General Information
Music is an international language which provides exceptional opportunities to experience different cultural heritages, religions and ethnic origins. Our department has good facilities including a recently refurbished Music Room which incorporates 13 PCs with Sibelius and Magix Music Maker, two drum kits; one electric, one acoustic, fifteen keyboards, fifteen acoustic guitars and 30 Djembe drums Students may also choose to study a musical instrument. This service is provided by Durham County Music Service. Students may study a Woodwind, Brass, Percussion and Stringed instrument as well as Voice.
Key Stage 3
At KS3 students receive one lesson per week and cover a range of genres and traditions through Performance, Composition and Listening. Students study topics such as African polyrhythm, writing pop songs, creating music using ICT, Ways of Improvising (Chinese and 12 Bar Blues), Singing, Performing as an Ensemble and many other topics.
Key Stage 4
At KS4 students who opt for Music receive three lessons per week. We currently follow the AQA specification. Students study a range of music from the Western Classical Tradition, Popular Music from 1900 to present day and Music from around the world.
The course is split into 3 areas: Performance (40% of course) and includes performing a solo piece on your instrument as well as taking part in a group performance. Composition (40% of the course) and includes composing 2 pieces. Listening and Appraising (20% of course) and this area is assessed through a 1 hour exam at the end of year 11.
Students opting to take GCSE Music should already play an instrument or be a singer.
The Department also offers a wide range of activities for pupils to participate in including the Choir, Christmas and Easter concerts, Rock Groups, Masses, and much more.