Written in 1917 initially to honour British artillery in World War I, also features in the film Lawrence of Arabia. Excellent example of music with steady pulse (KS1 & KS2) and also music for specific purpose.

One of modernist composer Charles Ives early works, written around the turn of the century but not published until 1949. This piece takes the tune (same as the British National Anthem) through a series of fairly standard but witty variations. It is recommended for listening as example of arrangement in QCA Unit 6 Shanty Time for KS3 and for KS4 pupils, this is one of the first pieces to use bi-tonality.

Released in 1994 and the fifth single to be released from their debut album Always & Forever, this single spent 7 weeks in the UK Top 20, peaking at number 4.

Debut single by the British singer from his debut album Born to Do It. Released in 2000, the song made him the youngest solo artist at the time to have his debut single peak at number one on the UK Singles Chart

1990 cover version of 1960 novelty song telling the story of a shy girl in a revealing bikini bathing suit who stays immersed in the ocean water to hide from view. This version features children's TV presenter of the time Timmy Mallet.

Primary (and some secondary) pupils may be unaware of Billie's singing career before acting in Doctor Who! This is her biggest selling single from 2000 reaching number 1 in the UK. She and Britney Spears were often compared and the similarity in production, sound and tempo of this track with Britney's music is particularly apparent.

1970 number 2 single in the UK and an early example of four track studio recording, heavy on the multi-layered drums that dominate over the very quiet vocal track.

1994 RnB/Pop single featuring all members of the group singing lead vocals, where usually it would only have been lead singer Easther Bennett.

Bowie's 1980 revisit of his Major Tom from a Space Oddity.

KS3 idea: may be interesting to compare the two songs and notice the difference between the two in instrumentation, specifically the use in this song of synthesisers and funk or 'slap' bass, some characteristic sounds from pop music developed during the 70s decade.

One of many carols composed by the British composer. This in SATB four parts with orchestral accompaniment.
KS2 pupils with focussed listening should be able to identify instruments such as the harp and oboe at the beginning and comment on the texture that steadily builds and grows.