Music

To recognise and appreciate the richness and variety of music within other cultures.

We believe that creativity is a fundamental aspect of any education.

To develop the creative possibilities within each pupil we endeavour to provide a stimulating and exciting environment where students can develop their artistic and musical creativity, whether they are studying music for examination purposes or as an introduction to the subject. We strive for excellence and aim to expose students to as many musical styles as possible.

The Music department prides itself on making music meaningful, enjoyable and accessible to all students whilst promoting the confidence and desire in the students to produce work of quality. In order to achieve these objectives an understanding of the theoretical and analytical elements of music as well as the creative, taught through the mediums of both composition and performance, are essential. Practical demonstrations are central to the teaching ethos of the department, providing an effective means of introducing new skills and techniques whilst generating confidence in the students.

What we teach and when we teach it - Music Year 7 - 9

What we teach and when we teach it - Music Year 10

What we teach and when we teach it - Music Year 11

Music Team

Currently, there are two full time music specialists within the department.  

Mrs Adele Capaldi
Mr Ben Parker

Teaching staff within the department offer a wide range of specialist areas. These include performance, analysis, theory and composition, musical theatre and music history. Music is taught within an environment which encourages pupils to become resourceful in their approach to work, and to build on basic skills as they progress through the various units offered. 

Intent

We aim to engender a love of learning, self-belief and aspiration through several intentions that are unpacked further. Those intentions are removing barriers to learning; developing knowledge and skills for learning in a range of subjects; developing personal attributes and to enrich students’ experiences and broaden their horizons.

Through our curriculum provision we intend to develop:

• To develop musicians
• To provide an environment where pupils find the creative process enjoyable and rewarding.
• To promote independent learning through individual practice.
• To develop social skills through ensemble work
• To develop a musical vocabulary.
• To acquire a sense of aural awareness, developing critical listening skills.
• To develop thinking skills and approaches to problem solving.
• To ensure tolerance of others and respect for ideas and opinions.
• To recognise and appreciate the richness and variety of music within other cultures.
• To develop the capacity for creative thought and action.
• To develop practical, intellectual and technical skills.
• Learn how to value and judge constructively their own work and the work of others.
• To develop the potential for further study.

Inplementation

Creativity cannot be passive. Pupils must be active. They must engage. 

At Key Stage 3 students receive a weekly lesson of music.  Music offers students the opportunity to work with their voices and a variety of instruments and software, aiming to develop musical knowledge, skills and understanding alongside a grounding in music theory. Students will work independently, in small groups and as a whole class to create music in a variety of styles, beginning to explore the areas of study required for GCSE. Working in a format in keeping with the GCSE course also gives students a clear idea of whether they want to choose music as one of their options. 

Students have the opportunity to benefit from our visiting peripatetic music teachers from Bolton Music Service who deliver vocal tuition and a wide variety of popular and orchestral instrumental lessons. 

Year 10 and 11 students follow the Eduqas syllabus. They are encouraged to form ensembles, as a requirement of the GCSE course is to submit at least one group performance. They are able to use music technology and can work on the  notation software package, Sibelius, or Cubase to develop their writing and creativity skills, applying their knowledge from the theoretical learning on the course. In preparation for the written exam, students will study a wide range of musical styles, periods, and contexts to broaden their knowledge of the vast musical world. They will learn about the theoretical building blocks and elements of music, including compositional devices which they will use in their own musical compositions. 

Students who opt for GCSE music receive free weekly instrumental lessons from our visiting peripatetic music teachers. 

Impact

We will assess if we are having the positive impact we aim for through regular monitoring (for example book scrutinies and learning walks) to ensure we are leading to positive progress for all. The curriculum will be evident across all lessons and students will be able articulate their learning confidently. This will also be reflected in student voice surveys, with students indicating that they are engaged and enjoying their Music lessons.

Assessment data will be collected and utilised in a meaningful way, for example, to address misconceptions in learning and to target intervention to improve individual outcomes and monitor progress. In terms of planning for learning, data is used to ensure that lessons provide appropriate stretch and challenge to those who are most able and provides appropriate learning experiences to those that struggle to access particular aspects of the curriculum. This data will also be used to seek out and close gaps in students’ knowledge so that all students are able to make progress.

At the end of each academic year, we will review and reflect on how the curriculum is designed to ensure that students remember what they have been taught.  This regular review cycle ensures that we have a curriculum pathway that promotes success for all learners and ensures that the Music curriculum is appropriate and fully differentiated for all students.