Teaching Ethos

Mission
A music education is provided which enables students to achieve a fine balance between individuality and collaboration. As well as musical skills, the following skills are developed: cooperation, mutual support, meeting deadlines, care for detail, making judgments, analysis and aiming for the highest possible standards.

Philosophy
The music programme is inclusive: every child is given the opportunity to achieve his or her full musical potential.

Outcomes
Whilst learning musical skills, students also learn: to be independent learners, to be able to identify and solve problems, to build their confidence and self-esteem, to learn to respect the ideas of others, to communicate effectively and to develop their spoken language skills. Overall, the study of music helps prepare each student for future challenges in general.

Aims
• To involve pupils in enjoyable practical music making
• To develop aural skills and analytical skills
• To develop an understanding of the theory of musical notations
• To develop an understanding of musical style and genre
• To introduce pupils to music from different times and cultures
• To encourage pupils to have lessons on a musical instrument outside the regular timetabled curriculum
• To provide a range of extra-curricular activities in music
• To provide performance opportunities for pupils

Key Stage 3
We use the ‘Opus’ series of units, all of which are closely linked to the English National Curriculum Programme of Study in Music.  It provides a range of imaginative, challenging and interesting material which aims to motivate all students at each level.  Lessons incorporate listening and analysis, discussion, composition and practical work.  Materials explore many aspects of the Western European tradition plus a range of world and intercultural music including folk, jazz and popular genres.


Key Stage 4
We follow on from the Opus series, using the Edexcel GCSE specification.  This offers a broad range of study.  There are 3 units of work – Performance, Composition, Listening and Appraising. The Areas of Study cover 400 years of musical tradition and style whilst the composing gives students an opportunity to create their own work.  Students also get opportunities to perform in public as well as record their own performances for the exam.

Key Stage 5
AS/A2 levels extend and develop the three main areas of study at GCSE.  Students are expected to show a greater working technical knowledge of how music is put together both in their composition work and in the deeper analysis of set works.  They are also expected to be active performers and organise their own performances for assessment


Extra Curricular activities
The Music Club meets each week and is proving popular with those who are wanting to try out instruments or for emerging musicians and bands who may want advice from the ‘experts’ or just want to have a practice session.  It’s hoped that students will want to take advantage of having instrumental lessons – they are going to be available on guitar, woodwind and drums.
We’re also looking to encourage the students to get involved with the social life of the school – from talent shows and assemblies to school productions.