Music
The Music department offers students an excellent opportunity to extend and develop their knowledge of music. They will learn to compose, play the keyboard and investigate a wide range of musical styles during lessons. The three key components of music, composition, performance and appraisal are all developed in a variety of ways.
All students are encouraged to continue learning or start to learn at least one musical instrument. The peripatetic music teachers at the Academy teach those who have lessons.
Enrichments provide students with a variety of ensembles to join from choir, concert band, junior band, guitar group, drum ensemble and theory club.
Department Staff
| Name | Position |
| Mr A Allen | Head of Music |
| Miss J Moodie | Head of Year / Music Teacher |
| Miss C Longbottom | Music Teacher |
Peripatetic staff |
|
| Mr M Boden | Guitar |
| Mrs S Brett | Oboe/Bassoon |
| Mrs J Catchpole | Clarinet / Saxophone |
| Mr C Hibbard | Brass |
| Mr J Harbottle | Cello / Double Bass / Bass Guitar |
| Ms K Brown | Upper Strings (Violin and Viola) |
| Mr A Durrant | Percussion |
| Mrs S Burniston | Flute |
| Mrs E Chappell | Singing |
| Mr C Vale | Piano |
Syllabus
OUTLINE OF THE COURSE:
The course is split into four components covering the areas of composing, performing, listening and appraising. The composing, listening and appraising components cover five areas of study and they are Popular Song since 1960, Music for Dance, Music for Film Music, Music for Special Events and Orchestral Landmarks.
ASSESSMENT:
The four components are:
Composition Coursework Composing. Students learn to compose in a variety of styles (the five areas of study) and submit one composition in their final composition portfolio, one of which must be based upon Music for Special Events. The student portfolios are assessed by Mr Allen before being externally moderated.
Composition Integrated Assignment. Students compose a second piece as directed by AQA in the spring term. Where possible a recorded realisation of the piece must be submitted. There is a 30-minute exam where students answer questions about their composition in the final summer term. This composition is assessed by Mr Allen before being externally moderated.
Performance. In the performance element of the exam students perform two pieces of music, one solo performance and one ensemble performance. The performances are recorded in school assessed by Mr Allen before being externally moderated.
Listening and Appraising. This is a 75-minute exam at the end of the course. Students answer questions about recorded examples of music that come from all five areas of study.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
During the course students receive free instrumental or singing lessons with the peripatetic music staff.
Examination Results
GCSE results for 2007-8: 18 students all passed, 9 gained an A*-A, 4 gained a B, 5 gained a C.
