The Music department at Birkdale High School believes that all children should be entitled to experience a wide range of musical opportunities, regardless of their background. As a department we must nurture all students’ creative talents and seek opportunities for them to develop as individuals and achieve their maximum potential. Alongside literacy and numeracy, the skills of performing, creating, and critical analysis, which are intrinsic to studying Music, are essential lifelong skills. The Creative industry is fast developing and creative people are highly sought after in the world of work – it is our job in the Music department not only to begin to prepare students in readiness for a potential career in the Creative industries, but also to support them in becoming well rounded and confident human beings.

In the Music department students will have the opportunities to develop many skills, including performing on a variety of different instruments, music theory knowledge, composition and critical analysis of musical styles. The curriculum at Foundation stage provides the building blocks for students who then choose to opt for Music at Examination stage. The Foundation schemes of work are purposely designed to provide the students with a wide variety of musical skills, knowledge and experiences. Our schemes of work are developed to ensure that all students are taken through step by step instructions to enable them to create their own successful and individual compositions, performances and musical analyses. These skills are not only vital aspects of the Music, but also help to provide students with essential life skills and build self esteem.

Aspire

The Music curriculum will inspire our boys to have the desire to achieve and contribute positively to the school community through Music. Our boys will strive to do their best across all areas of the Music curriculum, regardless of subject specialism or personal interests, whilst aspiring to contribute to productions and performances.

Thrive

The Music curriculum will enable our boys to be successful and confident by embracing new opportunities for performance, sharing ideas, and feeling a genuine sense of belonging within the department.

Succeed

The Music curriculum will empower our boys with the understanding and empathy to become considerate, resilient and knowledgeable young adults who are capable of succeeding within the Music industry.