Music
Aims
to maintain and stimulate curiosity, interest and enjoyment in music - to enable pupils to be sensitive to, familiar with and confident in a body of musical knowledge, principles, skills and vocabulary
- to enable pupils to see music as:
- a. a major cultural feature that provides intellectual and aesthetic stimulation;
- b. part of a wider body of knowledge and skills;
- c. a source of pleasure and an important part of leisure activities.
- to develop an awareness of the implications of music (past and present) for the individual and the local, national and international communities
Teaching approach
Teaching methods vary from whole group through small group work, to individual attention, depending on the topic being covered. For example, composition and performing skills require one to one attention, while listening and associated skills are carried out as a whole class activity.
Facilities and Resources
The Senior School Music Department is housed in Brooklands, situated between Hartley House and Singleton House. Resources include:
- 2 classrooms, each equipped with 14 keyboards, listening and DVD equipment
- computer room mainly for the use of GCSE and GCE students, all computers equipped with Sibelius 5 software
- a seminar room equipped with piano and audio equipment dedicated to teaching GCSE and GCS groups
- 6 instrumental teaching / practice rooms
- a room housing a small but well stocked library (comprising text books, miniature scores, vocal scores, sheet music and a CD collection),
- three additional pianos: in the Assembly Hall (Kawai grand), Big School (Yamaha upright) and Library Annexe (Chappell grand).
The Department owns a limited number of orchestral instruments but pupils are encouraged to either hire (from The Music Cellar, Time and Tune, Footes, etc.) or purchase their own instrument. In addition the Department has its own double bass, timpani and various percussion instruments, plus various percussion instruments for classroom use.
In addition to the full time staff of the department, several music teachers visit to teach specific instruments or areas: currently this includes brass, flute, piano, strings, clarinet, saxophone, voice and guitar.
Curriculum allocation and courses
All pupils are taught Music in First to Third Years (Years 7 to 9), studying the subject for a double period per week, (1 hr 10 mins) in groups of no more than 13 pupils. At the end of Third Year (Year 9), pupils may opt to study for GCSE Music. The department is currently following the AQA syllabus with Fifth Year (Year 11) students and the Edexcel specification with Fourth Year (Year 10) pupils - and is reviewing these to ensure that the most suitable one is offered going forward.
In Sixth Form, students take AS Level Music and have the option to pursue the subject to A2 Level. The department offers the AQA syllabuses, the most satisfactory for current university entrance requirements. At both GCSE and A Level the department monitors very closely other examination boards.
Extra-curricular
The Music Department offers a wide variety of extra-curricular activities. Pupils can take part in Orchestra, Wind Band, Choir, Guitar Club, Keyboard Club and Music Theory Practice. Groups normally meet for half an hour at lunchtime with extra rehearsals before particular performances. Every year the department also showcases a large-scale Musical production.
