KS3 Music at Thornhill Academy is a creative subject that allows pupils to learn new skills and enjoy making music with other people. KS3 units are designed progressively to build upon on prior learning whilst helping to prepare pupils for their next steps. Pupils have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of a range of genres and traditions through active listening, performing and composing.

 From Y7, pupils are exposed to a wide range of music and guided listening activities allow them to develop the ability to talk critically about what they can hear using appropriate musical terminology. Pupils spend much of their time performing on a range of instruments, both solo and in ensembles, exploring increasingly complex music as they develop their practical skills. Pupils also learn the foundations of composing and improvising, beginning with creating melodies and rhythms and as they progress through KS3, they are given the opportunity to develop extended compositional ideas. Each pupil who studies music receives an account on Soundtrap, a world-class cross-platform digital audio workstation for our students to continue to create music in their homes.  

Building confidence and resilience are essential skills that are developed through our curricular and extra-curricular activities. In addition to peripatetic drum, guitar, keyboard and vocal lessons, pupils have access to enrichment opportunities including ukulele club, Samba band and Choir. Pupils also benefit from performance opportunities, both in school with our ‘Good Morning Thornhill gigs’ and in the wider community. We actively seek opportunities to encourage pupils to participate in public events such as ‘Search for a Star’ and ‘City Sings’.

At Key Stage 4, pupils will continue on their musical journey as they follow the Eduqas GCSE Syllabus. Allowing growth in performing, listening skills and compositions.  Composing skills will be progressed as students work on producing one composition during each academic year this will represent 30% towards their final grade.  Working closely with our excellent peripatetic teachers pupils will continue to improve their instrumental skills and will produce a solo and ensemble performance that will count for 30% towards their examination. Listening skills will account for the final 40% of the final grade as students study set works and increase their aural aptitude and knowledge of musical devices. Pupils will develop leadership skills as they play an active part in the music department helping and supporting all wider curriculum activities and participating in a planning role in all future musical visits.

Further Careers

Michael Pickering playing Rusty in Starlight Express. Ben Forster playing the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera

Music can be studied at AS and A level and degree level. A wide range of post 16 courses exists at Sixth Form and performing arts colleges. We are very proud of our former pupils and have a strong relationship with them and as many have often graced professional theatres around the world we utilise this bond for pupils to see the clear progression from school pupil to Professional Musician.  Former pupils include; Ben Forster, Michael Pickering, Bruce Khan, David and Barry Hyde (Futureheads) and Gary Watson.

Curriculum Support

Please find below all the support documents you need for Music.