AS/A2 Music (2007-08 teaching) >
Cambridge International Examinations Syndicate Pre-U Course for Music (teaching from 2008) >