COURSE OUTLINE
All Year 7 to 9 pupils take part in weekly music lessons following a course which includes the requirements of the National Curriculum. The emphasis is on practical activity in performing, composing and listening and pupils are encouraged to develop an open-minded approach to their work with sound. All pupils have tuition in a range of instruments and develop vocal skills in the classroom. They compose short pieces in a variety of styles and listen to a wide range of short extracts of music. Pupils work alone, in pairs and in small groups.

The music department has a dedicated suite of rooms including main teaching rooms and practice/technology rooms.
A stock of orchestral and band instuments is kept and instruments may be issued to pupils on loan.
Peripatetic instrumental staff visit the school each week to give lessons.

The department is well equipped with a good range of percussion and electronic musical instruments including digital piano and synthesisers.
There is also a comprehensive library of scores, books and recordings.
Technology facilities include:
- 16 PCs with Cubase SX3 and Sibelius 4
- Full PA equipment
- Korg and Roland Synthesisers
- Hard disk recording-hardware and software
- Amplifiers, bass guitar, electro/acoustic guitar, drum machine, etc.

HOMEWORK
Homework is set weekly and will usually involve practising an exercise or piece of music. A maximum of two written assignments will be set each half term.

ASSESSMENT
Pupils regularly perform their work in class and a record is kept of pupil progress. Several written tests throughout the year use taped extracts of recordings to test both theoretical and practical knowledge across arange of musical styles and types.

HOW PARENTS CAN HELP
Please encourage your son/daughter to practise 'little and often'! It is far better to practise for 3 days x 6 minutes per week than 20 minutes in one go the night before the music lesson.

Please listen to pieces your child may be playing as part of their classwork - it does encourage them enormously. You are also very welcome to attend a whole range of music concerts which take place throughout the year.