Music

Curriculum timetable: 

Please note that the curriculum is flexible in terms of timing of delivery to compensate for the number of resources we have available to us at any one time. However, the same learning outcomes are achieved within each year group by the end of the year. 

Curriculum overview: 

The Music curriculum aims to develop individuality, to encourage students to think and express themselves and to encourage students to be creative. Along with this opportunity there is also the chance for finding their own part to play in group work as they learn to perform music together with other students understanding the important part each student has in the music. 

Students are given opportunities through practical performances, compositions and listening activities to experience music from different cultures and times to learn to appreciate other types of music besides what they hear every day. They are given access to industry standard computing equipment which is widely used within recording studios and are encouraged to use and explore the software. 

KS3 information: 

Students in Key Stage 3 follow carefully structured schemes of learning designed not only to deepen their understanding and enjoyment of Music, but also to broaden the wider skills they will carry into all areas of school and life. Through a balance of performing, composing and listening, students develop independence as they make musical decisions, solve creative problems and take ownership of their own progress. Collaborative tasks—such as ensemble performance, group composition and band work—strengthen teamwork, communication and the ability to listen, respond and contribute positively within a group. The curriculum encourages creativity, resilience and confidence, helping students express themselves through music while becoming more adaptable and reflective learners. These wider personal and social skills are deliberately embedded into every unit, ensuring that the study of Music in KS3 supports the development of well-rounded, thoughtful and motivated young people. 

KS4 information: 

Students in Key Stage 4 follow the Eduqas Performing Arts (Music) pathway, working through a well-structured and professionally focused curriculum that deepens their musical understanding while developing the wider skills essential for success in the creative industries. Through a combination of performance, composition, and theoretical exploration, learners take increasing ownership of their artistic decisions, building strong independent thinking and the confidence to work creatively under real-world conditions. Collaborative tasks—such as ensemble performance, group devising, rehearsal planning and production work—further strengthen teamwork, communication and the ability to respond constructively to others within a professional rehearsal environment. 

The course encourages students to reflect on their own practice, set personal targets and refine their technical and expressive skills, fostering resilience, discipline and self-management. Students also engage with industry-standard equipment and software, gaining experience that mirrors contemporary music production and performance settings. By integrating creative, practical and analytical learning, the Eduqas Performing Arts Music pathway not only prepares students for further study or a career in the arts, but also equips them with transferable skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, organisation and confident communication—skills that support their development into well-rounded, motivated and employable young people. 

Knowledge in: 

Unit 1 – Performance 

Students improve their skills as solo and ensemble performers. They learn how to rehearse effectively, choose suitable repertoire and perform with accuracy and expression. Ensemble work builds teamwork and communication as students listen to each other and rehearse with discipline. This unit helps learners gain confidence on stage and understand what is expected in a real performance setting. 

Unit 2 – Composition 

Students create original music using clear structures and techniques. They learn how to develop motifs, use harmony, build textures and refine ideas. The unit encourages experimentation and independent thinking. Learners also use industry-standard software to record and produce their compositions, helping them work in a professional way. 

Unit 3 – Putting on an Event 

Students plan and run a live performance event. They take on roles such as performer, technician or organiser. The unit develops organisation, leadership and problem-solving skills as students manage rehearsals, prepare resources and promote the event. They learn how different roles work together to create a successful performance. 

Together, these units help students become confident musicians who can perform, create and organise music to a professional standard. 

How to prepare for KS4: 

The KS3 Music curriculum builds the essential skills needed for the Eduqas Performing Arts (Music) course by giving students a strong foundation in performance, composition, listening and teamwork. In Year 7, topics such as Rhythm and Musical Elements, Form and Structure, Keyboard Skills, Instruments of the Orchestra, Programme Music and Using Your Voice introduce students to the core musical building blocks they will later apply in KS4 performance and composition work. In Year 8, units like MIDI Drawing, Guitar/Ukulele Skills, Keyboard Skills 2, Minimalism, DJ Skills and Blues develop practical instrumental technique, digital music-making, ensemble rehearsal skills and the ability to create original musical ideas—perfect preparation for the KS4 performance and composition units. By Year 9, students tackle more advanced, industry-relevant topics including Four Chords, World Music, Keyboard Skills 3, Cover Songs, DJ Skills 2 and Video Game Music, which strengthen independence, creativity, musical understanding and confidence with technology. These experiences mirror the expectations of the Eduqas course, where students must perform with skill, compose original music, work effectively in groups and help plan or deliver performance events. Through this structured progression, KS3 equips learners with the musical, technical and organisational skills needed for success in KS4 Performing Arts.  

A-level and Beyond:  

After completing the Eduqas Performing Arts (Music) course, students have strong progression options in Sheffield. They can take A-Level Music at local sixth forms, such as Tapton School, where the course develops advanced skills in performing, composing and appraising across a wide range of genres—perfect preparation for those considering a full degree in music or a related subject. Another excellent route is The Sheffield College, which offers a range of specialist music and performing arts courses at Levels 2, 3 and Foundation Degree at their Hillsborough Campus. These courses focus on performance, composition, production and music technology, all of which align closely with the skills developed through the Eduqas pathway. The Sheffield College provides industry-level facilities including recording studios, rehearsal rooms and live sound spaces, and places strong emphasis on practical work, portfolio building and real-world industry links, helping students progress confidently into further education, training or employment. 

How Your Eduqas Course Prepares You for These Routes

The Eduqas Performing Arts (Music) course prepares students extremely well for further study by developing a broad range of skills that link directly to next-step qualifications. Students build strong solo and ensemble performance skills, which translate smoothly into Level 2 and Level 3 study. They also gain experience in creating original music and working with music technology, giving them a solid foundation for the composition and production elements offered at The Sheffield College and other post-16 providers. Their listening and appraisal skills provide the analytical understanding required for higher academic work in music. In addition, the course’s focus on event-based, collaborative performance work equips students with the practical, organisational and teamwork skills needed to thrive in the project-led learning environments typical of college-level music courses.