The Woodroffe School

Music

Together We Succeed

Music

At Woodroffe School we have a unique opportunity to develop and promote a greater understanding of Music within our students. It is to this end that the department’s philosophy is designed to allow each student to meet their full potential within the subject.

Our intention is to equip our students with the language of Music in order that they may develop their perception, knowledge and understanding of the subject and of themselves.

At Woodroffe School we have a unique opportunity to develop and promote a greater understanding of Music within our students. It is to this end that the department’s philosophy is designed to allow each student to meet their full potential within the subject.

Our intention is to equip our students with the language of Music in order that they may develop their perception, knowledge and understanding of the subject and of themselves. The expression and analysis of ideas, and the development of a specialist vocabulary are all major objectives.

We view quality of performance as an essential element in the music curriculum particularly through vocal and instrumental techniques. The curriculum is designed to accommodate the needs of each student and afford them challenging experiences in Music.

We intend that our students should enjoy their creative work and we value that pleasure, recognising the recreational and therapeutic elements of Music while emphasising the invention, investigation, experimentation and sense of discovery will enrich the creative process with such meaning. Success will be recognised and rewarded and we will ensure that every student has the opportunity to reach a level of achievement commensurate with ability.

Is described as vibrant and energetic. Students of all year groups and experience are provided with opportunities to experiment in a safe and nurturing environment.

Music at KS3 is compulsory for years 7, 8 & 9 where they receive a one hour lesson every week.

Music is an option subject at KS4 & 5 with the additional offer of Music Technology at A’ Level

The department has state of the art equipment with 24 iMacs for classroom use running Sibelius, LogicPro9 and Garageband, as well as a 64 track digital recording studio which is well equipped with high end industry standard microphones and recording equipment.

A recent refurbishment in the department has resulted in us having three new practice rooms for curriculum group work and four practice rooms for peripatetic teaching.

More than 20% of the students at Woodroffe receive instrumental lessons per week on the following:

  • All strings
  • All brass
  • Clarinet
  • Saxophone
  • Flute
  • Jazz piano
  • Classical piano
  • Traditional voice including musical theatre and classical
  • Rock School Singing
  • Drums
  • Classical guitar
  • Electric, acoustic and bass guitar

Students are able to perform with a wide rang of ensembles playing music in a wide range of styles.

  • Little Big Band – All Years
  • Big Band – All Years
  • Brass Ensemble – All Years
  • Early Music Orchestra – All Years
  • Orchestra – All Years
  • Senior Choir – All Years
  • Junior Choir – All Years
  • Chamber Choir – All Years by invitation
  • Wind Band – All Years

These ensembles perform regularly in school and in the local community. The junior and senior choirs have both performed on two occasions at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the Dorset Music Service concert held every 4-5 years.

Every two years the big bands take part in a tour to Europe. They have performed concerts in Barcelona, Lake Garda region and Paris including the main stage at Eurodisney.

We have links with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and have taken part in a number of projects over the years involving other schools – Beaminster, Mountjoy and Colfox. Recently we borrowed a number of string instruments and had 40 students all learning to play an instrument for the first time and then perform a concert with some of the players from the BSO!

For the past two years we have attended a workshop with the BSO at Poole Lighthouse where our A’ Level students have had the opportunity to talk with the conductor of the orchestra about their set works and then sit in on an open rehearsal before attending the evening concert.

Intent

The Music Curriculum at the Woodroffe School is designed and dedicated to promote positive engagement and progress for all students, both in the study of music and the school community as a whole. Our curriculum is based on the development of students’ knowledge of music – how music is constructed, the development of musical styles, and the use of the musical elements across a variety of genres. This is explored through performance, composition and appraisal activities, allowing students to confidently engage practically with the subject in lessons that promote active learning. Such practical active engagement also promotes additional interpersonal skills and a wider sense of community across the class, year group and school.

Our curriculum at KS3 is deigned in a spiralised format, allowing students to repeatedly revisit and refine their knowledge of the core musical elements and practical skills in a range of contexts. This focus on acquiring, deepening and refining knowledge is central, as It builds student confidence, makes progress explicit and addresses gaps effectively.

Implementation

We follow a broad range of styles which function as vehicles to develop students understanding and knowledge of the subject. At KS3 students have progress booklets which clearly draw links between the different styles and “topics”, promoting self-awareness and allowing students to draw upon prior knowledge to build independence and confidence. Staff are well versed in formative assessment techniques to check prior knowledge. We use a range of questioning techniques to both identify, and then deepen student understanding. We have developed a formative assessment tracking system which allows teachers to record observations effectively, and share these with students to celebrate progress as well as collaboratively identify gaps in experience.

