Music
Music is a unique form of communication that can change the way pupils think, feel 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 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.
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Key Stage 3 At KS3 students study a range of topics which allow them to develop and build on existing skills. Students in year 7 have one or two music lessons per week, and all year 8 students have two lessons per week. If students opt for music in year 9 they will have three lessons per week/ Year 7 Topics covered in year 7 include:
Year 8 Topics covered in year 8 include:
Year 9 Students have the opportunity to opt for music early in year 9. During this year, they will develop their composition skills and solo and ensemble performance skills, in preparation for the GCSE course in years 10 and 11. |
Key Stage 4 At GCSE level students follow the AQA GCSE course. This course requires them to complete a listening exam at the end of year 11 (20%), as well as coursework – composing (20%), composing and appraising (20%) and performing (30%). GCSE music students are allocated three lessons per week. Students will cover music from three main areas:
These areas are explored through listening work in preparation for the exam, and through composing within these styles. In addition to this final exam, students will complete a portfolio of coursework, consisting of one ensemble and one solo OR technology-based performance, one blues composition, and one further composition in a chosen style, with an accompanying appraisal. |
Extra-curricular music activities
Peripatetic lessons are available on the following instruments (subject to availability and waiting lists!):
Electric/acoustic guitar, bass guitar, drums, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet/cornet, trombone, violin, viola, cello, voice.
After-school regular activities include:
Woodham Instrumental group, Woodham Jazz Band, Woodham Samba Band, Woodham Sound. Students can also attend a keyboard club as well as GCSE catch-up sessions.
Performances take place regularly throughout the school year, with concerts in the Christmas term and the Summer term. In the Spring term students will have the opportunity to be involved in either ‘Woodham’s Got Talent’, or a larger musical production such as ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ or ‘We Will Rock You’.
