Unit 1

Introduction to Music at AGSB

Pupils will begin their journey to learn how to read music and grasp the principles of Music Theory, composition and singing. Preparation for performances in the Autumn Concert.

KS3 exam 1
Performance 1

Unit 2

Minimalism

In Year 7 all students are given the opportunity to learn or continue to learn an orchestral or concert band instrument.  They will learn about minimalism techniques, continue learning about notation, create their first composition using Sibelius and develop a further understanding of instruments of the orchestra

KS3 Exam 2
Performance 2
Minimalism Comp

Unit 3

Fanfares

Pupils will continue to develop their ability in performing whilst working on a compositional project in small groups.  They will further develop their grasp of orchestral instruments and musical notation and theory.

KS3 Exam 3
Performance 3
Fanfare Comp

Unit 4

Musical Performance

A whole unit devoted to improving musical performance, from singing, solo and ensemble work and a recap of all Musical theory learnt this year.

End of year exam.
Performance 4
Summer concert preparation.

Unit 1

Introduction to Y8 Music – Classical Structures

Pupils will continue their journey to learn how to read music and grasp the principles of Music Theory, composition and singing.

Continued Performance skills on Voice and orchestral instruments (all year 8 take part in the July KS3 celebration concert). All pupils will have the opportunity to continue performing on an orchestral/concert band instrument.

Pupils will learn about classical structures, learning to analyse form, compose and notate pieces of music learning the importance of musical structure.

KS3 Exam 5
Y8 Performance 1

Unit 2

Film Music

Pupils will learn about the multi-million pound Film Music industry. This project will feature elements of theory, Composition and performance. Pupils will learn how to compose music in a traditional manner, as well as exploring modern day film composition and Foley sound.  In performing pupils will learn to perform more complex pieces from the world of Film Music.

Y8 Performance 2
Composition assessment.

Unit 3

World Fusions

Pupils will compose and perform pieces for Class ensemble, contributing to a class performance project. There will be a focus on music created in various cultures and how this reflects place, people, and purpose.

KS3 Exam 5
Year 8 Performance 3

Unit 4

Contemporary Song

Pupils will prepare for the end-of-year Summer concert, where they will perform a number of songs and instrumental pieces. Here the pupils will further develop their understanding all the elements of music as well as honing their instrumental skills.

Year 8 final performance
End of Year Exam

Unit 1

The Mercury Prize and the Music Industry.

• Diversity in the Music industry
• Writing about music
• The Mercury Prize
• Skills training Logic and Sibelius

Essay
Logic Task
Sibelius Task

Unit 2

Dance Remix

• 21^st century music production
• Remix and Acapella project

Remix project
Music Technoloy assessment.

Unit 3

Ensemble Performance Project

This work is based around the area of study Pop Music (bringing guitar, piano, drum and vocal parts together) Pupils will learn the techniques behind playing in a rock band, drawing on past performance skills to learn a new instrument and perform as part of a small group.

Unit 4

Podcast Project

Working in groups, pupils will create their own Podcast, producing their own show in Logic that will include a station jingle, an advert, a news report , a film trailer and a Live lounge performance.

This will pull together all strands of music, with composition, performances and Music production being tested.

Groups will create 6 tasks.
Individuals will then create their own podcast to be handed in and assessed at the end of the year.

End of Year Podcast. assessment. Creation of practical “portfolio” of work

End of Year Exam is replaced by the individual Podcast assessment May 2026. (Half way point)