Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. The high-quality music education engages and inspires pupils to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians.

In order to increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement. As pupils progress, they develop a critical engagement with music, allowing them to compose, and to listen with discrimination. At Northgate we value music as an academic subject and realise its contribution to enjoyment and enrichment and for its social benefits. We enable children to learn a musical instrument; to make music with other; to learn to sing; and to have the opportunity to progress to the next level of excellence. 

music curriculum map

year 7 knowledge organiser

ks3 terminology

year 7 – hooks and riffs

year 7 – british folk music

year 8 – musical futures

year 8 – samba music

year 8 – instruments in orchestra

year 8 – music in rock n roll

year 9 – song writing

gcse terminology

mad t shirt

Exam Board: EDUQAS
You can find the current GCSE specification here

Students are able to continue studying Music at A Level – You can find out more about BTEC Music at Dereham Sixth Form here

Working Independently

Below are a number of links to resources available to support independent learning:

Assessment in Music

You can view the current assessment and feedback policy for Music here

Personal Development and Cultural Capital in Music
Music lesson are available in a wide range of instruments. Strings (Violin, Viola, cello, Double Bass) Woodwind (Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone), Brass (Trumpet, Horn, Tuba) Drum kit,  Guitars (Bass, Electric, Acoustic, Ukulele) Singing, Piano and Keyboard. Our teachers are from the Norfolk County Music Service and local musicians who are highly trained musicians. We can also give advice  if interest in learning any other instruments.
The Music room is open most break times and lunchtimes for students to practice and attend clubs. Pupil led groups are encouraged. The school instrumental band rehearse weekly. Singing rehearsals for musical production are held after school. 
Who Teaches Music

Head of Department (Performing Arts): Ms. R. Harris, B.A. (Hons), G.T.P.
Email:rharris followed by @ng6.unity-ed.uk

Mrs Harris graduated from Lancaster University with a BA Hons in Theatre Studies.  She then became a Drama and Dance teacher with her first job at Neatherd in 2009.  She then moved schools to Downham Market in 2018 before starting at Northgate in 2022 as Head of Drama and Dance. Outside of school Mrs Harris coaches a competitive contemporary dance team called Obsidian and is also Associate Principal Moderator for AQA GCSE Dance.

Other Staff: Miss C. Brooks, G.T.C.L. (Hons), P.G.C.E (OU)., F.T.C.L., L.T.C.L.
Email: cbrooks followed by @ng6.unity-ed.uk

Miss Brooks attended Trinity College, London reading Music with a year focusing on Contemporary Performance Practice. Currently Miss Brooks is an examiner for AQA (GCSE) and Edexcel (A Level). She is also a Lead Verifier at DSFC for BTEC. Alongside teaching, Miss Brooks plays with the Mirliton Flute Ensemble, the Norwich Philharmonic and occasionally Norfolk Symphony Orchestra.

Other Staff: Mr. D. Brook, B.Mus (Hons), F.G.M.S., P.G.C.E
Email: dbrook followed by @ng6.unity-ed.uk

Other Staff: Mr. O. Masango, B.A.(Hons), B.Sc.
Email: omasango followed by @ng6.unity-ed.uk

He graduated from the KAAF University College of Ghana with a BA Hons in Music. Alongside being a professional musician with two albums to his credit, he has been a Music teacher at the American Community School Abu Dhabi, Musigarten Music School Accra Ghana, Bishop Rogan Minor Seminary Buea, Cameroon and now Northgate High School. Mr Masango Obase-Aboli has been described as ”a fantastic musical improviser….’’ by TedX Talks , ”A chromatic vision…” by Hyperlink Media Africa and ”a west African born Balafon Virtuoso, multi- instrumentalist and Music Teacher…” by Music in Africa.

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