Music at The Cornerstone Academy

In KS3 students have one lesson a week.  They will be taught a range of skills and knowledge during their lessons with the aim to: 

Develop a passion for music in which pupils learn to appreciate music and develop a life long love of music. 

Develop their skills, knowledge and understanding to enable them to become confident performers, composers and listeners. 

They are introduced to a variety of genres of music from around the world and across generations. 

Develop their musical skills through singing, playing instruments, composing music and responding to music that they listen to. 

At KS4 students can choose to study GCSE Music. This qualification is made up of three components:

1. Performing (30%): Students will, in consultation with their instrumental teacher, prepare and perform pieces ideally at grade 3 standard (one must be in an ensemble) totalling 4-6 minutes. Preparation is expected throughout Y10 in instrumental lessons and personal practice with recordings taking place in Y11.
2. Composing (30%): Students will create two compositions, one being a free composition in Y10, and the other following a set brief in Y11. The total time for both compositions together is 3-6 minutes.
3. Appraising (40%): Students will complete a listening exam paper at the end of Y11. This will feature eight questions, covering all the areas of study, with Q1 & Q7 being related to set works which are analysed in lessons.

Performing is worth 30% of the course, therefore it is expected students have the ability to play an instrument or sing as a result of their development in KS3 via instrumental lessons and the classroom curriculum. Regardless of ability, all students choosing this course must be having instrumental/singing lessons in order to prepare for the performance component to a sufficient standard. You may arrange lessons externally or through school.
It is expected that all GCSE music students are engaging with school performance opportunities as well as any events organised outside of school. Additionally, regular revision and practice is advised in order to develop instrument ability and theory knowledge. Practice rooms are available in school to help facilitate regular practice.

Opportunities offered to students after school include the singing club and ukulele club. Additionally, practice rooms are offered on club days to help facilitate regular practice. For further information, please visit the music department.

The Cornerstone Academy offers instrumental tuition via the Absolute Music Trust. The instrument and vocal offer from visiting expert tutors are dependent on demand and so it is recommended that an expression of interest is made via the application below.

Having instrumental/vocal lessons compliments and enhances the exciting curriculum offer that all students receive at TCA and for students interested in music for KS4 study, having regular lessons throughout KS3 will set them up well to an appropriate standard for further study.

30 instrumental lessons of 20 minutes are scheduled in the academic year, payable in advance on a termly basis with the offer as follows:

• Shared Lesson: £6 per 20-minute lesson shared with another student.
• Individual Lesson (recommended): £12 per 20-minute lesson tailored to the individual student.

If your child is eligible for the Pupil Premium, the school will fund 50% of the cost of the lessons. If you are unable to pay the full amount on a termly basis, please get in touch with absolute music trust to discuss a payment plan via their website.

Should your child be interested in instrumental lessons, please complete the signup form linked below: 

www.absolutemusictrust.org/signup 

Should you wish to cancel lessons for the following term, you may do so at the end of any term by emailing lessons@absolutemusictrust.org.

We look forward to seeing your child’s musical development as they embark on an exciting and rewarding musical journey!

If you would like to discuss the work that we do or further information about the Music curriculum then please contact Mr N Khapsalis