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In the Music Department we aim to stimulate an interest and enjoyment in music. To this end, all pupils are involved in practical music making, performing not only music of the great composers, but their own composition too. Working alongside fellow pupils in groups develops an awareness of politeness, concern for others, valuing and respecting others' ideas. We also encourage pupils to work independently so that everyone makes their own personal contribution to the work in hand.
We employ teaching methods that allow pupils to have equal access to music and to experience success and enjoyment in their musical work. The main teaching room is very well equipped with a plentiful supply of percussion instruments, including tabla for the study of Indian music. Leading off from the main music room is the keyboard studio, fully equipped with full-size keyboards. As part of the music course,all pupils learn to play the keyboard, and for those who already have skills in this direction, extension work is provided to stretch them further.
Two teaching rooms are used by the peripatetic staff who visit school each week. Lessons are available on a wide range of instruments, including strings, woodwind, and percussion (drums). Pupils having instrumental lessons are expected to take part in the music group rehearsals, which take place after school. The KS3 curriculum covers varying aspects of music in projects ranging from traditional subjects to raga and blues music. Each project is practically orientated and very much a case of pupils producing the music themselves.Music is offered as a GCSE subject. This includes performing on an instrument and composing, using Cubase software. For this part of the syllabus we have the help of Mr F Cooke – an expert in music technology.
Recent extra curricular activities have included a course of workshops after school, run by the Mid-Pennine Arts Association entitled “Music from South Asia” which has enriched yet further pupils’ experience of listening to and performing different styles of music.
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