At Oakwood High School, Music is taught at Key Stage Three (KS3). Pupils are taught based on units taken from the National Curriculum. This provides a framework for teaching all aspects of Music building on previous knowledge. Year 7 pupils spend the first half term (Autumn 1) covering the basic musical skills, for example singing, listening skills and instrumental performance. This then leads to the accumulation of more advanced skills (composition, notation and evaluation) in the subsequent months.
Music is integrated, as much as possible, into the everyday curriculum. Aspects of Science are currently introduced through the medium of song and pupils are encouraged to take part in these activities as much as possible.
Oakwood High School currently runs a choir on Tuesday evenings as part of the Youth Club Scheme. A keyboard group also takes place every Monday afternoon and is delivered by a qualified teacher from MAPAS (Salford Music Service). Pupils involved in these groups are encouraged to take part in concerts both inside and outside of school.
Staff Involved
We currently have Miss Gray teaching Music to KS3/4 and to option groups in years 10 and 11. The high standard music facilities allow pupils to have access to individual keyboards, an assortment of good quality percussion instruments, interactive ICT resources and a variety of singing materials. The Music curriculum is provided with the support of an excellent team of experienced teaching assistants.
Skills required/developed
The Music curriculum highlights skills that require regular practice and ongoing development throughout the Key Stages. It focuses on the development of the singing voice and other essential musical skills (listening, aural memory and physical skills) that should be a regular part of classroom work.
The teaching of Music aims to make a significant contribution to the confidence of the pupil. As well as singing skills, pupils will develop good listening skills, aural memory, social awareness and increased concentration which will be of benefit in other aspects of your child’s school career.
Specialist equipment used
The music room benefits from a large number of keyboards, an interactive whiteboard, a variety of music ICT programs (Sibelius 5) and a large selection of percussion instruments. There are also plenty of opportunities to experience music from other cultures with a range of CDs and DVDs.
The music department also has access to the media studio. Pupils are able to compose music using the Apple Mac equipment and software. There is also a wide range of recording equipment available.
Future developments
- The introduction of a broader range of instrumental tuition including samba and drum kit.
- Collaboration between Oakwood Choir and Keyboard group in order to perform at the Manchester Marriott Hotel, November 2009.
- Year 7 vocal workshops provided by MAPAS during the Spring Term of 2010.
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