Music
Team
The music team consists of one full time and experienced qualified teacher and three specialist peripatetic music tutors. All classes have support staff in each session.
Achievement and Progress
Children demonstrate their ability in music in a variety of different ways and are assessed in align with the four strands of music: Singing, Listening, Composing and Performing. Teachers will assess children’s work in music by making informal judgements as they observe them during lessons. On completion of a piece of work, the teacher assesses the work and gives oral or written feedback as necessary to inform future progress. Photographs and videos are used regularly in music as evidence of kinaesthetic or performance work. Students carry out both self and peer assessments during lessons which gives them the opportunity to reflect and improve their own work whilst suggesting ways in which others could improve work at the same time. Assessment in music is carried out on an ongoing basis and not test or exam based. This data is then inputted into our whole school tracking system ‘Onwards and Upwards’. Assessments include but are not exclusive to performing a composition to the class, demonstrating rhythm patterns individually or as a group, a written assessment (for example a biography of a composer that is being studied or an evaluation of a piece of music); photographic evidence of a piece of work, annotation of photos of a practical activity or playing an instrument (and performing to the class). Students are assessed in accordance with a series of ‘I Can’ statements based upon the National Curriculum requirements.
Curriculum Overview
Oaklands School KS3 National Curriculum for Music, alongside the Model Music Curriculum as the basis for its music curriculum planning. While there are opportunities for children of all abilities to develop their skills and knowledge in each teaching unit, the progression planned into the scheme of work means that the children are increasingly challenged as they move through the school. The scheme of work for music incorporates the four areas of music as follows:
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Year 7 |
Listening |
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Composition |
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Singing |
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Performing |
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Year 8 |
Listening |
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Composition |
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Singing |
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Performing |
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Year 9 |
Listening |
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Composition |
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Singing |
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Performing |
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Peripatetic Music Lessons
All students at Oaklands are given the opportunity to receive peripatetic music lessons, either in Guitar, Keyboard or Percussion. These lessons are taught every week by specialist tutors and students receive one period a week per lesson, which are timetabled on a rota basis, therefore meaning that students do not miss lessons consecutively. These lessons are funded by parents, but students who are in receipt of free school meals could be eligible for a discounted rate. Students who receive peripatetic music lessons are also given the chance, and are encouraged, to hire an instrument from school in order to practice between lessons. Students are welcome to keep these instruments for the duration of their lessons.
Guitar
Whether students are picking up the guitar for the first time or whether they have had guitar lessons before and are advanced players looking to break out of a rut and expand their capabilities, guitar lessons at Oaklands are perfect for all abilities. Lessons are delivered to students from all year groups within the school on a 1 - 1 or small group basis. Lessons can revolve around a formal grading but many of our students choose to learn via a more informal song-based method, learning to play through the songs they love. The two methods can also be combined at the preference of the student(s). So, jam through their favourite song one week; or learn a graded piece the following. Depending on what genre of music a student is playing will determine what exam board they will take their performance exams with.
Percussion
Drum lessons start in Year 7 where all students are taught how to play the Djembe, a traditional African hand drum. Any students who feel they want to further their skills are given the opportunity to start 1-1 lessons on Kit. These lessons are based around two key principles: developing a repetitive technique and learning to play in a musical setting. Basic grooves and fills will provide the basis of the early lessons and as the student progresses the co-ordination and syncopation of new skills will develop and increase in difficulty. Where suitable, play along tracks and Graded materials will be used to support and bring together the learning.
Keyboard
Keyboard lessons introduce pupils to the basics of playing the keyboard and reading music. Pupils work through a variety of books, which consist of different styles and repertoire as well as many well-known songs. Our keyboard tutor is keen to offer pupils repertoire to learn based on their own specific preferences. She also enjoys introducing them to new styles and pieces to broaden their musical enjoyment.
The keyboard offers a wide variety of instrumental sounds and the rhythm controls provide drumbeats to play along with. Keyboard lessons give the student the opportunity to express their musical ideas and feelings, develop their skills, knowledge and understanding of the instrument. If students are ready, they may be given the opportunity to take ABRSM Music Medals or ABRSM graded exams, which are a nationally recognised accreditation.
Instrument |
Cost Per Lesson |
Cost Annually |
Deposit Required for Instrument Hire |
Electric Keyboard |
£10.00 |
£340.00 |
£25 |
Guitar |
£10.00 |
£340.00 |
£25 |
Percussion (Drum Kit) |
£10.00 |
£340.00 |
£50 |