Menu Login Quick Links Music Overview Students are given the opportunity to study a wide range of musical styles, techniques and genres, ranging from early classics to contemporary music, as well as modern music technologies and sound mixing. All students are encouraged to nurture their musical talents, whatever their level of ability so that they may reach their full potential and can gain confidence from performing. The Music curriculum offers a balance between individual work, small group work and whole-class experiences. Key Staff Mrs McAdam - Head of Department Mrs Evens - Teacher Mrs Cruickshank - Teacher Facilities The music department has a wide range of facilities that the students have access to before, during and after lessons. We have two music classrooms, which includes a large keyboard room and an iMac suite with the latest recording programs. There is a state of the art professional recording studio with a live room for students to record singing or playing an instrument. The department also includes a practice room. Curriculum Intent The purpose of music is to develop confident, passionate and creative learners by equipping them with knowledge about music across different genres and disciplines (performing, composing and listening). Key Stage 3 Class music is taught to all students in Years 7-9. This acts as a foundation for examination options in the senior part of the school where the subject alongside performing arts, is offered at Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5. The work is practically based and all students will be encouraged to develop their skills in performing, composing, listening and technology. The Garageband music program is used by students throughout the school for composition work and Sibelius music program is introduced in Year 9 to aid composition work as well. KS3 Banding Students will follow national guidelines throughout Key Stage 3 to support and prepare them for their Key Stage 4 courses. The school operates a banding system of 1-9 (9 being the highest band). Students will be given a target based upon their Key Stage 2 scores and baseline assessments on arrival at Edgbarrow. The band they are awarded at the end of the Key Stage is intended to be indicative of the grade they may achieve at GCSE. Banding Year 7 Curriculum Assessment Plan Year 8 Curriculum Assessment Plan Year 9 Curriculum Assessment Plan Key Stage 4 We offer BTEC Level 2 Music which is the equivalent of one GCSE. At BTEC Level, students develop an understanding of how the music industry works as well as their performance or technology skills. We follow the Edexcel syllabus, which students have to complete an exam on the different sectors within the music industry, a project promoting an event, a project producing an event in which the student can either perform in or run the technology aspect of it and finally a project where they can either develop their performing skills or their sequencing skills. Performers should be proficient on their instrument including voice. Assessment: Written paper 25%, Mandatory unit 25% and two Optional Units worth 25% each. Year 10 Curriculum Assessment Plan Year 11 Curriculum Assessment Plan Key Stage 5 At post-16 students follow the Edexcel BTEC Level 3 syllabus. At BTEC Level, students develop an understanding of harmony, different forms of notation as well as their performance skills. Students have to complete a project on the different notations (traditional notation, guitar tab and drum tab), an examined paper where they have to say how they would co-ordinate an event, three solo performances and three ensemble performance of which students arrange three existing piece into another style. Students should be proficient on their instrument. Year 12 Curriculum Assessment Plan Year 13 (Lvl 3 Diploma) Curriculum Assessment Plan Year 13 (Lvl 3 Extended Cert) Curriculum Assessment Plan Private Lessons Individual instrumental lessons are offered by a team of qualified specialist teachers and our students are always highly successful in the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music examinations, Rock School examinations and London Trinity examinations, at all levels from Grades 1–8. During school and after-school practices take place throughout the week. We currently have piano, keyboard, woodwind, brass, drums, guitar, violin and vocal lessons. We are always looking to expand the instrumental lessons that we have on offer. Co-Curricular Music Students are encouraged to use both music rooms and the practice rooms during lunchtimes and after school, whether it is working on a solo vocal piece, a band piece or even recording. We put on concerts throughout the year, which is an opportunity for students to showcase their talent. Students are also encouraged to participate in orchestra, choir and tech club. We are always looking to expand the different extra-curricular activities that we have on offer. Performing There are numerous opportunities for public performance, both in smaller recitals or a more formal concert situation. The Music Department plays an important role in the life of the School, contributing to many occasions and events, such as the Winter Concert, Spring Concert and the Summer Concert. The Department also collaborates with the Drama Department in the production of Musical Theatre Performances. For further information regarding our Music Curriculum please contact: Mrs McAdam stephanie.mcadam@edgbarrowschool.co.uk Within this Section Corvus Learning Trust Headteacher's Welcome Curriculum Pastoral Support Departments Art & Photography Business and Economics Careers & Work-Related Learning Computer Science and IT Design & Technology Drama and Theatre Performing Arts Music English Geography History Languages Library Mathematics Music Physical Education Politics Progress-SEND Religious Studies Science Social Sciences Governors Pupil Premium Newsletters OFSTED Parent View Policies Safeguarding School Vision & Values Latest News Sixth Form Open Evening 2021 Edgbarrow School Grant Road, Crowthorne Berkshire, RG45 7HZ 01344 772 658 01344 776 623 Email Us Get Directions Edgbarrow School is an academy and part of the Corvus Learning Trust, a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales, company number 11045796, registered at Corvus Learning Trust, Grant Road, Crowthorne, Berkshire, RG45 7HZ. 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