Music

When studying music at Boulton, we hope to inspire pupils to pursue a life enriched by music making, at the same time as giving them the knowledge and skills to successfully continue the study of music at KS4 and beyond. Our curriculum meets the needs and breadth of all our learners who will come from a variety of cultures and backgrounds with different levels of  

experience and interests. Our curriculum builds on the National Curriculum for music and specifically aims to equip pupils with the knowledge and skills that will enable them to: 

• Discover and develop their vocal and instrumental skills to a level of proficiency  

that enables them to participate in social music making activities 

• Use 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 

• Adopt habits and behaviours that foster a community which is resilient, respectful and joyful. 

Our high -quality music education at Ark Boulton engages and inspires pupils to develop a love of music. We nurture and increase their self-confidence, creativity, and sense of achievement. As pupils progress, they will develop a critical engagement with music, allowing them to compose, perform and create with a critical ear. To be successful we will teach students how to become critical analysts, self-reviewing their own and others work.  

Apart from disciplinary skills, our curriculum aims for students to know the purpose of studying music education (e.g., building confidence, listening skills, expressing emotion, creativity, independence, teamwork, discipline, respect for others, and self-esteem) and the purpose of the music within the wider world (e.g., cultural awareness, film & TV, radio, therapy, celebrations, ceremonial, gatherings).  

By the time students leave Ark Boulton, students will have developed an understanding and involvement in music happening around them in both their local community and the wider world. Students will have been given opportunities both in and outside of the classroom to experience working alongside professional artists working in collaboration with real life musicians performance spaces (such as during our annual Arts Festival, performing at the Royal Albert Hall, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Conservatoire, Rudock Hall, and the Barbican Centre) and within their own community. 

In KS3 Year 7 students look at the academy narrative of ‘My Identity and my place in the Ark Boulton family’, where the following themes are explored - Music: Using your body as an instrument, working within a band.  

Year 8 students begin to explore ‘My place my local and virtual community’. In music: Students explore music from Europe, America and Africa.  

Year 9 students explore the narrative of ‘Awe and Wonder: my place in our global community’. Musical themes explored include: Global community via a virtual interface and protest songs from around the world.  

All Year 7 subjects Next Year 7 Subject - Physical Education

All Year 8 subjects Next Year 8 Subject - Physical Education

All Year 9 subjects Next Year 9 Subject - Physical Education