Music

Aims:
• To enjoy a range of music making, and to explore a variety of modes for musical expression
• To learn a new musical instrument as part of the Arts College 'Year 7 Band Project'
• To recognise instrumental timbre, time and place besides being able to describe how moods and emotions are created within a musical score
• To respond individually and within a group to a variety of creative stimuli
• To appreciate ICT within the subject and its musical enhancing possibilities

Content:
• Unit 1 Sound Machines: Students learn about the instruments of the orchestra and more
• Unit 2 Journeys: Listening to and creating original programme music
• Unit 3 Creative music: Group compositions inspired by poetry and visual images
• Unit 5 Gospel Music: Class singing, recording and composition work
• Unit 5 Dance Music: Students study the Waltz and the Tango and write their own

Grouping Arrangements: Taught in sets

Homework:
Work is set almost every lesson, to complement and extend the classroom experience. Each published half-term unit contains details of all homework set in advance. Tasks set can be varied and students should work on their music for about half an hour a week outside school. Work is nearly always due by the next lesson and if extra help is required Mr Belbin is available at morning break time or at 3.20pm. Sometimes a keyboard may be required for practical homework tasks. If students do not have one at home the department is open at morning breaks to allow students to complete set tasks. Other tasks during the year will be revision homework set in Unit 5 for the Year 7 Listening Examination during the summer term.

Assessment:
Each of the six units listed above produces a separate national curriculum grade. Over the course of the year students have ample opportunity to demonstrate their ability in every aspect of the subject. Naturally all students have 'preferred' activities and all assessments are brought together to determine the overall level of achievement for the year.

Additional Information:
All students within the year group are capable of tackling every class activity and homework task. Enthusiasm and energy are important attributes for all our students in a subject that is both practical and academic. The department believes strongly that all students are capable of achieving significant levels of musical expression whatever their overall level of ability.