Part A: Curriculum music

The school’s vision and values of “Confidence, Resilience, Perseverance” are at the heart of their music provision. Music at Venn Boulevard Centre is taught to KS3 through year groups (7, 8 and 9) school. We do this through adapting our curriculum to suit individual needs ensuring they can still progress. Music is taught once a week for 45 minutes to all KS3 classes. Students also have the opportunity to access music through two hour ‘Enrichment’ sessions every week. The curriculum is informed by the Model Music Curriculum and delivered through Charanga resources. Pupils are taught how to sing during Autumn 1 as well as being exposed to instruments including learning how to play the guitar, drums and glockenspiels. The Venn Boulevard Centre use our local music hub to attend training to support in curriculum adaptation as well as attending music network meetings to speak to other schools regarding our music provision. Students can complete a range of AQA units. Some students can also complete pre-entry level music exams and work their way up to GCSE status along a period of years.

Potential next steps: Explore opportunities to further adapt the music curriculum to meet the diverse needs of pupils, including those with complex medical and mental health requirements.

Investigate the feasibility of introducing music technology, such as digital audio workstations, to provide additional creative outlets for pupils.

Develop a structured progression pathway that allows pupils to seamlessly transition from pre-entry level music exams to GCSE and beyond, ensuring a clear route for musical development.

In addition to the core music curriculum, Venn Boulevard Centre provides pupils with opportunities to access music through enrichment activities and therapeutic interventions. Pupils have the chance to participate in weekly music enrichment sessions, which offer further opportunities to explore and engage with music.

Pupils at Venn Boulevard Centre are able to access one-to-one sessions with the music teacher. They can focus on an instrument of their choice in our onsite music room including guitar and keyboard. Pupils are given a number of opportunities to access music outside of their structured lessons including joining the Christmas Choir as well as performing at our school fairs.

Potential next steps: Explore partnerships with local music organisations or charities to provide additional enrichment opportunities, such as workshops or performances, to broaden pupils’ musical experiences.

Investigate the feasibility of offering individual or small-group instrumental lessons to further develop pupils’ technical skills and musical understanding.

There a range of musical experiences planned for this academic year. One of these being the Christmas Choir. During Spring 1, we are planning on ‘Beats Bus’ attending school to lead a DJ session as well as an African drummer workshop in relation to learning how to play in an ensemble. Towards the end of the academic year, we are hoping to organise a trip to a zoo to record animals for a piece of music relating to Summer 1 focus of ‘carnival of animals’ students who are accessing music throughout KS3 will be able to attend and the cost of the trips will be free due to eligible funding for music.

Potential next steps: Explore opportunities for pupils to attend live music performances, such as concerts or festivals, to broaden their musical horizons and exposure to different genres and styles.

Consider introducing musical workshops or masterclasses led by visiting professional musicians or artists, providing pupils with unique learning experiences and role models.

Investigate the possibility of collaborating with other local schools or organisations to create joint musical projects or performances, fostering a sense of community and shared musical experiences.

Venn Boulevard Centre is committed to expanding its musical opportunities and experiences for pupils in the coming years. The school plans to develop more opportunities for pupils to engage with live music performances, which will help to broaden their musical understanding and appreciation. Additionally, the school will work to ensure that music has cross-curricular links to British Values and careers, highlighting the diverse pathways that music can offer. With new funding available, the school will introduce a wider range of musical instruments, providing pupils with a more diverse set of options to explore and develop their skills.