At SJBC, our Music curriculum develops confident, creative and curious musicians. We believe in sound before symbol — learning through practical experience before formal theory. From the start, students perform, compose and listen, building the aural awareness and technical fluency that underpin musical understanding.
Students join us with a wide range of prior experiences, both formal and informal. Our curriculum values every entry point, building on what learners already know and can do. We balance the familiar with the new: popular styles sit alongside classical, jazz and music from around the world. Authenticity is key — jazz is taught aurally, classical study through notation, and technology used as a tool for genuine musicianship. By the end of KS3, students have the skills and confidence to succeed at GCSE.
Music at SJBC is practical and knowledge-rich, with performing, composing and listening taught together. Lessons centre on active music-making through singing, keyboards, ukulele and percussion, supported by music technology. Listening and analysis are woven into performance so that students understand what they play and hear. Learning builds cumulatively: KS3 establishes secure skills in melody, harmony, rhythm and structure that lead directly to GCSE. Teaching mirrors real musical practice — playing by ear, reading notation, improvising and composing. Frequent performance and feedback develop confidence, independence and accuracy.
Homework reinforces key knowledge and practical skills. Tasks include short listening or vocabulary quizzes, practice on class instruments, and research into composers or genres. At GCSE, students extend this through composition development, practice listening papers and performance preparation.
