Music Department

The Music Department is one of the liveliest areas of the school. It has one main teaching room and 3 practice rooms. Mr. Yates is the only full time music teacher and there are eight visiting instrumental teachers.

Aims
The music department aims to develop pupils’ musical awareness and understanding with great emphasis placed on performing and composing. We strive for musical excellence and within our innovative and effective curriculum cover a diverse spectrum of music, in line with the National Curriculum. We aim to develop further, and make effective use of a range of music technology and continually develop innovative teaching and learning strategies, as well as promoting the use of music across the curriculum to enhance learning. We offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities to all students; giving them the opportunity to perform in concerts, and aim to create and maintain our strong links with the local community.

Key Stage 3
At Key Stage 3, every student receives one lesson every fortnight of Music in mixed ability groups. Pupils study a variety of themes covering music from different styles, periods of listening and parts of the world. Themes range from The Blues, Film Music, Musical Notation, Reggae and many more. As well as learning basic keyboard skills, pupils will also learn how to play Guitar and Drums following the Musical Futures Band Skills programme. Most lessons will involve practical music making using a variety of instruments and Apple iMac computers. Pupils also listen to music and learn how to read simple notations and apply this to their performance and composing. Students are given access to a wide range of music technology equipment order to support and extend their learning.

Monitoring and Assessment
Pupils are given a target grade at the beginning of each year. At the end of each theme pupils usually perform their work and this is assessed by the teacher and sometimes through peer assessment. Work is also regularly reviewed and discussed in lessons.

Key Stage 4
At Key Stage 4 pupils can opt to take Edexcel BTEC in Performing Arts or the NCFE certificate in music technology. In BTEC, pupils concentrate on the three core aspects of music composing, listening and performing. They will undertake different areas of study covering a range of musical styles. The music technology course introduces pupils to recording techniques, audio sequencing, multi-track recording and other equipment, as well as job roles in the music technology industry.

Peripatetic Staff
Our experienced and dedicated peripatetic staff is supplied by MAPAS (Music and Performing Arts Service) and between them they teach 120 students every week:

Mr. Bradley                   Brass
Mrs. Andrew                  Keyboard and Piano
Mrs. Ali                        Stings
Mr. Day                       Electric Guitar
Mrs. Hatton                   Voice
Mr. Hodson                   Drums
Mr. Noone                     Drums
Mrs. Partington             Keyboard and Woodwind