Music

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We make sure that our students are given opportunity to perform, listen to and evaluate music. All the students are being encouraged to sing, compose and perform by improvising and playing variety of instruments, and using music technology.  

We give our students opportunities to embed, develop and strengthen their literacy skills through sequenced set of musical activities. Reading and learning new terms through engaging in variety ways of experiencing music will help to build on long-term memory and enriched vocabulary. Thanks to our practical approach the students will be enabled to connect new words and their meaning into practice resulting in familiarising themselves with new vocabulary. 

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Our aim is that students gain good understanding on what Music is through singing, playing instruments, composing by using variety of tools and teaching methods. The main objective is to develop an interest for the subject, which will help our pupils to strive for more complex knowledge and will leave a positive impact on developing their self-esteem. We ensure that our students are given opportunity to gain skills, which will enable them to transit that knowledge into their further learning.  

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As an addition to our Music curriculum the school offers music therapy sessions for everyone who needs emotional support and is interested in learning to play chosen instrument (guitar, bass guitar, drums, piano, singing). 

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Our curriculum is designed to introduce all the knowledge with step-by-step process throughout years 7 – 11, ensuring that all pupils gain qualifications: 

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Year 10 & 11 WJEC Entry level 3 in Solo Performance, Group Ensemble and Composition.  

 

The music curriculum ensures that students engage with variety of music activities, which will serve in developing not only musical skills, but also interpersonal skills. Playing in a band, setting up a recording session and using music technology for multiply purposes will enhance our students learning experience. Thanks to an easy access to different types of instruments in our school, students can explore and discover which musical instrument interests them most.  

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During years 7 and 8 our students will learn basics of Music theory combined with practice, where all the knowledge acquired can be transferred into solo and group performance. Development of listening skills will enhance awareness and appreciation of different musical traditions and genres.  

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Year 9 students will learn BandLab which will introduce them to sound engineering and music technology. Students will learn how to build a song structure using BandLab music software. They will expand their creativity by recording their own audio samples using portable recorders, which then can be used as a part of their song production. Music learning will also involve outside activities where our students can explore the world of sounds by recording sound scopes in different acoustic spaces. At the end of each activity our students will produce a photographic and written evidence showing their understanding of the topic. 

 

Year 10 and 11 students will choose Music as an optional subject where they will have opportunity to explore it in depth through three Modules: Solo Performance, Composition and Group Ensemble.  To achieve desired outcomes our students will practice singing, playing variety of instruments, performing as a band and learning basic elements of sound engineering and music technology. Regular band practice will enable our students in developing performance and song writing skills. Playing as a band will have a positive impact on developing teamwork and leadership skills. Also, creative aspect of song writing will help in stimulating memory and imagination.  Students will use studio recording equipment to capture their own performance. Then through listening back they will implement a critical thinking and self-assessment as a process of improving their musical skills. 

 Regular feedback is given by the Teacher focusing on strengths and weaknesses of everyone involved. Each student will be given individual support by the Teacher, and no one will be left behind. It is our school policy to create a supportive environment for each student by considering differentiation. Every student will have opportunity to meet the assessment criteria by completing their music projects with best possible results.  

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Music therapy sessions are given to students who need additional support with their psychological, emotional, cognitive, physical, communicative and social needs. Each student will have 1:1 music session where they can try to learn to play an instrument. The focus will be not on learning technicality, but on exploration and freedom of self-expression. Improvisation is also one of the most popular methods of self-expression.  Music is a great medium in helping people to facilitate positive changes in emotional well-being and communication. Because everyone can respond to music, music therapy gives great outcomes in improving our student's day to day life.  

 

To ensure our students succeed in the subject area we provide a variety of activities through using a wide range of music equipment. We also focus on practical exercises using oracy skills as a main form of feedback from each activity. Students will gain ability to give precise written and verbal explanations using musical terminology effectively. Learning process is planned for each student to be successful in achieving their goals and going beyond their own comfort zone. Each student will gain necessary skills for life, such as working in a team, critical thinking, dealing with problematic situations, use of technology, planning and leadership skills.  

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Music Home Learning

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Website: https://edu.bandlab.com/ 

The Bandlab Music Making Software is available for free. All you need is an internet connection and a computer, laptop, tablet or mobile phone.  

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There’s no subscription and no download or installation to take up your valuable hard drive space. You simply type into your Chrome browser, and you’ll arrive at this incredible website.  

Your child will know how to login to BandLab if they are logged in to a Google account. You can create Google account for them in a few easy steps.  

 

Website: https://www.derbyshiremusichub.org.uk/get-involved/music-at-home/junior/junior.aspx 

Scroll down the page and click on “Junior Music at Home 1”. Start your adventure with step-by-step music learning online. Your child will have access to fun-based musical activities and lessons. 

 

Other learning activities you could do with your child.  

YouTube:  

Song of a day challenge – ask your child to learn and sing one song each day.  

Listen to music – spend at least half an hour a day listening to your favourite tunes. Have a chat about how different songs are affecting your mood or perhaps they bring back some memories. 

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