The Music Department at Manshead offers students the tenacity to become emotionally mature and well-rounded individuals with the use of developing life/workplace skills.  This in turn will aid their experiences in performance and creativity. The sole use of team building allows students to understand the concept of teamwork and communication in business, presenting their ideas with confidence and resilience. The focus is to ensure that students complete their studies having learnt how to compose, devise, appraise, empathise, collaborate and create performances, encouraging them to think outside the box with freedom of their own expression.   

Music contributes to the values of the school by encouraging students Hopes and Aspirations. The arts give students a variety of skills sought after by employers and universities as well as growing them as a member of a wider community through group work, communication and enhancing self-confidence through various situations. Music also allows students the opportunity to develop their Knowledge and Wisdom across multiple platforms. Students will explore cultural issues, historical periods, theatrical practice and a published play for each year of study in Drama and Music. Additionally, Music encompasses a range of other subjects throughout the school such as art, humanities, science, mathematics, and modern foreign languages showing that  an appreciation of the arts aids learning in multiple areas across the curriculum and a wider knowledge and understanding of the world beyond the classroom. The main value of the arts at Manshead CE Academy is to create and develop students who are intuitive, creative, resilient, innovative, self-motivated and who challenge common misconceptions, opening a world of expression and setting them up with the skills needed for a  wide range of employment opportunities. 

The Music department is organised to promote inclusivity and equal opportunities for ALL. To support Manshead’s Core value of Faith and Compassion.  The curriculum is specifically tailored to suit all ethnic backgrounds and abilities. Supporting an aesthetic learning experience. One key example of this is students in year 8 learn about the evolution of Music and how technology/world affairs has contributed to the Music we hear today. We also refer to different styles and cultures; teaching students about the use of timbre and how sound has evolved in different beliefs. In addition to this, students are given a multitude of different playing experiences which supports their curiosity as they are growing. We do this by changing instruments every term to fit the chosen unit and challenge their learning. This allows students to learn the value of Dignity and Respect through a fully inclusive Music curriculum.  

Furthermore, the music department encourages a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities and shows. The department hosts two main shows every year [Christmas and Summer] which supports student’s journeys and celebrates their strengths as musicians. This is a fantastic opportunity for all.   

At Key Stage 3, students are offered one hour of both Music and Drama with a carousel for Year 8 students. When students enter the Year 9 cohort the choice is made between Music and Drama with the opportunity to prepare them for their Key Stage 4 options.

Additionally choosing Music in Year 9 allows students to develop their instrumental skills and discover their Musicality. The goal is for Students to reach a Grade 3 or 4 on their chosen instrument which in turn will prepare them for future Music Prospects. We also focus heavily on student’s confidence and performance skills.

Students in Year 9 are expected to perform in front of their peers to not only develop their life skills but to help them discover themselves as an individual.

Furthermore, with multiple opportunities to communicate with peers, learn new songs and enjoy music to the fullest; year 9 allows students to develop their independence to become independent thinkers. Additionally, when students reach Key Stage 4, they then make their final choice and pick their options for Year 10- Year 11.

The curriculum is designed to extend learning beyond the classroom through: 

Industry Visits and trips: Students to acknowledge the Music industry and different Job roles.  

Expert teaching from professionals: Students get independent support from trained Musicians  

Online Resources: Access to digital platforms and resources enables continuous learning and exploration of the subject matter at home.