Music

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The Importance of Music

"Music is a unique form of communication that can change the way pupils feel, think and act. Music forms part of an individual's identity and positive interaction with music can develop pupils' competence as learners and increase their self-esteem. Music brings together intellect and feeling and enables personal expression, reflection and emotional development. As an integral part of culture, past and present, music helps pupils understand themselves, relate to others and develop their cultural understanding, forging important links between home, school and the wider world.

Music education encourages active involvement in different forms of music-making, both individual and communal, helping to develop a sense of group identity and togetherness. Music can influence pupils' development in and out of school by fostering personal development and maturity, creating a sense of achievement and self-worth, and increasing pupils' ability to work with others in a group context.

Music learning develops pupils' critical skills: their ability to listen, to appreciate a wide variety of music, and to make judgements about musical quality. It also increases self-discipline, creativity, aesthetic sensitivity and fulfilment." (Extract from NC Online)

Key Stage 3

Music teaching in key stage 3: All students at KS3 are given the opportunity to learn to read both standard musical notation and graphical score. All music lessons are practical and involve using a full range of classroom instruments from the beginning of Year 7. There is also a large element of singing involved throughout the key stage with pupils being encouraged to perform solos and learn both simple and more complex harmony parts. During the key stage pupils will participate in both solo and ensemble performances developing their teamwork, leadership and confidence skills in the process.

In addition pupils will have the option to study an instrument in more depth if they choose to and study with one of the peripatetic teacher's who visit the school. At present the school can offer tuition in the following: Piano, keyboard, singing, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass guitar, flute, clarinet, saxophone, violin, viola, cello, trumpet. trombone, drum kit.

Key Stage 4

Music at Key Stage 4 is divided into three areas, composing, performing and historical study. In the area of composing, all students are required to compose two pieces of music over the course of the key stage. The style of these pieces is set by the exam board at the beginning or the course but students can write for any instrument of their choosing. Students are also required to complete a detailed historical study of the history of music with key areas being: the periods of music 1600-Present Day, music for film, music for special events, the popular song, and music for dance. This is done through class listening and discussion sessions. Pupils taking music at GCSE level are also required to study an instrument to a higher standard. Lessons are provided for the students and are delivered by a range of peripatetic teachers.

Extra

To support learning and enrichment at both key stages, the music department arranges a number of trips, visits and workshops to inspire and motivate the students. In recent years these have included visits to London to see West End Shows such as: The Lion King, We Will Rock You, The Sound of Music and Stomp, plus a workshop in school with the performers from the Stomp company.

In future months we will have a return visit from Stomp plus a Japanese Drumming Workshop.

The music department also runs a successful series of concerts and recitals given by our students throughout the course of the year. These take place not only in school but other venues around Grimsby. Each year we produce a musical featuring our students. These are of an extremely high standard and all students are encouraged to participate in these events. Previous shows include Rock Nativity, Bugsy Malone, We Will Rock You and Little Shop of Horrors, plus the Christmas Pantomime.

Links

BBC GCSE Bitesize Music