Music Department
Head of Department = Mrs C Hague
Context
The Music department has one multi-purpose classroom with access to a variety of instruments and a suite of Mac’s with sequencing and composing software and a second room with HP computers with Band Lab Education for sequencing and composition as well as access to a variety of instruments. We also have practice rooms where students can receive instrumental and vocal lessons from visiting staff. The department aims to engage and inspire students to develop a love of music and their talent as a musician to increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement.
Curriculum
Students in Key Stage 3 are assessed each half term on a variety of topics, such as The Blues, Samba and Film music. There is a strong focus on practical skills throughout KS3, building in the key skills required for success at KS4. The curriculum is broad and covers different genres of music and a variety of skills in order to fully prepare students for Key Stage 4 if they choose to take Music.
In Key Stage 4, students will study BTEC Music Practice Tech Award. The course consists of 3 components of controlled assessments completed in school covering a range of activities from the World of the music industry, including production, recording and composing.
For curriculum guides, please visit our Curriculum by Year Group pages.
Assessment
Students in Key Stage 3 will be assessed half termly to assess their progress against one of the three main skills in music - Performing, composing and listening and appraising. Students in Key Stage 4 will be assessed at the end of the teaching section of each coursework unit and again at the end of the unit. For both KS3 and 4 progress is marked against I can statements and at KS4 BTEC grading criteria.
Enrichment Opportunities
Throughout the year a variety of enrichment opportunities take place. Clubs are run during PD time in the morning and we offer a Christmas Concert which is held in December and the end of year concert in June.
