MUSIC

KEY STAGE 3

Year 7

Music in Year 7 is based on performing, improvising, composing, literacy, listening and appraising. Students cover the elements of music, learn to use both graphic and conventional notation, study the orchestra, listen to and analyse a variety of Western and non-Western music and compose using basic formal structures. Performing is both vocal and instrumental. The work covers the requirements of the National Curriculum, leading to the attainment targets of Key Stage 3.

Students are encouraged to participate in a range of extra-curricular activities to enhance their enjoyment and education.

Year 8

This course aims to build on the foundations laid in Year 7 and follows the National Curriculum for Key Stage 3. It is based around the activities of performing, composing, listening and appraising. In Year 8 these activities are extended further. Great emphasis is placed on practical music and developing performing skills in individual and group work. Basic harmony and formal structures are introduced in composition, as are techniques for arranging music. Students learn how to evaluate their own work and that of others. They listen to and analyse music from a wide variety of musical periods and styles.

Students are encouraged to extend their musical experience by joining in with the range of extra-curricular musical activities offered to their age group.

Year 9

In Year 9 students build on the foundations laid in Year 8 and work to complete the targets set for Key Stage 3, thus providing a firm base for beginning the GCSE course in Year 10. We aim to foster an interest in the subject through the enjoyment of practical music-making and extensive listening. Students perform individually and in groups, experimenting with sound and improvisation. In composing, students are introduced to new structures and techniques to build on their previous composing and creative musical ideas. Students continue to listen to a variety of music, learning to respond imaginatively and analytically.

Students are encouraged to extend their musical experience by joining in with the range of extra-curricular musical activities offered to their age group.

GCSE

Year 10

The work of Year 10 is based on the Edexcel GCSE Music course and combines listening, performing and composing. The course is based on four Areas of Study:
Western Classical Music 1600-1899
Music in the Twentieth Century
Popular Music in Context
World Music

Historical background and the use of musical terminology are covered before students go on to more detailed listening of set works within each area of study. Students complete theoretical and compositional tasks connected to these areas and, within a controlled environment in Years 10 and 11, expand on their ideas for two compositions. Students can use Sibelius and Cubase musical software packages to aid their presentation of these compositions. Students work on solo and ensemble performances with their instrumental teachers in preparation for assessment in Year 11. They are encouraged to take part in extra-curricular musical activities to enhance their musicianship and for their enjoyment.

Year 11

Year 11 Students continue to analyse the set works within each Area of Study in preparation for the Listening Test. They complete and record their first composition. They begin and complete their second composition. Solo and ensemble performances are assessed in Term Three. Both composition and performance coursework is internally assessed and moderated by an examiner. The Listening Test takes place at the end of the course and is externally assessed.

A LEVEL

The School pays for instrumental/singing lessons for the first study to the value of £85 per term (6 terms in Year 12 and 5 terms in Year 13).

Year 12

Students follow the Edexcel AS course and study three units:

Performing Music: students give a 5-6 minute performance as a soloist and/or as part of an ensemble.
Composing: students choose one from four composition briefs as the basis for a three-minute composition which is presented as a score and as a recording. This is completed under controlled conditions. They answer questions on their work, also under controlled conditions.
Developing Musical Understanding: students prepare for a two-hour examination paper which focuses on the study of set works through listening and studying scores. The paper comprises three sections: Listening, Investigating Musical Styles and Understanding Chords and Lines.

Year 13

The Edexcel A2 course involves three further units:

Extended Performance: students give a 12-15 minute performance as a soloist and/or as part of an ensemble.
Composition and Technical Study: students complete two tasks, choosing from either one composition and one technical study or two compositions or two technical studies. All work is completed under controlled conditions.
Further Musical Understanding: students prepare for a two-hour examination paper. The unit focuses on listening to music, familiar and unfamiliar and understanding how it works. The paper comprises three sections: Listening, Instrumental Music and Applied Music.

OTHER INFORMATION

The Music Department offers a number of lunch-time and after school activities during the week.

Junior Choir

Years 7 and 8
Rehearsals Thursdays 12.10pm
Students build on their confidence and skills, developing their enthusiasm and standard of singing in unison and in parts. They contribute to the Carol Service, concerts and various other events.

Senior Choir

Years 9-13
Rehearsals Wednesdays 12.10pm
Students continue to build on their skills and enjoyment of singing, tackling a variety of repertoire and contributing to the Carol Service, concerts and school events. They give an annual concert with BWS Choir.

A Cappella Choir

Membership is by audition.
Rehearsals Tuesdays 12.10pm – girls only. Wednesdays 7pm - 8.30pm – girls and men.
A variety of challenging repertoire is covered and A Cappella enjoys singing for cathedral services and in concerts.

Training Orchestra

Open to all years.
Rehearsals Mondays 12.10pm.
Students play a wide variety of music and enjoy contributing to concerts.

Senior Orchestra

Open to all years for players of a more advanced standard.
Rehearsals Mondays 4.00pm
Students enjoy playing a range of musical styles and contributing to concerts.

Chamber Orchestra

Advanced string players are invited to join. This group is directed by Mr Parsons.
Rehearsals Fridays 12.10pm
Students play string repertoire of an advanced standard and contribute to concerts.

Wind Band

Woodwind, brass and percussion players who are of about Grade 4 standard and above.
Rehearsals Fridays 12.10pm.
Students play a varied repertoire of music, mainly lighter in style.

Guitar Group

Guitar students with vocalists. Membership is by invitation from Mr Wilkinson who directs this group.
Rehearsals Mondays 12.10pm

String Quartets

String players by invitation of Mrs Parsons who directs these ensembles.
Rehearsals Mondays 12.10pm
Students play chamber music and contribute to concerts.

Wind Quintet

String players by invitation of Mrs Wiseman who directs this ensemble.
Rehearsals Thursdays 12.10pm
Students play woodwind chamber music and contribute to concerts.

Flute Band

This is an occasional ensemble directed by Mr Dutfield.
Students play flute ensemble music and contribute to concerts.

Other groups take place from time to time as seems appropriate.

Concerts and Services

The Department arranges a full series of concerts during the year and provides the music for services and School events.