At Co-op Academy Bebington the Music department follows a highly practical approach to lessons. Students are involved in listening, singing, performing and creating from day one as we encourage active involvement for everyone regardless of ability or experience. Our main objective is to develop a curiosity for the subject, as well as an understanding and acceptance of the importance of all types of music, and a respect for the role that music may wish to be expressed in any person’s life.

Our Music curriculum will engage and inspire students to develop a love of music and develop their talent as musicians, and in turn increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement. As they progress, they will develop a critical engagement with music, allowing them to compose and to listen with discrimination. 

Staff Members

Miss S. Utley – Curriculum Coordinator

Miss S. Spencer

KS3 Music provides a rich and exciting journey through different musical styles and traditions, which is enhanced with instruments such as keyboards, ukuleles, djembe drums, Latin American percussion instruments, and pop/rock band instruments. Students learn to take part willingly and value all musical contributions to their shared music making.

Year 7

Unit 1 Building Bricks

Unit 2 I’ve Got Rhythm

Unit 3 Power of the Pentatonic

Unit 4 The Four-Chord Trick

Unit 5 Hook & Riffs

Unit 6 Around the world

Year 8

Unit 1 Blues Music

Unit 2 Ukulele Pop Mash-Ups

Unit 3 Soundtracks

Unit 4 School of Rock

Unit 5 EDM: BandLab Backing Tracks

Year 9

Unit 1 Variations

Unit 2 Off Beat

Unit 3 Live Lounge 

At KS4 students currently follow the BTEC Level 1/2 First Award in Music course which offers students the opportunity to become the very best musicians through challenging them to think, act and speak like those working in the profession.  They are introduced to the world of the music industry, its many organisations, and the vast amount of job roles available for them to pursue. Students will develop skills in time management, project planning and sound production, to better prepare them for a career in the profession whilst maintaining a passion for an involvement in the practical element of the subject.

Students will complete the following 4 units of work:

Unit 5 Introducing Music Performance: In year 10 students will continue to develop their performance skills, on a chosen instrument or voice, to a standard suitable for auditioning at a local music college. With L.I.P.A as our focus destination, students will learn how to prepare for a music audition by developing good warm up techniques, practise and rehearsal techniques, and stage presence for the big day.

Unit 2 Managing a Music Product: In year 10 students will learn how to plan, organise and deliver a live music event. As a member of the production team they will take on board a more specific job role for the event, such as sound technician or stage manager, and learn the necessary skills within curriculum time to be fully confident to contribute the part on the day of the event. 

Unit 1 The Music Industry: In year 11 students will continue to learn about the many job roles within the music industry and how they are all closely related to each other. Students will gain a good understanding of the scope of the music industry with a view to getting work in and using the organisations that exist.

Unit 3 Introducing Live Sound: In year 11 students will be given the opportunity to learn about live sound and carry out the role of a live sound engineer. As a sound engineer, students will learn to manage the technical requirements for an entire concert, such as our Live Lounge concerts. They will also begin to consider the sound requirements of the venue, organise and direct sound checks, and show how they can use and operate equipment safely without causing injury to themselves or others.

From September 2022 students will follow the new BTEC Tech Award Level 1/2 in Music Practice. This course will give students the opportunity to develop knowledge and technical skills in a practical learning environment. Students will develop key skills, ranging from rehearsing to experimenting with technology, equipment and instruments. Students will also develop an understanding of the music industry. Everyone taking this qualification will study three components, covering the following content areas:

Component 1 Exploring Music Products and Styles: In year 10 students will explore the techniques used in the creation of different musical products and investigate the key features of different musical styles and genres.

Component 2 Music Skills Development: At the end of year 10 students will start to develop two musical disciplines through engagement in practical tasks, while documenting their progress and planning for further improvement.
Component 3 Responding to a Music Brief: In year 11 students will develop and present music in response to a given music brief from the exam board.

Students who achieve at Level 2 might consider progression to either:

● Study A Levels as preparation for entry to higher education in a range of subjects.

● Study a vocational qualification at Level 3, such as a BTEC National in Music or a BTEC National in Music Technology, which prepares students to enter employment or apprenticeships, or to move on to higher education by studying a degree in the music sector.