Music

Curriculum Overview

Music Vision

Music at St. Aidan's Academy is meaningful, engaging, inspiring, and personal. We believe that engaging with music boosts self-confidence, creativity, and a sense of achievement. Music plays a significant role in everyday society, serving various functions: it entertains, tells stories, excites, and offers relaxation. It influences moods, evokes memories, reduces stress, alleviates anxiety, and enhances memory. Music is a powerful form of expression, and we encourage all pupils to explore it. 

Music also plays a vital role in learners’ personal development, enhancing creativity, independence, confidence, judgment, and self-reflection. Our goal is to provide pupils with a strong understanding of a diverse range of musical styles while equipping them with the skills to read, write, and play music effectively. Music education at St. Aidan’s also fosters communication, problem-solving, collaboration, and leadership skills. 

We aim to ensure that pupils not only develop musical knowledge and technique but also discover how music can positively impact their lives and well-being. Through exploring various musical styles and genres, pupils will gain the confidence to express themselves creatively, both individually and collaboratively. 

Use the link to read our Music intent for KS3.

Music Intent 

Use the links below to explore the music curriculum journey. 

Curriculum Team 

Mrs E. Waller - Head of Creative Arts

Ms C. Armitage - Teacher of Music

Homework

 Homework activities are woven into KS3 lessons. These activities build on knowledge and skills covered within the lesson and allow pupils to refine their skills.  

At KS3 homework booklets are available for all pupils to collect from the Music department or to print from the websit . These booklets contain activities that link to the curriculum. 

Enrichment Opportunities

 The Music Department at St. Aidan's Academy offers a wide range of enrichment opportunities to support and extend students' musical development. Pupils have access to a variety of extra-curricular instrumental lessons, including vocal, piano, guitar, and drums, all taught by experienced, professional musicians. 

Students are also encouraged to participate in after-school activities such as our school choir, which provides opportunities for both group and solo performances during our weekly acts of worship, fostering a sense of community and creativity. 

At St. Aidan’s, we believe in the power of performance and actively encourage students to showcase their talents, whether in solo or group settings, allowing them to build confidence and experience the joy of sharing their music. Notable events include our Christmas concerts and end-of-year shows, where students perform a variety of musical pieces for the wider school community, celebrating their progress and hard work throughout the year. 

Additionally, we offer a range of trips and workshops that complement the curriculum, providing students with hands-on learning experiences and opportunities to engage with professional musicians and different musical cultures. These activities further enhance pupils' understanding and appreciation of music while inspiring their creativity and passion. 

Exploring Careers in Music

 Throughout KS3 students discover and explore various creative career paths. Within each project linking careers are studied, and pupils learn about qualifications needed and average salaries.  

The following careers are covered at KS3: 

Year 7 – Performer, Composer, Conductor, Vocal Coach, Rapper and Producer. 

Year 8 – Percussionist, Music Producer, Song Writer, Manager and Promoter 

Year 9 – Soundtrack Composer, Musical Director, Actor, Copyright Lawyer, Festival Promoter and Dance Music Prouder.