Music

Music plays a very important role in academy life, not only through providing a broad and balanced curriculum in the classroom, but also through the provision of an extensive peripatetic instrumental program and the offer of a variety of extra curricular activities.

Students are encouraged to take part in a wide range of musical performances throughout the year which include termly concerts, combined schools workshops and high profile public engagements.

Teaching and learning in the classroom focuses on the three musical areas of composing, listening and performing.  This curriculum is delivered through the use of the music department's wide and varied resources which include state of the art iMac computers, a fully operational industry standard recording studio, keyboard suite, a number of purpose built practice rooms and two large ensemble rooms equipped with PA systems.

The music department aims to foster confidence, creativity and technical skill in all students through the delivery of a personalised and diverse curriculum.

The Key Stage 3 Schemes of Work focus on practical music making and aim to engage and inspire all students to achieve their musical potential.  To achieve this aim, the schemes cover a wide variety of topics which link together to aid students' progression through the national curriculum levels.

Year 7 Schemes of Work:

• The Elements of Music
• Introduction to Music Technology
• Samba Drumming
• Instruments of the Orchestra
• Currently being revised
• Currently being revised

Year 8 Schemes of Work: 

• Reggae
• The Blues
• School of Rock

     Year 9 Schemes of Work:

• Ensemble Performance
• Jazz
• Movie Music

Music at Key Stage 4 is a popular option choice at Paddington Academy.  Students study the EdExcel BTEC First in Music which builds on the knowledge and skills that pupils have acquired during study at Key Stage 3.  To further their development in the subject, all pupils studying the BTEC course are encouraged to study an instrument through the peripatetic music scheme and attend extra curricular activities.

Units Studied

• Unit 1 - Planning and Creating a Music Product
• Unit 6 - Working as a Musical Ensemble
• Unit 11 - Exploring Computer Systems used by Musicians

• Unit 2 - Exploring the Music Profession
• Unit 4 - Exploring Musical Composition
• Unit 9 - Producing a Musical Recording*

* Students who wish focus more on performance rather than music technology may replace Unit 9 with Unit 3 - Solo Musical Performance