INTRODUCTION Music is taught to all pupils in Years 7 and 8 for one hour a week. Pupils in year 9 take the ‘Music in Society’ course that is run in conjunction with the ICT department for one hour a week. In all music lessons an emphasis is placed on composing, performing, listening and appraising so that pupils are always actively involved in music and learning mostly takes place though a ‘hands on’ experience of music.

Lessons take place in the music suite which has an impressive range of keyboards, percussion instruments, recorders, guitars, drum kits, orchestral instruments, steel pans and recording and practice facilities, including 12 computers equipped with MIDI keyboards on which pupils are able to create their own music. We frequently hire sets of instruments from the Essex Music Services World Music Scheme, and are currently look forward to using a samba band in the future.

Through composition activities pupils experiment with musical sounds and develop them into arrangements and compositions in a wide range of musical styles.

Pupils listen to a varied repertoire of music from all historical styles - jazz, popular music and world music.

Pupils will listen actively and make comments relating to musical elements, the mood of the music and historical and cultural aspects of the music. They learn to appraise their own work and that of others.

Topics covered in Key Stage 3 currently include:
The Elements of Music, Rhythm, Keyboard Skills, Samba Drumming, Music In Our Lives, Harmony and Chords, The Renaissance Era, Programme (descriptive) Music, Song Writing, The Blues, Film Music, Latin American Music, Gospel to Soul and Bass Lines including ground bass from the Baroque era and ICT.

Assessment

During each Scheme of Work pupils are assessed on Performing - individual or group, Composing and Listening and Appraising. The results of assessments are recorded according to The Sweyne Park School marking policy and National Curriculum levels. Pupils are also encouraged to share any musical talents that they are developing outside of school or through extension activities.

Once a term teachers assess each pupil's work over the term and award an overview grade for effort and a grade for attainment. These are based on assessments in composing performing and listening and appraising.

During assessment weeks pupils are given a listening activity based on the music that they have been studying that term.

At the end of Year 9, pupils will reach a level set by the National Curriculum. They will be assessed according to National Curriculum criteria and awarded a level from 1-8 and Exceptional Performance.

Home Learning

Some of the home learning set is practical and may involve listening to specific music or rehearsing for performances.

Other home learning may involve: learning the spelling or meaning relevant vocabulary, basic notation and theory work, background research, planning appraisal of performances and compositions. In many Schemes of Work pupils learning is consolidated by completing a project based on aspects of the music being studied. This usually takes place over half a term.

Beyond The Classroom

The Music Department takes every opportunity to invite visiting musicians and arrange music workshops for pupils at KS3 at Sweyne Park, such as Japanese Taiko drums.

There is a regular programme of extension activities after school which includes the following: Junior Players, Junior Singers, Harmony Choir, Jazz and Blues group, Music Tech Club, Rock Club and various other ensembles.

Regular concerts at The Sweyne Park School ensure that there are plenty of performance opportunities for those who wish to take part. Pupils also have the chance to perform at local junior schools and in the community.

Instrumental lessons are available for all pupils, currently at a cost of £45 per term (or £11 for those on a low income). Visiting teachers offer lessons on violin, electric, acoustic and bass guitar, drum kit, keyboard, piano, voice, flute, clarinet and saxophone. Some instruments may be loaned from Essex Music Services for a small fee.

How Parents Can Help

It is helpful if pupils have access to a keyboard at home to reinforce work covered in lesson Pupils need to have the opportunity to sing at home and to listen to a wide range of music on the radio and CDs or tapes.

Some research work for home learning may need to be carried out in a library either at school or at a local branch. CD Roms are available on the school network to inform research and pupils are given a list of useful websites with each project set for home learning. In addition the department aims to provide information on the school Intranet which pupils should find useful.

Securing Success

Pupils are given help by the subject teacher during individual or group activities. All activities are carefully organized so that they can be tackled at any level and pupils can feel comfortable when approaching practical tasks that they may start within their own individual capabilities.

Practice rooms are available after school and pupils are encouraged to use and enjoy this facility.

Staff

Subject Leader for Music – Mrs Julia Chapman.

If you would like further information or have any queries about Music, please contact Mrs Chapman who will be pleased to arrange an interview at a mutually convenient time.