Music
Department profile
The Music Department at Plumstead Manor School aims to produce confident and creative young people. From Year 7 through to Year 13, we embrace the many aspects of music which can help to develop life qualities such as confidence, discipline, creativity, self and peer analysis, teamwork, cultural knowledge and responsibility.
We encourage students to work both to set tasks and also independently, allowing room for their own creativity and curiosity. We cover a wide range of Western and World music, catering for a modern multicultural environment which aids the appreciation of all the cultures we embrace here at Plumstead Manor.
Most importantly of all, we aim to help students enjoy making and learning about music, and be as interactive and imaginative as possible.
KS3 Curriculum
Music at Key Stage 3 aims to aid the understanding and appreciation of various music styles, while teaching the basic musical skills required to perform, compose and analyse music. Key Stage 3 Music a very practical course with opportunities for to learn various instruments and music technology across a number of genres and topics, while introducing students to the musical and personal skills required to continue with music in Key Stage 4.
The Year 7 Music curriculum builds the foundation skills required for KS3 Study, developing knowledge of the elements of music through Performance, Composition and Listening. Students in Year 7 will have access to Keyboards, Guitars, African Drums, Ukuleles and vocal equipment. Each project introduces students to a range of skills and techniques which they will apply and develop during Key Stage 3 and beyond. We teach students how to become self-disciplined, collaborative workers, think creatively, develop instrumental skills and how to discuss and write about music they hear.
The Year 8 music curriculum builds on knowledge and skills learned in year 7. Students will continue to use the elements of music in their work and explore music of different times, cultures, and styles through assessed activities in performance, composition and listening. We will continue to teach students how to become selfdisciplined, collaborative workers, think creatively, develop instrumental skills and how to discuss and write about music they hear. By the end of this year, students should be well prepared for year 9 and the in-depth knowledge and skills that are required for the final stage of KS3.
The Year 9 music curriculum builds on knowledge and skills learned in years 7 and 8. Students will continue to use the elements of music in their work and explore music of different times, cultures, and styles through assessed activities in performance, composition and listening. We will continue to teach students how to become self-disciplined, collaborative workers, think creatively, develop instrumental skills and how to discuss and write about music they hear. By the end of this year, students should be well prepared for year 10 and the in-depth knowledge and skills that are required for music in KS4 should they opt to study it.
KS4 Curriculum
Plumstead Manor offers both GCSE and RSL Level 2 Performance at Key Stage 4. This allows us to provide pathways for students with different musical interests and experience.
GCSE Music (OCR)
GCSE Music aims to educate students in the history of music; theoretical and analytical understanding; composing music, and solo and group performance skills.
GCSE Music covers solo and ensemble performance, listening and evaluating, and spans a vast area of music history; from early Western baroque and classical music to modern dance and pop, as well as traditional world music. Students also benefit from free instrumental lessons in their first-choice instrument and the use of current music technology.
OCR’s GCSE (9–1) in Music will encourage learners in Year 10 to: Develop performing skills individually and in groups to communicate musically with fluency and control of the resources used. Students will learn to recognise links between the integrated activities of performing, composing, and appraising and how this informs the development of music. They will develop knowledge, understanding and skills needed to communicate effectively as musicians and through studying various genres, styles and eras contained in the Areas of Study they will explore musical context, musical language, and performance and composition skills. GCSE Music is designed to appeal to a wide range of interests, instruments, personalities, and directions. Learners will have the opportunity to explore instruments and Areas of Study depending on their personal preference and ability. Components 1-4 combined are worth 60% of the final grade.
GCSE Music in Year 11 gives students the chance to consolidate all the skills they have developed in year 10 along with focusing on the listening exam in the summer, which is worth 40% of the final grade. Students will continue to practise their ensemble piece ready for recording at the end of the autumn term and will begin composing the set brief composition, set by OCR. There will be choice of set rhythm, chords, extending a melody or a verse of words. Once these are completed all focus will turn to the listening exam which happens in early June. Students will use their knowledge organisers, YouTube, MS Teams quizzes, BBC Bitesize and other suggested websites to revise, as well as having the opportunity to revise with a member of music staff after school.
KS5 Curriculum
Trinity University RSL Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma for Music Practitioners
Course Objectives:
The RSL course at Level 3 aims to shape young musicians looking to move into work or higher education in music. With a focus on practical and professional skills, students receive a comprehensive insight into several key areas of the industry, standing them in good stead to continue progessing as musicians.
Future Pathways
We aim for music students leaving Plumstead Manor to be equipped with the knowledge and experience to move into work or higher education with confidence. Many of our recent alumni have gone on to study music courses at university or are working in music-based jobs now, including producing, performing and event planning.
Extra-curricular activities
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Instrumental Lessons
Lessons are given on several instruments at Plumstead Manor. We can offer the following instrumental/music tuition:
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Woodwind/druming |
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Community
Various music groups and solo performers are regularly involved with community events and wider opportunities, and in the recent past we have taken part in the following events:
- A cappella performed at Royal Festival Hall; City Hall, the BT Tower; Blackheath Halls; Eltham Palace; the Head Teacher Awards; Woolwich Town Hall; Greenwich retirement homes; primary schools, and various other community events including supporting the Royal Borough of Greenwich in their bid to become the Borough of Culture 2021.
- Choir performed at the O2, Royal Albert Hall and at several other schools in Greenwich.
- Selected singing students were asked to take part in BBC’s televised “Songs of Praise”.
- Our Solo performers and school bands have sung and played at Plumstead Live Music Festival, Plumstead Make Merry, Woolwich Square, Goldsmiths College; Greenwich Naval College; The Scoop (outside County Hall) as part of London Free Festival; Plumstead Live Festival; Woolwich Square; Plumstead Radical Club, and Blackheath Conservatoire.
- We often run projects alongside other Arts Institutions and Organisations: Trinity College of Music; Brass Jaw; Mbawula singers; English National Opera and the London Symphony Orchestra.