Music

Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4

Subject Statement

The Music department works to enable Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 students at Tunmarsh to build self-confidence and self-esteem through their engagement in a wide range of music-related activities, performances, and events. We create a supportive, fun, and safe environment for our young people to learn at their own pace, work collaboratively or individually, and express themselves creatively. The students' learning in core Music helps them develop their creative and musical abilities alongside crucial social, emotional, and communication skills.

Students in Key Stage 4 will be given the opportunity to gain a BTEC Introductory Award in Performing Arts, with a focus on the unit Performing a Piece of Music. The purpose of this qualification is to help students develop the transferable skills, practical attributes, and professional behaviors needed to progress to further study and ultimately to employment. The qualification requires learners to complete routine, simple, and directed tasks by applying their musical knowledge and performance skills.

The Introductory Award is designed around practical performance tasks and hands-on skills, enabling students to show what they can do rather than just what they know in theory. Students will focus on rehearsing, refining, and delivering a musical performance using our specialist equipment.

As they work through the tasks set, students will be able to set their own rehearsal targets and assess their own progress through the course. There is no written exam at the end of this course; students will produce a portfolio of practical evidence—such as audio/video recordings, rehearsal logs, and self-evaluations—to show they have met all assessment objectives, which are then assessed internally.

Key Stage 3 & 4 Overview

Course Outline

Students explore a range of musical genres, becoming familiar with diverse styles from around the world as well as contemporary music practices. They work both in groups and independently using our purpose-built sound studio, recording equipment, Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), and a range of acoustic and electric instruments.

Projects and practical study include:

Performing a Piece of Music: Selecting instrumental/vocal pieces, planning rehearsals, mastering techniques, and performing live or recorded takes.
Music & Media / Technology: Sequencing, editing, and using DAWs to produce tracks.
Careers in Music & Promotion: Understanding roles in the creative industries and managing a music product.

Assessment and Feedback

Students receive tailored individual support and verbal feedback on their work, enabling them to explore personal ways forward with their own ideas. Students are encouraged to evaluate their own work and comment constructively on the work of their peers.

Assessment is based entirely on practical outcomes, rehearsal reviews, and revisions undertaken as projects progress. Students identify strengths and weaknesses in their performance process and suggest concrete ways to improve. Evidence includes:

Video and audio performance recordings
Rehearsal logs and target-setting sheets
Short spoken/recorded commentaries or podcasts

How Parents and Carers Can Help

Expose your child to diverse music: Encourage them to listen to a wide variety of genres, artists, and instruments at home or online.
Encourage live & recorded performances: Watch concerts, theatrical music performances, or music video showcases on TV, YouTube, or at local venues.
Discuss active listening: Talk about the music played in public spaces (shops, commercials, films) and discuss how different music affects mood and setting.
Support daily practice: Encourage daily rehearsal or instrument practice at home, even in short 10–15 minute sessions.
Promote creative exploration: Suggest rewriting lyrics to a favorite song or playing along with simple backing tracks online to build confidence.
Encourage research: Prompt your child to read about their favorite musicians, watch music technology tutorials, or explore music documentaries.

Links to Online Resources

Contact

Performing Arts, Music Drama Lead

Hayley Reinprecht

Music Teacher

James Burke : james.burke@prus.newham.sch.uk