Teachers: Mrs C Ford, Mr D Sheppard, 11 Peripatetic Teachers

Vision:

Music has a long established tradition at Ribston Hall. It is a lively and vibrant department and the staff have great enthusiasm and passion for their subject. Music offers a positive opportunity for self-expression and the joy of working with others in a creative environment. We are always open to new challenges. We believe it is important that we stretch and challenge the students in our care whilst creating an enjoyable environment for them to participate in making music.

Curriculum

Key Stage 3

All students in Years 7-9 study Music. The topics covered are wide-ranging and varied and allow good progression across each year group. They develop the skills of Performing, Composing, Listening and Appraising through many practical activities. Students will often be required to work with others in small groups, developing good team skills.

Key Stage 4:

Examination Board: Edexcel

Performing: 30% Composition: 30% Listening and Appraising: 40%
Music consists of three areas of study: Performing, Composing, Listening and Appraising.Performing is assessed by the teacher and requires the student to perform a minimum of 2 pieces under the headings of Solo Performing and Ensemble Performing. A Combined total of 4 minutes performing time is required. For the Composing component, students are required to compose two pices, based on a set brief (15%) and the other, a free composition (15%). A combination of 3 minutes for your compositions is required. Listening and Appraising takes the form of a written examination and involves questions on various set works. For this examination, students spend time studying various set works within four areas of study. Aspects of the history of Music and theory also form part of the course.

Key Stage 5:

The course is designed to continue and extend the practices established in GCSE.

Year 12 is the 1^st year of a 2 year course

PERFORMING

• A public performance of one or more pieces, performed as a recital.
• The total performance time across all pieces must be a minimum of 8 minutes. 

COMPOSING

• Total of two compositions, one to a brief set by Pearson and one either free composition or also to a brief.
• One composition must be from either a list of briefs related to the areas of study, or a
• free composition. This composition must be at least 4 minutes in duration.
• One composition must be from a list of briefs assessing compositional technique.
• This composition must be at least 1 minute in
• duration, unless the brief specifies a longer minimum duration.
• Total time across both submissions must be a minimum of 6 minutes. 

APPRAISING

Knowledge and understanding of musical elements, contexts and language.

Application of knowledge through the context of six areas of study, each with three set

works.

• Vocal Music,
• Instrumental Music,
• Music for Film,
• Popular Music and Jazz,
• Fusions,
• New Directions.

Application of knowledge to unfamiliar works.

Extra Curricular

Extra-curricular music making is seen as an integral part of the department¹s activities. Many students participate in the wide range of activities on offer. These include Junior and Senior Orchestras, Junior and Senior Choirs, A Cappella Choir, String Ensemble, Jazz Band, Flute Choir, Grade 5 Theory, Pippin Choir and occasional combined concerts with other establishments.Performance occasions are many. These range from Concerts, Shows, Recitals, formal School events and Music Tours.