At KS4 and KS5 we follow specialist GCSE and A level courses chosen to reflect our intake of students – Eduqas at GCSE and A level for its wide scope supporting both classical and pop musicians, and A level Music Technology which reflects the passion students develop for using ICT in their music lessons. We also work closely with our team of peripatetic staff to help support students’ performance skills.

Impact

Students enjoy their music lessons and make positive progress in their lessons. Students feel valued regardless of their level of musical experience as they can track their progress clearly. Students have a greater awareness and appreciation for the way music works, and can use the skills developed in both performing and composing, appraisal and evaluation activities, to support their other subjects also. Significantly, students develop a stronger sense of self and community through their participation in performance events – singing as a year group for Meet My Tutor, everyone learning to sing and play Wonderwall, and the recitals and concerts which provide invaluable performance opportunities for our KS4 and KS5 students.

Year 7 Curriculum Map
Autumn Spring Summer

Building Blocks


Context / convention: Music for Occasion


Element(s) Focus: Elements of Music


Skill(s) Focus: Keyboard playing, Composition, Graphic Scores, Standard Notation


Musician/Other subjects link? Numeracy

Exploring Scales


Context / convention: Music for groups


Element(s) Focus: Scales (Pentatonic/Modes)


Skill(s) Focus: Ensemble Skills & improvisation


Musician/Other subjects link? Geography

Samba Drumming


Context / convention: Carnival


Element(s) Focus: Rhythm and Metre


Skill(s) Focus: Ensemble


Musician/Other subjects link? Geography

Understanding Use of Pulse


Context / convention: Seasonal Music


Element(s) Focus: Sense of rhythm


Skill(s) Focus: ‘Singing’ in time


Musician/Other subjects link?

Understanding Fanfares


Context / convention: Music for Occasion


Element(s) Focus: Rhythm


Skill(s) Focus: Composition


Musician/Other subjects link? ICT – Sibelius Software

Ukelele Performing – Calypso – I’m Yours/Riptide


Context / convention: Popular song, Music for holiday


Element(s) Focus: Harmony & ensemble


Skill(s) Focus: Whole class playing Ukuleles


Musician/Other subjects link? Geography

Year 8 Curriculum Map
Autumn Spring Summer

Film Music


Context / convention: Music for Moving Image/Atmospheric


Element(s) Focus: Timbre/Melody


Skill(s) Focus: Composing


Musician/Other subjects link? Media

Melody Writing – Minuet


Context / convention: Composition Tool Kit


Element(s) Focus: Melody & Harmony


Skill(s) Focus: Composing/Major Scales


Musician/Other subjects link? Mozart 40th, Haydn

Brit Pop (Wonderwall)


Context / convention: Music in Society


Element(s) Focus: Instrumental and ensemble skills


Skill(s) Focus: Keyboard/Bass/Guitar/Vocals


Musician/Other subjects link? History

Rap Music (Whoomp)


Context/Convention: Dance music


Element(s) Focus: Rhythm, Texture & Structure


Skills Focus: Logic X software


Musician/Other subjects link?: Politcial

Understanding Blues


Context / convention: Music of the people


Element(s) Focus: Harmony


Skill(s) Focus: Ensemble


Musician/Other subjects link? Literacy

Samba Drumming


Context / convention: Carnival


Element(s) Focus: Rhythm and Metre


Skill(s) Focus: Ensemble


Musician/Other subjects link? Geography

Year 9 Curriculum Map

Year 9 Music Curriculum Map

GCSE Music

Component 1: Performance 30%

Usually 2 pieces:

  • 1x Ensemble (mandatory)
  • 1x Solo/Ensemble

Between 4-6 mins total duration. Grade 3 standard.

Component 2: Composing 30%

2 compositions:

  • 1x Set brief (choice of 4)
  • 1x Free composition

Between 3-6mins total duration.

Compnent 3: Listening & Appraising 40%

Approx.1.5 hour examination based on;

  • Four areas of study
  • Musical Forms & Devices
  • Film Music
  • Music for Ensembles
  • Popular Music

2 Set Works

  • Badinerie by J.S.Bach for Flute and String Orchestra with Harpsichord (Final movement, Orchestral Suite No.2 in B minor, BWV 1067)
  • Africa: Toto (released 1982)
Helpful Resources

Music

Staff

Miss H Webb, Miss I Pupaza

Overview

This course offers an opportunity to gain skills as a performer and composer and to enhance enjoyment and understanding through detailed listening to a variety of music. Students will be expected to perform on a weekly basis in small groups and gain skills in composing through exercises based on examples studied in class.

