Music
Over 200 students at Davenant Foundation School have Instrumental, Vocal, Drama or Dance Tuition on a weekly basis.
These students, and many more, take part in several sell-out concerts, dance productions and musicals and even have the opportunity to perform abroad.
The School is known for its 100+ strong School Choir that has been in existence for 40 years.
As a school, we believe that the arts are an essential part of a rich and balanced curriculum and that every child should be entitled to Music and Drama teaching. These subjects work hand in hand to develop sensitivity, understanding and tolerance towards others.
Students find ways of expressing themselves through a form of creative intelligence, which helps them to develop richer lives as adults. As teachers, we aim to give students a love of the arts that will last a lifetime.
"Music is the most satisfying and enjoyable subject. I always look forward to the extracurricular ensembles at lunchtime."
Year 10 student
KEY STAGE 3
During Years 7-9, the following topics are taught:
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Year 7 |
Year 8 |
Year 9 |
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Instruments of the Orchestra Students develop their knowledge of the instruments of the orchestra and their families. Bridging Unit Students develop their knowledge of basic staff notation (ie. pitches, note values and rhythms). Students take this knowledge and apply through performance of different pieces on the Piano. Programme Music Students develop their knowledge on the Elements of Music and how they are used in composition. Students will develop their composition skills through composing a piece of music to a picture. Musicals Students develop their knowledge of Musical Theatre and characteristics of music from the stage. Students will develop their performance and compositional skills through Piano and Garageband based activities. African Drumming Students develop their knowledge of African music and how music is used in their cultural. Students will develop their understanding of ostiani, call & response, polyrhythms and improvisation through performance and composition. History of Music Student develop their knowledge of the different eras in Classical music, key composers and compositional style. Students will develop their performance and composition skills through learning Ground Bass as well as Theme and Variation style compositions. |
Sampling Students develop their Music Technology skills through creating and editing sampled sounds through Garageband. Students will create a ternary form composition only using sampled sound. Blues Students develop their knowledge of the history of Blues music and its origins. Students will develop their knowledge of the 12-bar blues, triad chords, walking bass lines, the shuffle beat and improvisation. Samba Students develop their knowledge of Latin American music including rhythms, instruments and performance practice. Students will develop their performance and ensemble skills through group performance. |
Film Music Students develop their knowledge of how Music is used in film. They will analyse different film clips and learn how music and sound effects create atmosphere within a scene. Students will compose leitmotif, create sync points and underscore music for a short silent film. EDM Students develop their knowledge of Electronic Dance Music and how to use more advanced Music Technology tools and inserts. Student will compose a EDM style track through Garageband. Reggae Students develop their knowledge of the different styles of Reggae music and its importance in Rastafarianism. Students will develop their solo and ensemble skills through group performances of popular Reggae songs. Songwriting Students develop their knowledge popular song structures, lyric writing, ensemble performance and how popular music has developed over the last 50 years. Students will compose and perform a verse-chorus structured song using acoustic instruments incorporating lyrics, riffs/hooks into their song. |
KEY STAGE 4
Students studying the subject at GCSE follow the Edexcel specification. During the course, the following topics are covered:
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Year 10 & 11 |
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Unit 1: Performance (30%) 2 Performances Solo – minimum 1 piece – minimum 1 minute Ensemble – minimum 1 piece – minimum 1 minute Together total minimum of 4 minutes across the solo and ensemble pieces Grade 4 Standard Unit 2: Composition (30%) 2 Compositions 1 to set brief – minimum of 1 minute 1 free composition – minimum of 1 minute Together total minimum of 3 minutes Unit 3: Appraising (40%) 4 Areas of Study with 2 Set Works each:
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For more detailed information about the course content and assessment requirements, please refer to the examination board website.
A LEVEL
Students studying the subject at A Level follow the Edexcel specification. During the course the following topics are covered.
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Year 12 & 13 |
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Unit 1: Performance (30%) Total performance time of 8 minutes Performance can be solo and/or ensemble Grade 7 Standard Unit 2: Composition (30%) 2 Compositions 1 free or free choice brief – minimum of 4 minutes 1 brief assessing technique – minimum of 1 minute Together total of 6 minutes Unit 3: Appraising (40%) 6 Areas of Study with 3 set works in each
2 hour written exam |
For more detailed information about the course content and assessment requirements, please refer to the examination board website.