Performing Arts - Music Department: KS4 Long Term Plan (Overview)
Year
Year 10
Term
Total no.
of lessons
First Half Term
Units to be taught
Unit 7 – Introducing Music Sequencing
(7 weeks approximately)
Unit 4 – Introducing Music Composition
Unit 8 – Music and Production Analysis
Introduction to Sequencing
Pupils will be introduced to music sequencing software and
how to input and manipulate sounds. They will import their
musical score from Sibelius and use sequencing features and
techniques to create a high quality audio recording of their
work.
Lessons will include:
 Note input and editing, including event editing.
 Use of effects.
 Project settings.
 Recording and editing – live and midi.
 Region editing.
Pupils will track and reflect on their progress in a Sequencing
Log. A formative assessment will take place and the teacher
will complete an observation record.
Autumn
Second Half Term
Unit 7 – Introducing Music Sequencing
(8 weeks approximately)
Unit 8 – Music and Production Analysis
Sequenced Music
Pupils will use music sequencing software to create a final
balanced audio recording of their composition. Their work
will demonstrate an understanding of the software and
manipulation of sounds. They will also evaluate the success of
their work including how they used the software.
Lessons will include:
 Volume balance.
 Stereo fields.
 Effects
 Bouncing down.
Pupils will continue to track their progress in a Sequencing Log
and use this to support their final evaluation. They will
produce a final audio recording of their work for assessment.
The final assessment will take place at the end of the half
term.
First Half Term
Unit 5 – Introducing Music Performance
(6 weeks approximately)
Unit 8 – Music and Production Analysis
 Introduce music analysis skills.
Spring
Second Half Term
Introduction to Performing Music
Workshop based practical lessons developing instrumental
performance skills and an understanding of music notation.
Lessons will include:
 Popular music – Blues, 1960’s, Rock, R’n’B, Hip-Hop.
 Working as a member of an ensemble.
 Solo performance.
 Reading a score.
 Interpreting and leadsheet.
 Creating a cover.
 Developing instrumental techniques.
 Analysis of music and performance – this introduces
Music and Production Analysis.
Pupils will track and reflect on their progress in a Performance
Log.
Informal performances will take place. Formative assessment
to take place in the final week of the half term with an
observation record being completed by the teacher.
Unit 5 – Introducing Music Performance
(6 weeks approximately)
Unit 8 – Music and Production Analysis
First Half Term
Performing Music
Workshop based practical lessons further developing
performance skills and understanding notation. Pupils will
select a minimum of two pieces for performance – one solo
and one ensemble. They will work towards a formal
performance to an audience at the end of the term.
Lessons will include:
 Selecting appropriate repertoire.
 Using rehearsal time appropriately.
 Reflective practice and responding to feedback.
 Informal performances.
 Formal performance.
Pupils will continue to track and reflect on their progress in a
Performance Log. They will evaluate the success of their final
performance.
Formal performance will take place towards the end of the
half term with a final assessment taking place.
Unit 4 – Introducing Music Composition
(5 weeks approximately)
Unit 8 – Music and Production Analysis
Summer
Introduction to Composition
Workshop based and formal composition lessons exploring
how to create and develop different musical ideas meeting
specific briefs. Pupils will be introduced to notation and
sequencing software in order to support their composition
work. They will work individually to complete the set tasks.
Lessons will include:
 Using different musical and non-musical starting
points.
 Composing to lyrics – melody writing.
 Keys, chords and cadences.
 Using expression and phrasing for effect.
 Using compositional techniques.
 Writing for different musical instruments – including
their own.
Pupils will compose four contrasting musical ideas in response
to a brief. They will select two musical ideas to develop into
draft compositions. These will be formally assessed. The
teacher will also complete observation records and give
formative feedback during the half term.
Unit 4 – Introducing Music Composition
Second Half Term
(6 weeks approximately)
Unit 8 – Music and Production Analysis
Composition development
Pupils will work individually to complete set composition and
presentation tasks. Notations will be either hand written or
created on Sibelius.
Lessons will include:
 Development and shaping of musical ideas.
 Using structure.
 Creating interest.
 Using expression and phrasing for effect.
 Presenting a score.
Pupils will select and develop one of their draft compositions
into a final piece. This will be presented in an appropriate
format in relation to the conventions of the style/genre. The
teacher will complete a formative observation and summative
assessment.
Year
Year 11
Term
Total no.
of lessons
First Half Term
Units to be taught
Unit 2 – Managing a Music Product
(7 weeks approximately)
Unit 1 – The Music Industry
Autumn
Unit 8 – Music and Production Analysis
Managing a Music Product
Workshop based lessons to explore what music products are,
the factors that affect them and the technical and logistical
requirements and constraints. Pupils will work as a group to
select a Music Product to develop.
Lessons will include:
 Exploring products – live concert/event, CD, online
product.
 Considering factors and technical/logistical
constraints.
 What planning is required.
 Team work.
 Promotion.
 Finance.
 Working to deadlines and forward planning.
By the end of the half term pupils will have a clear idea of
what their music product will be and what is involved in
developing and creating the end product. They will have a
plan completed with deadlines to work towards.
The Music Industry
Alongside exploring and developing a music product pupils will
gain understanding of the music industry and the different
sectors within it. They will gain an understanding of how the
sectors are relevant individually and how they work together.
For both of these units pupils will track and reflect on their
progress in their personal development log.
Second Half Term
Unit 2 – Managing a Music Product
(8 weeks approximately)
Unit 1 – The Music Industry
Unit 8 – Music and Production Analysis
Managing a Music Product
Pupils will work together to develop their ideas through to an
end product. The specific tasks each pupil undertakes will be
related to his/her role and responsibility within the group.
They will track their progress in the personal development log.
At the end of the unit pupils will review the success of their
product, how they worked as a group and their individual
contribution.
The Music Industry
Alongside the development of the product pupils will continue
to develop an understanding of the music industry and roles
and organisations within it.
First Half Term
Individual project
(6 weeks approximately)
Spring
Unit 8 – Music and Production Analysis
Unit 1 – The Music Industry
Individual Project
Pupils will select a unit to study based on their individual
strengths and area of interest. Unit open to them will be:
 Unit 11: Developing Solo Music Performance
 Unit 12: The Development of Music
 Unit 12: Developing Music Composition
 Unit 14: Producing a Music Recording
Pupils will have tasks and targets set appropriate to their
individual project.
Music and Production Analysis
At the start of the half term pupils will sit a mock exam in this
unit. From this, individual targets will be set.
The Music Industry
At the start of the half term pupils will sit a mock exam in this
unit. From this, individual targets will be set.
Second Half Term
Individual project
(6 weeks approximately)
Unit 8 – Music and Production Analysis
Unit 1 – The Music Industry
Individual project
Pupils will continue to develop their skills in relation to their
individual project. All projects will be completed by the end of
the half term.
Music and Production Analysis / The Music Industry
Pupils will continue to develop their understanding in
preparation for the final exams.
First Half Term
Unit 1 – The Music Industry
(5 weeks approximately)
Unit 8 – Music and Production Analysis
Music and Production Analysis / The Music Industry
External exams take place.
Summer
Second Half Term
(6 weeks approximately)