Minimum Entry Requirement

Music GCSE Grade 5 or above. If the GCSE requirement is not achieved, please discuss with Mr Cullimore

Curriculum

Year 12

Performance includes solo and/or ensemble performing as an instrumentalist and/or vocalist or music productionComposition – Composition to a set brief and Free compositionAppraising music – Students study Western Classical Tradition (The Development of the Symphony 1750-1900) and one other area of study from Rock & Pop 1960-1990 and Jazz

Year 13

Performance includes solo and/or ensemble performing as an instrumentalist and/or vocalist or music productionComposition – Composition to a set brief and Free composition
Appraising music – Year 13 builds on the study from Year 12, but with an additional choice from Twentieth Century Music or Twenty-first Century Music
Assessment & Reporting

Year 12

Internal examinations will take place and will form the basis of discussions as to suitability for continued study into Year 13Performing – 4 to 6 minutes of performance as an instrumentalist / vocalist/ music productionA composition (minimum of four minutes of music in total)Appraising music – written exam with listening and written questions

Year 13

Two Units: Performing & ComposingOption A: Performing as an instrumentalist / vocalist/ music production (10-12 Mins) 35%. Composing one piece to a brief and one free composition (4-6 minutes in total) 25%.Option B: Performing as an instrumentalist and/ vocalist/ music production (6-8 mi) 25%. Composing one piece to a brief and one free composition (8-10 minutes in total) 35%.Appraising music – written exam with listening and written questions lasting 2 hours and 15 minutes which forms 40% of the A Level.
Facilities

The Music department is equipped with 23i Macs with Sibelius, Garageband and Logic ProX software. There is a Media Suite with 30 iMacs running the same software and a 64 track digital recording studio.

Additional Activities

Students will have opportunities to set up and operate live sound set ups for school events such as the school concert, showcases and the whole school musicals.

Music Technology

Staff

Miss H Webb, Miss I Pupaza

Overview

On completion of this course, many students choose to progress to the wide range of specialist Music Technology and Recording courses. Job roles in this sector include Studio Technician and Music Producer.

Minimum Entry Requirement

Six GCSEs Grade 5 or above. Music is desirable. Basic skills on an instrument are essential however.

Curriculum

Year 12 & 13

Component 1. Students are required to produce a recording of a popular song chosen from a list of ten provided by the exam board. One recording, chosen from a list of ten songs supplied by the exam board, consisting of a minimum of five compulsory instruments and two additional instruments. Total time must be between 3 – 3 ½ minutes.

Component 2. One technology-based composition chosen from three briefs set by the Exam Board. Synthesis, sampling/audio manipulation and creative effects use must be included. Total time must be 3 minutes.

Component 3. Application of knowledge related to all three areas of study:

Recording and production techniques for both corrective and creative purposesPrinciples of sound and audio technology, and the development of recording and production technology.

Component 4. Application of knowledge related to two of the areas of study:

Recording and production techniques for both corrective and creative purposes, and Principles of sound and audio technology.
Assessment & Reporting

Year 12

Students will have two internal assessments – one during the Spring term and one during the Summer term. These assessments will not have any bearing on the final A Level grade, however, students will be expected to obtain a D Grade or above in the Summer exam to progress to Year 13.

Year 13

Components 1 and 2. A non-examination assessment submitted to the Exam Board as two tracks on CD. This forms 40% of the A Level.

Component 3. Externally marked one hour 15 minute written exam which forms 25% of the A Level.

Component 4. Externally marked one hour 45 minute written/practical exam which forms 35% of the A Level.

Facilities

The Music department is equipped with 23i Macs with Sibelius, Garageband and Logic ProX software. There is a Media Suite with 30 iMacs running the same software and a 64 track digital recording studio

Additional Activities

Students will have opportunities to set up and operate live sound set ups for school events such as the school concert, showcases and the whole school musicals.

Instrument Teacher Email Address
Brass (Trumpet etc) Mr Manfield

petermanfield@yahoo.co.uk

Clarinet Mrs Screech

shirleyscreech@hotmail.com

Drums Mr Rattenbury

grattenbury@btinternet.com

Flute

Mrs Screech

shirleyscreech@hotmail.com

Guitar & Bass Mr Butt

k.butt.music@googlemail.com

Jazz & Traditional Piano Mr Clouts

pclouts@yahoo.co.uk

Popular Voice Mrs Walker

elliewalkermusic@gmail.com

Saxophone Mrs Screech

shirleyscreech@hotmail.com

String (Violin etc) Mr Foster

malcolm_93@hotmail.co.uk

Traditional Piano Miss Collins

lisacollins30@outlook.com

Scroll to Top