Building a Successful Key Stage 3 Music Curriculum

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Explore the key features of a successful Key Stage 3 music curriculum and consider why this stage is central to students’ musical development.
• Develop an understanding of how meaningful practical work in performance and composition can be embedded alongside the teaching of musical knowledge and understanding.
• Reflect on how curriculum planning can support transition from Key Stage 2 while building clear progression across Years 7 to 9.
• Consider how Key Stage 3 curriculum design can prepare students effectively for the musical, creative and academic demands of Key Stage 4.
• Explore how Musical Futures approaches and practical models of learning can support engagement, inclusion and progression at KS3.

The 6 twilight online sessions will explore a range of ideas and approaches to curriculum planning and classroom practice, focusing on strategies and discussion around:

Session 1 – What makes a successful KS3 music curriculum?

Exploring purpose, progression and why KS3 matters.

Session 2 – Embedding meaningful practical work

Approaches to teaching performance and composition as central elements of musical learning.

Session 3 – Building knowledge through musical activity

Considering how pupils can develop understanding through doing, listening, creating and reflecting.

Session 4 – From KS2 into KS3

Supporting transition and building on pupils’ prior musical experiences.

Session 5 – Preparing students for KS4 without losing the value of KS3

Exploring how curriculum choices can lay strong foundations for future study while keeping KS3 musically rich and worthwhile in its own right.

Session 6 – Using Music Technology at KS3

Using music technology at KS3 – explore how music technology can be meaningfully embedded within a Key Stage 3 music curriculum to support musical learning and outcomes.

Cost: Attend the sessions relevant to you or book all six:

• Book for all 6 sessions for £75 (saving £15)
• Attend individual sessions for £15 per session

What’s Included?

• The sessions will consist of whole and small group work as well as discussion
• Any materials/resources* used in the sessions will be made available to participants

*Please note: this course does not include access to the Musical Futures Online resource website.  However, for those attendees who would like to use the full suite of Musical Futures Online resources following the training, a discount of your course costs will be deducted (+VAT) on the Premium or Ultimate membership.

• Secondary music teachers
• Heads of Department
• Early Career Teachers
• Heads of Faculty responsible for music (non specialist)
• Non specialist music teachers

Teachers who attend this training report that they value:

• Trying out practical activities which instil them with the confidence, knowledge and resources to start delivery in their school the following day!
• Hearing how another secondary school organises their music curriculum
• An opportunity to see a class in action (where possible)
• Working with experienced classroom practitioner who uses this approach with their students
• An opportunity to connect with other music teachers

What People Say About Music Musical Futures Training:

“Love how it follows on from Musical Futures KS3 work, giving students confidence to compose/write songs/break things down”

“I feel completely inspired – Musical Futures is fab and the way forward at this level!”

“This will have an immediate impact with set works and songwriting”

“Brilliant for helping with adapting GCSE schemes of work, creating new ones and building on things I’ve started – thanks for a great day!”

“Lots of ideas to introduce a more practical approach to whole class teaching in KS3 and at GCSE”