Music
Music Curriculum Overview
Subject: Music
Key Stage(s): KS3/KS4 BTEC Tech Award in Music Practice
Head of Department: Lydia Day
Date last reviewed: January 2026
1. Curriculum Intent
Our Music curriculum develops creative, confident and reflective musicians. Students build strong musical knowledge through performing, composing, producing and listening across a wide range of styles and cultures.
They learn key musical elements, apply them practically, and develop skills in analysis, technology and self-evaluation. At KS4, students follow the BTEC Tech Award in Music Practice, preparing them for further study or careers in the creative industries.
The curriculum is inclusive, ambitious and designed to build creativity, discipline and confidence in every learner.
Our Music Development Plan can be found here.
2. Curriculum Implementation
Our Music curriculum is carefully sequenced from KS3 to KS4, building musical knowledge and skills through practical work in performance, composition and production.
Students explore musical elements, styles and technology from Year 7, leading into the BTEC Tech Award in Music Practice. Lessons are hands-on, reflective and inclusive, ensuring all students can develop creatively and progress confidently.
3. Curriculum Impact
Students demonstrate progress through increasing technical control, musical understanding, confidence and independence across performance, composition and production tasks.
- In KS4, student progress is measured over time through tracking of Component 1 exploration work, Component 2 skills development logs and practical outcomes, and Component 3 responses to music briefs.
- Outcomes for students include secure preparation for further study in music, performing arts, music technology or creative media, as well as progression into post-16 education, training or employment within the music and creative industries. Students leave the course with transferable skills in collaboration, communication, problem-solving, organisation and reflective practice.
4. Enrichment and Wider Opportunities
Music at Pool Academy extends beyond the classroom through ensembles, choirs, clubs, performances, workshops and school productions. Students engage with live events and visiting professionals, supported by links with AsOne Music Hub, Cornwall Youth Choir, and CMST for instrumental lessons.
These opportunities enrich learning and connect musical skills to real-world careers in performance, production, and the wider creative industries.
5. Quality Assurance and Review
The Music curriculum is regularly reviewed using assessment data, BTEC moderation, student voice, and performance outcomes. Staff CPD ensures high-quality teaching and up-to-date delivery of the BTEC specification.
This overview reflects Pool Academy’s commitment to a coherent, ambitious and inclusive curriculum aligned with the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework.
