Ivybridge
Community College
Music
Acting Head of Department: Mary Webber
Welcome to the Music Department at Ivybridge Community College.
We believe music is for everyone. Our inclusive, creative and dynamic curriculum is designed to help every student reach their full musical potential.
Through a balance of performance, composition and listening/analysis, students develop strong musical understanding alongside key transferable skills including teamwork, creativity, problem-solving and confidence.
Supported by specialist teachers and peripatetic staff, students experience high-quality teaching and a wide range of musical opportunities. These include ensemble work, performances and extracurricular activities, as well as opportunities to explore different genres and use music technology. Students study Music across Key Stage 3, GCSE, A Level and the RSL Level 3 Performing Pathway.
Benefits of Music
Music education provides significant personal and academic benefits. It helps develop skills valued by universities and employers, such as collaboration, communication, and creative thinking. Research also links learning a musical instrument with improved attainment across wider subjects.
Most importantly, music is enjoyable, social and creative. It enables students to make friends, work collaboratively, and express themselves with confidence within a supportive and inspiring environment.
Our Aims
Our aims are to develop well-rounded musicians through a balanced focus on performance, composition, and analysis.
We aim to:
- Make Music accessible, engaging, and relevant for all students, regardless of prior experience
- Foster creativity, enjoyment, and a lifelong love of music
- Provide a wide range of musical experiences across genres, styles, and abilities
- Offer extensive extracurricular opportunities in performance and ensemble work
- Recognise and respond to students’ individual musical interests
- Integrate music technology and contemporary music into learning
- Develop key vocabulary, music literacy, and deeper listening skills
- Encourage confident, authentic musicianship through listening, performing, composing, and collaboration
- Develop both solo and ensemble performance skills
- Support students in becoming confident, skilled, and versatile musicians
Key Stage 3
By the end of Key Stage 3, students will be able to:
- Perform confidently in solo and ensemble settings with accuracy, fluency, and expression.
- Improvise and compose using a range of styles, structures, and traditions
- Use musical notation accurately and appropriately
- Understand and apply key musical elements (including scales, tonality, and musical devices)
- Listen to and evaluate a wide range of music from different genres and composers
Course Content
Music is taught as a practical, creative subject where students actively make music rather than simply study it. Learning is shaped around students’ interests and includes styles such as blues, film music, minimalism, songwriting, and music technology.
Students develop skills through:
- Performing individually and in groups
- Composing in a range of styles
- Ensemble work and collaboration
- Listening, analysing, and appraising music
Work is presented through recordings, performances, and notation, helping students understand music in both practical and theoretical forms.
Assessment
Assessment is ongoing, student-focused, and based on clear criteria. Students regularly reflect on their progress, track their skills, and identify next steps for improvement through structured feedback and recorded evaluations.
How Parents Can Support
Parents can support by encouraging:
- Participation in extracurricular music activities
- Regular listening to a wide range of music
- Practice and rehearsal at home and in college.
- Use of music technology (e.g. YuMu Studio for composing and recording)
- Instrument learning and communication with the Music Department
Enrichment and Extra-Curricular Opportunities
Music enrichment is open to all students and includes groups such as Key Stage 3 workshops and Pitch Perfect. More advanced ensembles include:
- Junior Orchestra
- Big Band
- Flute Ensemble
- Wind Band
Equipment
Students should bring headphones to every music lesson to access digital learning resources effectively.
Key Stage 4
At Key Stage 4, students study WJEC Eduqas GCSE Music, a practical and creative course for those who enjoy listening to, performing, and composing music.
Students do not need to already take instrumental lessons, but they must be committed to developing their performance skills through regular practice and independent effort.
Aims of the Course
Students will:
- Develop performance skills in solo and ensemble contexts
- Create and develop their own musical ideas through composition
- Understand the connection between performing, composing, and appraising
- Explore a wide range of musical styles, genres, and traditions
- Develop creativity, imagination, and musical understanding
- Use music technology and develop awareness of recording and production
- Learn to evaluate and reflect on music critically
- Build independence and confidence as musicians
Course Content
The course is built around practical music-making through:
- Listening
- Appraising
- Performing
- Composing
- Rehearsing and recording
Students use a range of software and notation tools to create, record, and refine their work. Home learning includes practising performance skills, completing compositions, and listening and theory tasks.
Assessment Overview
Component 1: Performing (30%)
- Solo and ensemble performances (4–6 minutes total)
- At least one ensemble performance required
- Any instrument, voice, or technology-based option
- Recorded performance assessment
Component 2: Composing (30%)
- Two compositions (3–6 minutes total)
- One set brief from WJEC, one free composition
- Any style using live, digital, or notation-based methods
Component 3: Appraising (40%)
- Written exam based on listening and analysis
- Four areas of study: forms and devices, ensemble music, film music, popular music
- Focus on musical elements, context, and musical language
Key Entry Information
- Music reading and notation skills are helpful but not essential
- Instrumental or vocal ability is required (lessons are recommended but not compulsory)
How Parents Can Support
Parents can support by encouraging:
- Listening to a wide range of music
- Regular rehearsal and practice
- Participation in extra-curricular music activities
- Instrumental or vocal lessons where possible
- Use of music technology and revision resources (e.g. BBC Bitesize, music theory website, apps such as GarageBand, Soundation, Audiotool)
Exam Board: https://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/music-gcse/#tab_keydocuments
Key Stage 5
At Key Stage 5, we offer:
- AS and A Level Music (AQA specification)
- Level 3 RSL Subsidiary Diploma for Music Practitioners
These courses allow students to specialise in the areas of music that inspire them most, while developing the advanced skills needed for higher education, conservatoire study, or careers in the music industry. Full course and assessment details are available in the Sixth Form Prospectus.
A Level Music (AQA)
We follow the AQA specification, providing a rigorous academic and practical study of music that builds on skills developed at GCSE and prepares students for further study or professional pathways.
Level 3 RSL Music Practitioners
This is a vocational, industry-linked course designed to prepare students for employment in the music industry as well as other career routes.
The focus is on modern popular music, while also developing skills across a range of styles and contexts. Students will:
- Develop advanced performance techniques
- Lead and take part in music-making activities
- Explore a range of musical styles
- Gain an understanding of the music industry
- Plan for a career in music
- Complete an externally assessed unit involving rehearsal skills and live performance
The course culminates in a large-scale performance project, helping students build real-world experience and professional-level skills.
Exam Board: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/music/a-level/music-7272/specification
For more information, please contact the College here: