Head of Department: Mrs Field
Direct Dial Telephone: 01344 465057
Email: jfield@brakenhale.bracknell-forest.sch.uk

Aims

The principle aims of the department are -

• To promote knowledge, skills and understanding of music from around the world and different times in history through listening, appraising, performing and composing
• To teach the practical skills necessary to achieve this
• To promote music as an enjoyable subject and foster pupils' creativity
• To encourage pupils to produce their best and participate in musical activities inside and outside of school
• To raise the self-esteem and confidence of all
• To encourage pupils to develop the self-discipline of taking responsibility for their own learning and researching the subject further
• The department aims to facilitate the development of each pupil's musical activities.

Pupils will also be encouraged to develop a critical awareness and appreciation of different kinds of music, while recognising common elements in different traditions.

As well as providing a rich musical experience in class, the department aims to increase the opportunities available to pupils to make music by developing the instrumental and vocal provision available as well as providing extra curricular opportunities that include working with professional musicians.

Key Stage 3

Pupils cover the National Curriculum requirements in music through a series of practical tasks involving performing, composing, listening and appraising. Pupils develop their knowledge and skills using a variety of instruments and their voice.

They currently study the following topics:

Year 7

• The Elements of Music
• Organising Music
• Character Stories and Mood
• The Pentatonic Scale
• Primary Chords

Year 8

• The Blues
• Dance Music
• Jazz and Improvisation
• Gamelan Music

Year 9

• Music and the media
• Minimalism
• Melody and Accompaniment
• Pop Music

Pupils undertake a number of practical and written tasks throughout each of the topic areas. They also have linked homework focusing on researching the musical style/area and completing related revision/class work.

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Key Stage 4

Pupils study the OCR GCSE Music examination syllabus. The course is divided into three main sections:

• Coursework - this consists of a main project, 2 compositions, 3 performances and a variety of appraisals
• A Terminal Task under examination conditions. Pupils are given three different stimuli. They have 25 minutes to prepare a composition that is then recorded and assessed.
• A Listening examination. Pupils focus on two areas - Dance Music and Traditions and innovation. They have a listening examination that lasts for 1.5 hours.

The main focus for learning of each of these three areas is covered through the knowledge and development of four main areas of study:

• Areas of Study 1 - Exploiting the Resource: pupils focus on a chosen instrument or voice. They develop their knowledge of that instrument, research information and develop coursework based on this. They must complete one composition, one performance and one appraisal focusing on three pieces linked to this area of study.
• Areas of Study 2 - Techniques of Melodic Composition: pupils focus on how composers create appropriate and interesting melodies. They look at different musical styles and genres from different time and different cultures. They use this knowledge to help with their coursework and the terminal task examination.
• Area of Study 3: Pupils focus on the development of Dance Music. They listen to a variety of different pieces and learn how Dance Music has influenced different musical styles. This area will form a large amount of the listening examination.
• Traditions and Innovations - Pupils focus on how music has developed and changed over time. They learn and listen to how music has influenced other styles and this will form a large part of their listening examination.

Pupils will learn key musical vocabulary and they will also be performing and composing using a wide variety of musical instruments. Pupils will be given the opportunity to work with others and develop their social and communication skills and will become far more confident in sharing their ideas with others.

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Post 16

There is currently no course available for post 16 pupils in music. However, they are invited to be freely involved with all extra curricular opportunities and are able to take advantage of the instrumental tuition available.

Teaching and Learning

Approaches & Strategies

Care is taken with all planning to ensure that the music curriculum is accessible for all pupils and that it is fully inclusive for all needs. All work is differentiated to ensure that there is extension work available for the gifted and talented pupils and that all pupils can achieve and develop their knowledge and skills.

Pupils undertake activities based on accelerated learning skills, and thinking and reasoning skills. The use of individual pupils learning styles is a key influence on the work set. CMCD is the management process used within the department and most pupils are responsible managers assisting learning within the classroom. Pupils are encouraged and trained to ensure that they take responsibility for their own learning and development and all are actively encouraged and pushed to achieve their very best.

Resources

Pupils have access to up to date ICT facilities within the music department to assist with performing, composing and listening. There are currently three workstations available with Internet access. There are a wide variety of instruments including keyboards (pupils share one between two), and tuned and untuned percussion. Recording equipment is available and all pupils are able to record their own work as needed.

Special Events

There are currently a number of pupils in year 8 working on an ICT project at South Hill park. They are using professional equipment to prepare, adapt and develop digital musical projects.

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