Music
Staff
Head of Department:
Miss R Foster
Departmental Staff:
Mr J Arnold
Support Staff:
Mr N Snell, Orchestra and Jazz Band
Mrs S Smith, Clarinet/Saxophone and Woodwind Ensemble
Miss H Guyomard, Flute
Mr G Stitt, Flute
Mr W Thompson, Baritone, Euphonium, Trombone, Tuba and Brass Ensemble
Mrs J Bingham, Cornet, Trumpet, French Horn, Tenor Horn
Mrs T Surginor, Violin/Viola
Mrs K De Luke, Violin/Viola
Mr A Nesbitt, Cello
Miss M Strong, Double Bass
Mr S Johnston, Piano
Ms J Bourke, Singing and Junior Choir
Mr P Duffy, Drum Kit/Percussion
Mr C Boyd, Guitar and Music Theory for Associated Board Exams
Mr M Flanagan, Guitar and Guitar Club
Overview
The power of music is immense. It can educate, entertain, calm, excite and be used as a medium to remember information. Music is utilised in many ways to improve and enhance the lives of people. It is meant to be consumed by the listener, performer, or composer.
Research shows that studying music can help pupils develop cognitive skills, critical thinking and spatial reasoning. Pupils who play music as part of a group develop team-working skills, self-discipline, self-esteem and the ability to listen to others. It also helps develop communication skills and encourages creativity and expressiveness.
Ethos
“To inspire, engage, be relevant and promote the highest standards of music-making by nurturing the musical talents of the pupils within a supportive and aspirational environment.”
Aims
to involve as many pupils as possible and provide the opportunity to express themselves and build self-confidence, self-esteem and develop teamwork through musical activities.
to empower pupils by stretching and challenging them to achieve their musical potential through active involvement in listening, performing, composing and music technology.
to stimulate and develop an appreciation of the diverse musical genres and styles throughput musical history to the present day
to encourage and nurture an enjoyment and love of music which pupils will carry into their adult lives
Key Stage 3
All pupils in Years 8 and 9 have two periods of music a week and one in Year 10. At Key Stage 3 we aim to ensure a progression of skills. Pupils actively engage with the core musical activities of listening, performing, composing and learn about making and responding to music. All pupils explore composition in the keyboard laboratory and iMac suite, develop skills in music technology, perform as a soloist and part of an ensemble. Pupils are stimulated to develop their listening skills with a diverse range of styles and genres that are relevant and engaging.
Pupils follow the KS3 (CCEA Statutory Curriculum)
Key Stage 4
At GCSE, all pupils follow the GCSE Music (CCEA Specification)
Specific Entry Requirements – The standard of performance at the end of Year 10 should be at a level equivalent to at least Grade 2 or above of the accredited music examination boards. By the end of Year 12 pupils are encouraged to perform repertoire for the GCSE Examination of Grade 4 standard.
Key Stage 5
At A-level, pupils follow the GCE Music (CCEA Specification)
Specific & General Entry Requirements:
At AS Level, the standard for the performance should be at a level equivalent to at least grade 4 of the accredited music examination boards. Credit will be given to candidates performing successfully above the minimum standard. GCSE Music is strongly recommended at grade B or better.
At A2 Level, the standard of performance should be at a level equivalent to at least grade 5 of the accredited music examination boards. Credit will be given to candidates performing successfully above the minimum standard. GCSE Music is strongly recommended at grade B or better.