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Our music department’s chief aim is to offer ‘excellent music access for all’. The philosophy of the department is to develop each child’s self-confidence and personal expression through music. In every lesson, students will actively engage with practical music-making, developing a thorough understanding of music, through performing, composing, listening and appraising. Success shall be built into every lesson by widening and developing musical skills and understanding and by extending extra-curricular opportunities to all students.
Miss J Rotchell - Head of Music
What is it like to study Music at Monk's Walk School?
From the very first music lesson students are treated as musicians. Each lesson is delivered with a practical warm-up to get them engaged with music making from the very first moment. Aural learning and the exploration of musical concepts through practical activities is the basis of our teaching pedagogy. Concepts are first delivered practically for students to learn and explore which leads to a thorough understanding of the building blocks of music and associated key terms for genres and schemes of work.
During all key stages, students will develop their practical music making skills both alone and in whole class/group settings. Through engagement with a wide range of musical styles in a practical way, students will develop their ability to handle music with expression and emotion. Every project includes opportunities for students to compose their own musical ideas using instruments and music technology at KS4 and KS5. Throughout the curriculum, links are made to wider musical opportunities including access to instrumental/vocal one-to-one tuition, music clubs, concerts, trips and visits.
How is Music Assessed?
At KS3, feedback in music is most useful when it is instant and therefore staff work hard to give students as much regular, instant, verbal feedback as possible. Additionally, students are able to get instant feedback through online quizzes set as prep and in lessons.
Collaboration and peer assessment is used regularly to supportively help each other develop their performance skills. Progress information given to students at Key stage 3 reflects the work completed in recent assessments alongside the performed and verbal contributions in class.
Additionally, at KS4 and KS5 detailed written feedback is provided for coursework and exam question answers in order to help students reach above and beyond their target grades.
