Overview

The newly built department comprises two teaching rooms, one with an interactive white board, the other having a keyboard lab of 17 keyboards and 20 computers. In addition, the department has 4 practice rooms and a digital studio. Simultaneous recordings can be made from the practice rooms and rooms can also be made live over the main sound system. All rooms are networked.

Year 9

Year 9 music leads the way with modern technology. The course is run using computers, keyboards and rapidly developing Moodle VLE (Virtual Learning Environment). As such students can not only see the music on the screen, they can also hear it, hear backing tracks and, in most cases, see it being played. Tasks can be broken down bar by bar so students can see exactly how to play certain parts and which fingers to use.

Homework tasks continue the use of Moodle at home. This allows theoretical tasks to be consolidated and practiced. Proper music homework tasks can also be achieved with the aid of listening tasks and royalty free music.

In the course we cover: Performing skills, Compositional skills, Sequencing skills, Structure, Music technology, Music and the media, Jazz to Rock. 

Year 10 & 11

From September 2009 we will be running the Edexcel GCSE music course. This allows for study of a wide number of styles of music through in depth study of pieces as diverse as parts of Handel’s Messiah to Moby!

Coursework is based around two performances and two compositions. Students receive three lessons a week. Two are practical based and one is theoretical and listening based. Much use is made of the Moodle VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) to consolidate and stretch students with their homework. Students can also view materials from the lessons on this system for revision or catch up. 

Year 12 & 13

The department provides the following Edexcel courses in the sixth form, AS/A2 level Music and AS/A2  Music Technology. Both courses involve use of music technology from the production of scores to recording compositions.
The Music A level further develops performing, composing and listening skills while the Music Technology A level develops recording skills, sequencing skills, arranging and composing skills. Software includes Sibelius 5 (25 machines) and Cubase 4  (5 machines). 

Extra Curricular

Extra curricular activities consist of a Choir, Dance Band, Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra. Other, students led, groups are encouraged. A Classical Concert takes place at Christmas, a Rock Concert at Easter and these are supplemented by an Informal Concert, community concerts, an Open Rehearsal and an Arts Evening. The department also runs regular trips abroad. Destinations have included Poland, Spain, Italy, Hungary, Germany, Austria.