Building on Key stage 2

Building on the knowledge, skills and understanding gained at KS2, our music curriculum aims to provide all students with a high-quality music education which engages and inspires them to develop a life-long love of music, increases their self-confidence, creativity, and imagination, and provides
opportunities for self-expression and a sense of personal achievement.

We offer opportunities for students to develop their talents in all aspects of music including performance, composition and appreciation, both within and outside of the classroom.

How to support your child at KS3

As your child deepens and extends their musical interests they will:

  • Perform, listen to, review and evaluate music from a range of historical periods, genres, styles and traditions, including the works of famous composers and musicians.
  • Have opportunities to learn musical instruments and use music technology appropriately.
  • Learn to sing, and to use their voices to create and compose music on their own and with others.
  • Understand and explore how music is created, produced and communicated, including a knowledge of pitch, dynamics, tempo, timbre etc.

To support your child:

  • Try to expose your child to as wide a variety of music as you can. Attend music concerts of all types and introduce your child to choirs and orchestras.
  • Encourage your child to listen to the music played while you are out in shops, restaurants and other public places. Do they notice any differences between the types of music played in different places?
  • Play music while your child is doing homework, chores, completing a puzzle or other similar activities. Encourage your child to choose what music they think is most appropriate for each type of activity.
  • Encourage your child to learn to play a musical instrument (see below)
  • Encourage your child to join an extra-curricular musical activity (see below)

All students in KS3 learn to sing and to play a wide range of instruments in class, but many students wish to extend their musical experience through in-depth study of a particular instrument or the voice by taking Instrumental / Vocal Lessons.

Further guidance can be found on the links below:

Some instruments can be hired on a termly basis (subject to availability) via the Hire Request Form

Extra-Curricular Activities

Undertaking extra-curricular activities has far-ranging benefits that touch on many aspects of your child’s development including: Learning new skills, boosting academic performance, developing broader social skills, improving time management and impressing universities.

Walsall Academy is full of exciting activities that could spark your child’s imagination and capture their attention.

We offer a wide and diverse range of extra-curricular activities including: Soul Band, a number of Vocal Groups, Advanced Stage Academy (Musical Theatre), Ukulele Group, JAM Academy (Rock Band) and STOMP Academy (World Music). We also offer an annual Whole School Musical production.

Creativity is a key asset for education and beyond. Those involved in music clubs tend to be more creative thinkers and capable of approaching problems from a different standpoint.

Further Guidance about extra-curricular activities in music can be found on the link below:

Extra-Curricular Music Activities

Important Links:

  • Bandlab for Education – An award-winning online music platform where students can embark on a music-learning journey that unleashes their creativity and foster collaboration with peers
  • BBC 10 Pieces – BBC Ten Pieces consists of ten performances of classical music which aim to open up the world of classical music to 7-14 year-olds across the UK and inspire them to develop their own creative responses to the music
  • Bitesize – A website designed to help learn about topics covered at KS3, support learning and find out about careers in music
  • Little Kids Rock Jam Zone – Learn to play your favourite band skills instruments and songs.
  • Love Music Trust – The Love Music Trust is our local music service hub. They offer a wide range of ensembles that you can join as well as offering instrumental hire and invaluable experience for young people with high musical aspirations
  • Music Theory – Free online lessons and exercises to help learn about the theory behind music
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