…there is little doubt that regular exposure to music, and especially active participation in music, may stimulate development of many different areas of the brain. In terms of brain development, musical performance is every bit as important educationally as reading or writing.
– Oliver Sacks, Neurologist & Writer
Music
Music
Students at Connaught are encouraged to fully engage in the world of sound by participating in activities such as singing, playing, listening, and composing
KS3
Since processing sound strengthens the same areas of the brain that are responsible for learning language and learning to read, students at Connaught are encouraged to fully engage in the world of sound by participating in activities such as singing, playing (various classroom instruments, including keyboards), listening and composing. Students memorise songs and sing in class with enthusiasm and energy, paying attention to correct breathing, enunciation, intonation and phrasing. They learn to play the glockenspiel and transfer their skills to the keyboard following various forms of notation (including simple letter notation and staff notation). The curriculum is designed to develop knowledge and understanding of the subject within the context of practical activities, where positive and encouraging verbal feedback from teachers and peers provides a safe and happy environment for learning.
KS4
From September 2023 Connaught will be following the AQA GCSE syllabus.
The three areas of the course are:
Understanding music – 40%
Exam paper with listening exercises and written questions using excerpt of music
Performing music 30%
Performance 1: Solo
Performance 2: Ensemble
Composing music 30%
Composition 1: Responding to a brief
Composition 2: Free composition