Curriculum

Music

Department Philosophy:

Music is at the heart of every human civilisation and culture.  It is used to explore and communicate emotions and test out creative limits.  As the Roman Philosopher Procurus wrote “A life without music is a life without meaning”.  Students in the music department are encouraged to enjoy making music and working together in performances and compositional activities.  Through these they learn the structures, techniques and theory of music making. 

Our motto is: Totus rectus notitia tamen non necesse in rectus ordo

Department Staff: Mr Richard Fox (Head of Department) and Mr George Baker.

Department Facilities: The department is housed in suite of rooms at the centre of the college with practice facilities and a number of computers running music software.

Structure at KS3:

All students in years 7, 8 and 9 receive a one hour music lesson per week.  The first year is a transitional year where we learn about the elements of music through singing and  playing instruments.  All students are expected to own a recorder which they should bring to all lessons.  Students are also expected to practice at home in the week, learning new tunes on the recorder, completing homework on musical theory or learning the words to songs off by heart.  Materials to support this appear on our VLE.

In year 8 students complete a number of projects that enhance their musical knowledge and understanding.

In year 9 students take responsibility for their own learning and are set a number of goals.  They must complete 2 solo and 2 ensemble performances.  They are to complete a composition for a special event (such as a sports day, opening ceremony, church event etc).  They sit a series of listening and theoretical tests for which they must achieve a target mark.  At the end of the course they are given a final level based on their best marks. 

Structure at KS4:

Students are able to go on to take music as an optional GCSE subject in years 10 and 11.  The GCSE is divided into four sections, each worth 25%:

  • Performing (solo and ensemble)
  • Composing a piece for a special event
  • Composing a piece for themselves to perform
  • A listening test at the end of the course

The AQA syllabus includes 5 topics: music for a special events, orchestral music through the ages, popular music since 1960, dance music (baroque, ballroom and latin american) and music for film.

Notable Achievements:

The department runs many after school activities such as choir, band, recorder group and theory club.  Our choir and solo singers have been particularly successful, winning many awards in local competitions including the Oswestry Music Festival and MuchWenlock Live Arts Festival.