Music
at Bishop Perowne Church of England College
Intent
At Bishop Perowne, every student is a musician. We believe in the transformative power of music to unlock creativity, build confidence, and foster community.
Our ethos is rooted in inclusion, expression, and excellence—where every voice matters, every talent is nurtured, and every student is empowered to explore their full musical potential throughout with their three- or five-year study of music.
The music department is a thriving and constantly active part of Bishop Perowne. Our inclusive curriculum aims to develop the knowledge and skills of all as we believe that everybody is a musician.
Within this framework, pupils feel secure and are enabled to develop at their own rate. We use a wide variety of resources and ensure that students are exposed to a breadth of styles and genres of music.
We have a commitment to excellence and a passion for the subject, actively fostering an environment which encourages students to develop a love for music of all types.
Key Stages 3 & 4
Year 7
In Year 7, students build a strong foundation through topics such as Musical Elements, Keyboard Skills, Programme Music, Gamelan, and Ukulele.
They learn to read treble clef notation, use their voices, and perform with a range of instruments, gradually developing confidence and musical fluency.
Year 8
Year 8 broadens their experience with genres and topics including Reggae, African Music, Jazz & Blues, Video Game Music, and Ground Bass.
Students begin reading bass clef notation, strengthen their keyboard technique, and explore music technology.
Year 9
By Year 9, the focus shifts toward developing musical identity through units on Musical Theatre, World Music, EDM, Popular Music, and Composition.
Learners compose, perform, and analyse music in a variety of styles, and work in ensembles using professional software such as Logic Pro, supported by access to our fully equipped music studio.
Year 10
In Year 10, students begin the Eduqas GCSE Music course by studying core areas such as Popular Music, Film Music, Classical Devices and Structures, and The Western Classical Tradition.
They develop their theoretical knowledge and explore one of the set works, Africa by Toto, while also preparing for performance assessments and beginning their first composition in the summer term.
Year 11
In Year 11, students complete the course content with the second set work, Badinerie by Bach, and compose a second piece in response to an exam board brief.
They also complete their solo and ensemble performances, with regular feedback and support. Tailored revision sessions help students prepare for the final listening and appraising exam, and additional support is available weekly to ensure every student can achieve their best.
Assessment & Lessons
In Years 7-10, assessment is designed to reflect a strong emphasis on practical skills, with 77% of the assessment weighted toward performance and composition tasks that build cumulatively on skills developed in lessons.
The remaining 23% consists of a listening test linked to the current topic, which assesses students’ appraising and listening abilities.
Students are clearly informed of the criteria for practical assessments well in advance to support their preparation, while the listening tests reinforce prior knowledge through regular retrieval practice, ensuring a balanced and transparent approach to evaluating musical understanding and skills.
Enrichment & Co-curricular
Our vibrant extra-curricular programme offers students a range of opportunities to develop their musical talents and perform regularly. Clubs include Jazz Band, Big Band, College Choir, A Cappella Singing Group, and Junior Vocal Group, catering to a wide variety of interests and abilities.
These experiences are complemented by enrichment trips that bring classroom learning to life. In Year 7, students visit Symphony Hall in Birmingham to explore orchestral instruments firsthand. Year 8 attend a pantomime to see how music supports live theatre, while students in Years 9 to 11 enjoy West End productions such as Wicked, The Lion King, and Mamma Mia!, deepening their understanding of music’s role in storytelling and performance.
