Are you looking for Key Stage 3 solutions?
At Key Stage 3 there is an increasingly wide gap when it comes to basic musical knowledge. This applies to students in schools with a solid music programme, and also those in schools where music has been cut back. This means that they don’t always have the basic skills needed for Key Stage 3 and beyond. The biggest barrier for students is the fear of theory and a general lack of understanding when it comes to key concepts. This is where Focus on Sound is so powerful because it provides students with a way of engaging with the main building blocks of music. If they are wanting to expand their knowledge of key terms, elements of music or genres, then they can explore what Focus on Sound has to offer.
We want our students to feel confident, and this can take time. My advice is to get them using Focus on Sound to not only learn new terms, but also test themselves. The more they can engage with the dictionary and lessons, the more confident they will be. I encourage you as teachers to engage with it too, setting them work, creating quizzes and using it in class. If students aren’t sure of a musical term or piece of music theory, then allow them to look things up so they get used to that process.
Key Stage 3 can be a tough three years and a lot will depend on Key Stage 2 provision. Focus on Sound is a wonderful resource for making sure we provide students with all they need to make progress. So if you are worried about a student, class or cohort, then consider how Focus on Sound can help them.
About James Manwaring
James is the Director of Music for the Windsor Learning Partnership Multi-academy Trust. He has held the post of Head of Music at The Windsor Boy's School for over 15 years. James is currently the President-Elect of the Music Teachers Association.
