Music

Music is an important part of school life at Castledon School. As a Music Mark School we are proud to deliver high quality music education for all our students.

The music curriculum across Castledon School is based on three interrelated pillars of progression: technical, constructive and expressive.

Primary music lessons are centered around the interrelated elements of music, which are developed through listening, performing, composing and singing.

All students in Key Stage 1 and 2 receive a weekly music lesson where they have the chance to develop their singing voice through Kodaly style methods, learning about pitch and rhythm, playing on  a range of instruments including un-tuned and tuned percussion. Dalcroze techniques are also used to engage pupils to introduce tempo and dynamics. Every year students perform in the Christmas event for parents and other classes.

Students in Secondary departments have music as a part of creative topics. They extend their instrumental skills by learning drums, keyboard, ukulele and guitar and develop their ensemble skills. Music notation is introduced by this stage. Whilst there is an emphasis on performance students also develop basic skills in improvisation and composition. The Music Department scheme of work is regularly adapted and revised in order to meet the changing needs of the student population.

In Year 10 and 11 students work towards completing an ASDAN Expressive Arts course where they can develop their instrumental skills, research their favourite artists and participate as an audience member at an event of their choice.

Beyond weekly class-based music lessons many students take part in extracurricular musical activities such as music clubs ,singing clubs and music interventions. They have the opportunity to attend Young Voices event in O2 Arena, London.

Alongside music lessons, some pupils have instrumental lessons (piano and guitar) delivered by a teacher from Essex Music Hub.

College students have a weekly music enrichment session where they develop their ensemble skills, playing individually or in the group.

All students at Castledon School have their opportunity to perform at the end of the year  in a Music Concert for the whole school during Creative Arts Week. This year we had a Carnival where so many talented students showed their talents!

DFE Music Development Plan Nov 2024