Music Development Plan Summary

This is a summary of how our school delivers music education to all our students across three areas – curriculum music, co-curricular provision and musical experiences – and what changes we are planning in future years. This information is to help students and parents or carers understand what our Academy offers and who we work with to support our students’ music education.

Part A: Curriculum music

This is about what we teach in lesson time, how much time is spent teaching music and any music qualifications or awards that students can achieve.

At Brompton Academy, our music curriculum is intended to provide students with a comprehensive and balanced musical education during class time. This includes the structure of our curriculum, the time set aside for music instruction, and the qualifications and awards available to students.

Link to the School Curriculum for Music

Our detailed music curriculum for each year group can be accessed through the following links:

- Year 7
- Year 8
- Year 9
- Year 10
- Year 11
- Year 12 and 13

Details on Time Allocation for Curriculum Music

Our KS3 curriculum divides the term equally between technology and instrumental instruction, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education in both areas.

Summary of Singing or Instrument Learning Opportunities

Students in KS3 benefit from whole-class ensemble instruction, which emphasises both technological aspects and instrumental music. This approach allows students to develop a diverse set of musical skills while also encouraging collaborative learning.

Information on Partnerships for Curriculum Music

We have a strong partnership with Dynamics, the local music hub, who provide peri (peripatetic) teachers to supplement our curriculum. Dynamics also runs an extracurricular club called Rock School, which provides additional music-making opportunities for our students.

Music Qualifications and Awards

For our KS4 students, we provide the BTEC Tech Award in Music. For those who continue to KS5, we offer the RSL Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma for Music Practitioners. This course offers pathways in Performance, Composition/Technology, and Business, catering to a wide range of musical interests and career goals.

Part B: Co-curricular music

This is about opportunities for students to sing and play music, outside of lesson time, including choirs, ensembles and bands, and how students can make progress in music beyond the core curriculum.

At Brompton Academy, we offer many opportunities for students to participate in music outside of regular class times. Participation in choirs, ensembles, bands, and other musical activities allows students to develop their musical skills beyond the core curriculum.

Music Tuition Offered

We provide individual (1:1) and pair lessons to students who want personalised instruction. In addition, in Year 8, we have a whole-class performance project in which students learn to play drums, bass, and piano, promoting a collaborative and comprehensive music education.

Ensembles Available

Our Academy has several vibrant ensembles. The Rock School is a highlight, allowing students to form bands and receive instrumental tuition during their sessions. BA Voices is our singing club for KS3 students that helps young vocalists develop their skills. This July, we will also host a Rock School production for the entire school, complete with a live pit band made up of our students, showcasing their hard work and musical development.

Progress Opportunities in Music

To help students along their musical journey, we provide free instrumental loans through the local music hub for the duration of their lessons. This ensures that all students have access to the necessary tools for practicing and improving their skills. We also have an instrument purchase scheme, which gives students the opportunity to purchase an instrument at a discounted rate and allows parents to spread the cost of learning an instrument.

Instruments Offered and Tuition Costs

We offer a variety of instruments to our students, including piano, voice, violin, viola, bassoon, flute, bass guitar, guitar, drums, ukulele, clarinet, and saxophone. Tuition is paid fortnightly via the EMI grant and Pupil Premium Funding. Parents can also upgrade to weekly lessons for £27.50 per hour, which ensures flexibility and accessibility for all families.

Rehearsal and Practice Spaces

Our Academy has five rehearsal spaces, including the main classroom, all of which are outfitted with the necessary equipment to facilitate student practice and rehearsal. These areas are designed to help students hone their craft in a comfortable setting.

Partnerships for Co-Curricular Music

We work with the University of Kent, where university students lead three sessions as part of their Music in the Community module, giving our students unique learning experiences. Furthermore, we collaborate closely with the Primary Music Forum to ensure a seamless transition from primary to secondary music education, ensuring continuity and progression in our students' musical journeys.

Part C: Musical experiences

This is about all the other musical events and opportunities that we organise, such as singing in assembly, concerts and shows, and trips to professional concerts.

At Brompton Academy, we offer a variety of musical events and opportunities in addition to our regular curriculum. These experiences are intended to enrich students' musical education and include performances, concerts, and trips to professional concerts.

Planned Musical Experiences

Our musical plans for the year include performances at the open evening and the Winter Showcase. Furthermore, we are thrilled to present our production of "School of Rock the Musical," which promises to be a highlight of our musical season.

Participation and Audience Details

Participation in these musical events is entirely voluntary. Students sign up with their act already prepared, and our dedicated staff helps them fine-tune their performances so they are ready for the stage. This process not only improves their musical abilities, but also boosts their confidence and stage presence. The performances are always sold out and feature a mix of teachers, parents, and peers.

Charging Information for Events

To make our musical events more accessible, we've set reasonable ticket prices. Concert tickets cost £4 for adults and £3 for concessions. Tickets for our annual production cost £8 for adults and £5 for concessions. These fees help cover event costs and sup- port the Music and Performing Arts Departments

In the future

This is about what the Academy is planning for subsequent years.

At Brompton Academy, we are continually looking to enhance and expand our musical offerings to provide even more opportunities for our students in the coming years.

Planned Improvements

We intend to organise additional trips to increase our students' exposure to live music and professional performances. In addition, we have already scheduled three performances for next year, ensuring that our students have numerous opportunities to showcase their abilities. We are also discussing incorporating performances into our rewards assemblies, which would add a musical element to our celebrations of student achievement.

High-Quality Music Provision Features

Our KS3 music curriculum is based on a carousel system, with students receiving three hours of music instruction per week for one half term each year in Years 7, 8, and 9. This intensive approach allows students to immerse themselves in music while also providing a solid foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects.

Peripatetic (peri) music lessons are becoming increasingly popular at our Academy, with more than 60 students currently on the waiting list. This high demand highlights the importance and value of Music at Brompton Academy, and we intend to expand these lessons to accommodate more students in the future.