music department overview
» Our Approach to Learning
» Department Structure
» Curriculum
Our Approach to Learning
In Music, our philosophy is clearly displayed in both classrooms. We learn by “listening, watching and ...... DOING!”
Curriculum
The Music Department has established itself as an integral part of the Performing Arts team. We offer a broad and diverse curriculum throughout KS3 and GCSE. Lessons are very much practical based and offer many opportunities for students to access a variety of different instruments from different genres. Students develop there musical appreciation, listening, and performance skills throughout KS3, including regular singing and rhythm based activities
There are some curriculum changes occurring at KS4 which are being phased in from Sept 2011. BTEC music will now be offered as it is more appropriate for our students. There will still be a focus on performance skills, but it will now allow students to study the music industry/plan a concert or event, as well as develop there composition skills. This is a 100% coursework based.
There are two classrooms allocated just for Music. MU1 has a suite of keyboards, African Drums and two Samba kits as well as a host of other percussion instruments. MU2 is used for music technology with a 30 strong PC suite running several music software applications. There are also enough keyboards to accommodate 30 students in MU2. There are three practise rooms where students can rehearse at lunchtimes. Students also have the opportunity to learn many different instruments from our peripatetic staff including keyboard, drums, violin, viola, flute, clarinet, saxophone and guitar (all styles).The number of students receiving instrumental lessons is at its highest for many years. We have just purchased 5 saxophones, 8 violins, and a full brass ensemble kit which can be loaned out to students to practise at home.
