Music Development Plan

Overview 

Detail	Information
Academic year that this summary covers	2024 / 2025
Date this summary was published	September 2024
Date this summary will be reviewed	September 2025
Name of the school music lead	Miss K Hussey
Name of school leadership team member with responsibility for music (if different)	Miss A Barnard
Name of local music hub	Knowsley Music Service
Name of other music education organisation(s) (if partnership in place)

This is a summary of how our school delivers music education to all our pupils across three areas – curriculum music, co-curricular provision and musical experiences – and what changes we are planning in future years. This information is to help pupils and parents or carers understand what our school offers and who we work with to support our pupils’ music education.  

Part A: Curriculum music 

This is about what we teach in lesson time, how much time is spent teaching music and any music qualifications or awards that pupils can achieve. 

Music curriculum, including use of music technology –  

At KS3 Pupils will have one-hour lessons in a 2 week cycle equating to 1 hour lesson per fortnight. The curriculum is delivered through singing, performing, composing and listening & appraising music from a wide range of styles and history. 

Progress: is measured through termly assessment. 

The music curriculum from Year 7 through to 11 is below: 

Pupils can also study Associated Board Music exams in negotiation between parents/guardians and tutors. 

• Measures are put in place to help wheelchair users access midi keyboards to use DAWs. 

• Tables are raised to enable wheelchair users access tables in the music dept. 

• Blue pens are used almost exclusively to help pupils with dyslexic tendencies 

• PP budget is utilised to provide access to peripatetic music tuition. 

Part B: Extra-curricular music 

This is about opportunities for pupils to sing and play music, outside of lesson time, including choirs, ensembles and bands, and how pupils can make progress in music beyond the core curriculum. 

Peripatetic Music Provision 

Pupils can study with the following instruments at school: The school office or the pastoral admin Miss A O’Hanlon can be contacted for application forms to be sent out. 

Instruments covered: 

Drums, Piano / Keyboard, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Guitar, Bass as well as singing lessons offered. 

Pupil Premium student engagement  

PP pupils can access shared peri lessons at KS3 and KS4. Students who take Music as an option are provided with one-to-one instrument lessons. 

External Music links 

Strong links with Knowsley music service to provide resources such as instruments as well as access to Local Authority music events. 

Other music clubs (free to attend) 

Theatre Club, involving musical theatre. This club is closely linked to the drama department and involves ensemble singing.  

Instrument / band practise night. Students in both Key Stage 3 and 4 are encouraged to collaborate musically supported by Ms A Christiansen. 

Concert Band 

Mr Taylor runs the concert band 

Mr Stewart runs ‘Band night’ and Japanese Taiko group and assists with Vocal group. 

Part C: Musical experiences 

This is about all the other musical events and opportunities that we organise, such as singing in assembly, concerts and shows, and trips to professional concerts. 

Performance opportunities 

Yearly talent show, this is part of our Christmas performance. 

Pupils provide musical pieces for awards evenings and transition days performing as a group or a soloist.  

In the future 

This is about what the school is planning for subsequent years. 

• To increase the number of music lessons to 1 per week across Key Stage 3, starting in September 2024 

• To grow the concert band  

• To incorporate even more singing through the curriculum and grow the vocal group. 

• To improve links with HE music establishments such as LIPA sixth form 

• To improve links across the schools within the Heath Family Trust.