Wirral Grammar School

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Cross Lane, Bebington,
Wirral. CH63 3AQ
Tel: 0151 6440908

Curriculum Areas

Our curriculum provides for our pupils in terms of both their abilities and interests. We do not leap onto "trends" in terms of subject choices, but provide a curriculum that evolves in line with experience and a sensitive knowledge of the needs of the pupils.

In years 7 to 9 the National Curriculum is followed. Our timetable currently comprises 50 lessons taught over a two week cycle (A & B). Each lesson is 60 minutes long.

In KS4 (years 10&11) boys are able to choose certain subjects, and are guided through the process in year 9 when parents are invited to attend an Options Information Evening.

Subjects

Music

Welcome to the Music Department The National Curriculum 1999 "Music is a powerful, unique form of communication that can change the way pupils feel, think and act and it also increases self-discipline and creativity, aesthetic sensitivity and fulfilment" Music is taught throughout the school in line with the National Curriculum. All pupils develop their ability to perform, compose, listen and appraise with a number each year choosing to do this to GCSE and A Level.

Practical skills are developed within the classroom through the use of a suite of electronic keyboards and a computer workstation. An extensive scheme of Instrumental Tuition means that approximately 300 pupils receive individual lessons on an instrument of their choice. Most of these pupils take part in performances during the year, ranging from solos in the Chamber Concerts, to large ensembles in the termly concerts in the school hall. Local primary schools, Ness Gardens, The Gateway Theatre, Chester and Worcester Cathedral have provided other venues.

KS3

At Key Stage 3 pupils will become familiar with the concepts of rhythm and pitch through a variety of activities. They are shown how to write down music using traditional as well as other forms of notation. They are also given the opportunity to become familiar with the various functions of the electronic keyboard, and these skills are then used as the basis for composition work both individually and in groups.

Pupils continue to develop an awareness and understanding of the elements of music, such as scales and intervals. They listen to a variety of examples of recorded music to identify ways in which specific instruments, both individually and in groups, can be used expressively. They are also encouraged to explore these concepts more fully during composition work.

Pupils continue to develop their understanding and enjoyment of music by concentrating on the concept of structure, both in traditional, contemporary and world music. They have the opportunity to apply these concepts in their own composition work, which they are able to evaluate with an increasingly accurate and appropriate musical vocabulary.

KS4

At Key Stage 4 students follow the AQA GCSE Music specification.

The Performance (25%) is assessed internally, and will include both a solo and an ensemble performance. Students following a GCSE Music course are eligible to receive tuition paid for by the school on an instrument of their choice.

The Composition (25%) will consist of 2 pieces in any style, ranging from a classical instrumental piece to a pop song. An Integrated Assignment (25%) will be set by AQA in the Spring term, and will require students to compose, perform and evaluate a piece of music based on one of the other Areas of Study.

The Listening and Appraising Test (25%) will consist of a 75 minute written paper at the end of the course. A CD recording of musical extracts will lead to questions based on the 5 Areas of Study: - Music for Film - Music for Dance - Music for Special Events - Orchestral Landmarks - The Popular Song since 1960

KS5

At Key Stage 5 the AQA Music AS and A2 examination builds on the skills and knowledge developed at GCSE level in the areas of Composing, Performing and Understanding, but requires a higher degree of practical skill and a greater depth of study.

The weighting of the activities is as follows:

Within these activities students can develop their own specific interests and tastes in music by choosing the style in which they compose, the programme for their performance and the topics and set works to be studied.

Students with a broad experience of practical music-making, involvement in extra-curricular activities and performance skills up to Grade V on at least one instrument are best placed to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by this course.