Music

Teachers: Mr M.A. Batchelor (HOD), Mrs Walker

Facilities

The Music department facilities include, a recital room, a fully equipped recording studio, four practice rooms, two computer rooms, one with four computers and the other with six computers, all running Sibelius3 and a large teaching room with three additional computers. Also a vast number of electronic keyboards and three guitars are available for general pupil use.

Key Stage 3

The aim is to create a musical background so that pupils will all receive some understanding of listening, composing and performing. There s a strong emphasis on the use of IT as a composing tool. Pupils are able to write simple tunes which are then played back to them, create their own harmonic and melodic compositions, experiment with sound and understand structure, timbre, texture and general understanding       the historical development.

GCSE

Pupils pursue the CCEA GCSE syllabus during this time. They refine many of the skills developed during key stage three. Some pupils also choose to gain an additional qualification with grade five theory.

A Level

The main CCEA syllabus is pursued during this course. Pupils compose to a very high level, many of the compositions being suitable for general public performance. A much more detailed knowledge of specific compositions and composers is needed and pupils must refine their listening skills. Every year at least one member of the music class pursues a university course in music and many of our former pupils are making their mark in the world of music.