Music


Department Aims

Music affects all of our lives and is an important form of communication. It helps us to express and share our feelings and helps us to order thoughts and ideas that symbolise and interpret our experiences. Music allows us to share as a community, whether through involvement in music to enhance our worship, or through music used as entertainment.
The study of music as a foundation subject within the National Curriculum, allows all pupils the opportunity to develop a greater understanding of the processes of music making through practical experimentation and collaborative work.
The study of music promotes; social co-operation, development of motor skills, confidence in performing and expressing ideas and an awareness of cultural traditions and idioms.

KS3

In Key Stage 3, pupils experience one lesson per week of music in Year 7 and 8 and one lesson per fortnight in Year 9.
During the course, pupils explore a wide range of musical styles and techniques through practical activities designed to involve all students. Group work enables students to develop skills in problem solving, social interaction and developing confidence within a team.
Topics covered include:
Tribal music and music from other cultures – how music transcends language
The development of musical notation through graphic and staff notation
Cyclic Music including the study of Gamelan – the music of Indonesia
Keyboard and Vocal skills
Developing compositional techniques through the composition of variations
Folk Music of the British Isles – understanding our own traditions and heritage
Blues – the development of modern popular music

KS4

We are currently following the AQA GCSE music course which allows students to develop both as a performer and composer.
Course Summary
Unit 1 – Listening to and Appraising Music – 20%
This will be a 1 hour paper which with questions based around a number of musical areas of study, including Popular music, World Music and Western Classical styles.

Unit 2 and 4 – Composing and Appraising Music – 20%
This unit will build on the techniques of composing which you have worked on in KS3. You will compose music to set briefs.
Unit 3 - Performing Music – 40%
This unit will allow you to demonstrate your skills as a performer, both on your own and as part of an ensemble. The style you perform in is up to you.

KS5

We currently follow the AQA AS and A2 course in Music
A Level study continues to develop areas of performing and composing and also aims to foster a greater understanding of the music we listen to through close analysis. A good knowledge of musical notation is required for A level study, as some of the work involves the study of musical scores and harmonic understanding.
Each candidate must be able to perform to a minimum of Grade 4 standard on a chosen instrument or voice.
The AS examination has three units:
1 – Performance – either, two 6-8 minute performances on different instruments, or one solo performance and one ensemble performance.
2 – Composing – either through completion of harmonic exercises, free composition or arrangement of a given theme.
3 – Listening and analysis paper focussing on set works.

The A2 course continues the themes of the AS course and develops concepts further. A higher standard of practical performance is required for A2.

The Department
Instrumental Lessons
We currently offer instrumental lessons on most instruments (with the exception of piano / keyboard)
Lessons provided by County Music Service tutors include violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, bassoon, trumpet, trombone and tuba. Lessons are charged at £120 per year. Anyone wishing to receive lessons should fill out an application form, available from the Head of Music.
We also have visiting private tutors, offering tuition on voice, guitar and drum kit. These lessons cost between £7.50 and £8.00 and are paid directly to the tutor.

Extra Curricular
The school has a number of ensembles, including an orchestra, wind band and choir. Other ensembles get together when there are suitable players and interests. There are regular concerts which give students the opportunity to perform. An annual Battle of the Bands also allows our many rock bands the opportunity to play to an audience.