Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity; as such, it is highly valued at The Dorcan Academy. We aim to engage learners in practical music-making activities, inspiring them to develop a love and appreciation for music of different styles, genres, and traditions, thereby enhancing their enjoyment of the world. Through the skills of performing, composing, listening and appraising, students learn to think and act like musicians, to be inquisitive, collaborative, persistent, disciplined and to use their imagination to discover their talents and develop them to become the best they can be. There is also a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities to ensure every student has the cultural capital to succeed.
Although very few students within the catchment area have private instrumental lessons, we are ambitious to provide instrumental training both through visiting peripatetic teachers and curriculum lessons. Some Year 7 students have also missed key parts of English heritage, such as learning traditional Carols. The school offers a free Carol service to the community, as well as Christmas, Spring, and Lunchtime concerts. This ensures that every student has the opportunity to participate in at least one performance from Year 7 to 11.
Our curricula build on the National Curriculum for Music and specifically aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills that will enable them to:
● Be inducted into the powerful cultural knowledge associated with music.
● Discover and develop their performing skills to a level of proficiency that enables them to participate in music-making activities.
● Use composition and improvisation to unlock creative potential and musical identity/individuality.
● Gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the music they engage with through systematic analysis and reflection.
In Music last year, 17% of students achieved grades 9 to 5; and 26% achieved grades 9 to 4.
This year’s Music outcomes reflect earlier disruptions in staffing and varied starting points in musical experience, and the department is using these insights to strengthen curriculum continuity and targeted support so that future cohorts achieve stronger and more sustainable progress.
We are looking forward to improved outcomes as we move forward.
In Music, students are assessed through a combination of formative and summative assessments. Each term, they complete one summative (final) assessment, supported by ongoing formative assessments based on individual lesson outcomes. Assessment in Key stage 3 mirrors the three core components of GCSE Music – performing, composing and appraising. In addition, students complete academic prep tasks designed to assess their understanding of key terminology and musical concepts.
Miss Bethany Durston, Head of Music and Performing Arts Co-Ordinator
All students will study Music throughout Years 7 and 8 at The Dorcan Academy and may choose to continue to follow through to GCSE.
In Year 7, students have 2 lessons a fortnight and in Year 8, students have 1 lesson a fortnight. In Year 9 students, that have selected to specialise in Music will receive 3 lessons a fortnight.
Students in Year 10 and 11 that select Music as an option subject will receive 5 lessons a fortnight.
Students have a wide range of enrichment opportunities in Music and Performing Arts. Clubs include Performing Arts, Guitar, Choir and Darts – all held in the music rooms. Throughout the year, students can participate in concerts and events such as the Christmas Concert, Carol Service and lunchtime performances. The music rooms are also open at break times for students to practice independently. Additionally, paid instrumental lessons are available in piano, guitar, drums and clarinet providing further opportunities to develop individual skills..
