Overview
-:- The Curriculum -:- Assessment
The Music Department boasts one of the largest classrooms in the
school, and is very well equipped with many modern technological pieces of
equipment. As well as the traditional musical classroom activities,
such as singing and listening, there is a strong emphasis on practical class work, making use of
the 15 keyboards available, as well as covering basic music theory and
history.
The school has two computers
equipped with music sequencing and scoring software, and GCSE students in particular are
encouraged to use these in the production of their final portfolios.
The school also have both a Choir, for pupils of all ages, and a wind Band, which is conducted by Mrs Menary. Details of these groups can be found on the Extra Curricular page of this website.
YEAR 8
In Year 8, students begin by considering Music as Sound,
looking at an overview of the subject and seeing it as something which can be
enjoyed by all, not just those who are learning instruments.
We then move on to How Music Is Written, covering the most common and most important aspects of music theory - staves, clefs, notes and values, etc. A test is given on both of these topics at Hallowe'en.
After Christmas, we discuss how music is played, and look at the most popular
instruments of the orchestra. We do this by studying The Carnival
of Animals by Saint-Saens, and Peter and the Wolf by
Prokofiev.
The Year 9 classes take a musical "tour" round Europe, looking at music either from, or about, eight European countries. These are:-
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These pieces are used collectively to introduce the ideas of Form and Structure, and to trace the size of, and use of instruments within, the orchestra as it has evolved over the last 400 years or so.
In September, we have an add-on to the countries that we studied in Year 9, and look at music from America, and specifically three pieces:-
AMERICA
 | Fanfare For The Common Man' by Aaron Copland |
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"Cloudburst" from the 'Grand Canyon' Suite by Ferde Grofe |
| 'Adagio For Strings' by Samuel Barber |
To help pupils make important career decisions, and to encourage the correct
selection of subjects for G.C.S.E., some time is devoted to looking at careers
within the Music industry - and not just those jobs which require a
specialised musical talent! We see how Managers, Producers, Dancers
and even some Artists make a very healthy living from working alongside
musicians.
Assessment is generally through class tests at Hallowe'en, Christmas and Easter, and a fully-fledged exam in May; composition components are assessed as and when they occur.
In all Years, 20% of the Summer Exam is given for Practical Work, and all pupils are required to give a brief musical performance in front of their own class. Normally this takes the form of playing or singing a solo piece, but for the more shy pupils the opportunity is offered to perform as part of a group, with CD backing. These tests take place in the second week of May and provide a very entertaining few days for all concerned!
For
Years 9 and 10, 30% of the Summer Exam mark is given for composition
exercises undertaken through the year, and the teacher uses discretion in
assessing these. Many compositions are the result of group work, and
of course not everyone produces a better piece of work every time they
compose; so the teacher will make a balanced judgement based on overall
work and marks attained throughout the Year.
For
Year 8 pupils, the equivalent 30% comes from a project undertaken in the
Spring Term. Pupils are asked to produce a substantial piece of
work, using a combination of homework and classwork, based on their
favourite pop star, or their favourite musical instrument, or their
favourite style of music - or any similarly relevant topic. Over the
years the pupils have produced many fine projects, which are put on
display in the school for Open Night.
In all Years, the remaining 50% of
marks come from a written paper, which in true GCSE style, has questions
relating to aural exercises played on CD. The exam CDs are actually put
together in the school so as to be completely reflective of the syllabus
undertaken.
Year 10 students who score highly
in their summer exam, and who have already shown a practical ability on their
chosen instrument of Grade 2 standard or higher, will be encouraged to follow
this subject right through to GCSE level.
