The music curriculum at Dover Court has been designed to ensure students of all ages and abilities have access to high quality music-making through a range of practical activities. Our curriculum has been designed with input from the Nord Anglia Juilliard Creative Classroom which gives children a unique opportunity to access these specially-designed resources.
All students from EYFS to Year 8 receive weekly music lessons with a qualified and experienced Specialist Music Teacher. From Year 9 onwards, students have the opportunity to study music as a GCSE option and at Key Stage 5 we offer International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Music at both Standard and Higher Level.
Music in our Primary School
EYFS have two music lessons each week. During these sessions we introduce the elements of music through a range of activities, with a focus on movement and singing. Closely aligned to the Early Years curriculum, the music lessons are designed to enthuse the students and the skills taught are transferable.
In Years 1 and 2 the children continue to explore music through a topic-based approach. There is still a strong focus on singing and movement, but also an increased amount of listening, performance using classroom instruments and an introduction to rhythmic notation.
Throughout Years 3 to 6 there is a focus on developing more practical musical skills and also pitch notation. All students are given the opportunity to learn to play the keyboard, djembe drums and ukulele, and to explore a wide variety of topics, ranging from a Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra to Brazilian Samba and Hip Hop.
Music in our Secondary School
Just like in the Primary school, music is for everyone in our Secondary school. This means that whether you are a skilled instrumentalist, a film or game composer, a chart topping producer or pop singer, our curriculum and CCA provision will cater for your needs regardless of ability. All we ask for is your willingness to try out new ideas, take risks and be creative!
The department is a hive of activity before school, lunchtime and after school with students of all key stages rehearsing and composing using technology as well as participating in the many clubs and CCA activities we have on offer.
All Secondary Music students have an Education Soundtrap account which allows access to a high quality online studio where they can compose, collaborate, edit and explore a world of sound.
In Years 7 and 8 we put collaboration, technology and practical music making at the heart of everything we do. It is essential that students have the opportunity to revisit and improve on skills they began to develop in primary Music. We continue with African Drumming, Ukulele and Music technology as well as beginning to work collaboratively in bands.
This practical, hands-on approach to the curriculum at Key Stage 3 prepares students well for Music at GCSE-level. GCSE Music is split into three components: performing 30%, composing 30% and listening 40% (exam). More detail of the GCSE course structure can be found on the curriculum map.
The new IB Music diploma is proving to be highly popular at Dover Court. It embraces experimentation and creativity with the focus being the musical journey of the student. The course is ideal for students who respond to a creative approach to composition and performance and are interested in both theoretical and practical aspects of music-making. Students will develop holistically as creators and performers over the duration of the course.
Extra-Curricular Activities
We offer many collaborative music-making opportunities to enrich our student curriculum learning through our CCA Music Programme, stretching across both the Primary and Secondary schools. Each term we run a range of Music CCAs for our students such as Rock Bands, Choirs, Big Little Band, Ukulele Clubs, Orchestra, Musical Theatre group and many more.
Throughout the academic year, there are a host of opportunities for students of all ages and abilities to participate in a performance. Examples of these include peer performances, lunchtime recitals, assemblies and more formal events such as recitals, productions and band nights.
Instrumental Music Programme
In addition to our rich music curriculum, we provide opportunities for your child to take individual instrumental / vocal music lessons.
Learning a musical instrument can have a huge positive impact on the intellectual, social and personal development of children and young people .It also happens to be great fun! We currently offer lessons on the following instruments. However if you would like to learn an instrument that is not currently on our list please get in touch and we will see how we can accommodate your musical needs.
- Violin & Viola
- Cello & Double Bass
- Guitar & Ukulele
- Piano
- Drums
- Flute, Clarinet & Saxophone
- Trumpet, Trombone & Baritone
- Voice
For details of the programme and costs please email music.admin@dovercourt.edu.sg
