Music
Staff
Mrs G English – Subject Leader of Music
Mr N Hitchman – Teacher of Music
Music Development Plan 2024-2025
Music Mission Statement
Music plays a central role in the life of Sacred Heart of Mary pupils. The Music department provides opportunities for all pupils to develop their musicianship with excellent provision across Key stage 3, GCSE and A Level lessons. Instrumental and singing lessons are made available to all pupils though our close partnership with Havering Music Service and private tutors and our extra-curricular activities are wholly inclusive where a safe, positive and encouraging environment is provided for high quality and enjoyable music making.
It is our mission to bring out the best in all those who enter our department by infusing a love of music in lessons, extra-curricular activities, assemblies, masses, concerts and in the local community.
Curriculum overview
KS3 pupils enjoy a wide curriculum over three years which covers a wide variety of music. Our Key Stage 3 curriculum allows for all pupils to develop the level of musicianship required for option at GCSE regardless of previous musical opportunities. The Music department also broadens pupils’ musical experiences with annual trips to the theatre.
Year 7 and 8 pupils engage in three lessons over a two-week time table and Year 9 attend one lesson a week.
| Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 |
|---|---|---|
| The Elements of Music 1 | 60s Music – Stand By Me | Film Music – Performance |
| The Elements of Music 2 | 60s Music – Yesterday | Film Music – Composition |
| Rhythm and percussion | The Blues – Performance | Popular Music – Covers |
| Keyboard Skills 1 | The Blues – Composition | Music technology – Video Game Music |
| Ukulele 1 | Samba | Keyboard – Swan Lake |
GCSE Music
Year 11 currently follow the Eduqas GCSE Music course:
https://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/music-gcse/#tab_keydocuments
Extra-curricular opportunities
There is a wide range of activities in which girls can participate:
- School Choir
- Year 7 Choir
- Chamber Choir
- Orchestra
- Guitar ensemble
There are many performing opportunities throughout the year including:
- Mass of Remembrance
- Prizegiving evening
- Carol Service (St. Joseph’s Parish Church, Upminster)
- Spring concert
- Annual school musical.
The school’s House Music Festival takes place every other year. Girls across all houses are expected to get involved in at least one of the categories – House Choir, Junior or Senior Soloist and House Ensemble. Since 2013, pupils who had participated in musical activities and events are invited on a trip to the theatre. Recent trips have included trips to Wicked, STOMP, Les Misérables, Frozen, The Lion King and Matilda: The Musical.
Accommodation
Music is currently taught in a self-contained, purpose built block which was completed in 2014.
The music department has two large teaching rooms, which double as rehearsal and performance venues.
Rooms are well equipped with professional musical equipment, including six pianos, full class sets of djembes and a Samba kit, classroom percussion, acoustic/electric guitars, keyboards and 5 drum kits.
Department facilities and ICT provision
H1 has desks to accommodate 32 pupils and is furnished with 17 high spec PCs. All pupils access these for composition, research work and accessing music software. Both teaching rooms have an Interactive Whiteboard/Projector screen which is integral to teaching at all levels.
Peripatetic Instrument & Vocal Lessons
