Music
The department is accommodated in a newly adapted area of the school and is equipped with a range of instrumental resources including recorders, guitars, and drum kits. The department has access to 18 computers using Sibelius music software, a DJ mixing desk and Ipads..
Key Stage 3
All students in Years 7-8 are taught one hour of classroom based music per week. The emphasis of the curriculum is to engage pupils in practical music making activities and all the taught units of study involve practical performance and composition activities. ABRSM Music theory is studied by all pupils in Years 7-8.
In Year 9 GCSE Music students receive 2 hours of Music teaching per week.
Key Stage 4
In Year 10 GCSE Music students receive 2 hours of Music teaching per week.
In Year 11 GCSE Music students receive 2.5 hours of Music teaching per week.
Music is a popular subject at Key Stage 4 where pupils follow the AQA 8271 Specification. This course allows pupils to develop analytical listening skills, composition skills and performance skills. Pupils are taught in mixed ability groups. Examination results are generally above the national average for the subject:
Attainment Key Stage 4:
2015 10% A* – A 70% A* – C, 2016 25% A* – A 75% A* – C, 2017 22% A* – A 88% A* – C
Extra Curricular Activities
Students are encouraged to take part in a range of musical activities. The Year 7 Choir, Chamber Choir, Concert Band, Jazz Band String Orchestra and soul band meet on a weekly basis and are well attended.
The department produces a concert at Christmas and in the spring and music plays an important role in the annual Carol service that takes place at Bury Parish Church. The choirs and bands also perform for school communion services. The Music department regularly contributes to our annual school production. In recent years the musicals have been: Bugsy, Joseph, Oliver, Annie and the Wizard of Oz.
Instrumental Music Lessons
Lessons are available for all the principle orchestral instruments, voice and piano.
Professional Partnerships
The department regularly engages with professional organisations at both a regional and national level. Recent projects have included workshops with Opera North, the BBC Philharmonic and the Halle Orchestra.
