Music Department Staff

For more information about the Subject curriculum, please contact: Mrs Bache.

  • Mrs Bache - Curriculum Leader for Performing Arts
  • Mrs D Howarth - Teacher of Music
  • Miss S McHale - Teacher of Performing Arts

Peripatetic Teachers

  • Mr C Wooton - Piano, keyboard and brass
  • Mrs C Galea - Acoustic Guitar

 

Musical Futures Online

Students have access to Musical Futures Online and can ask their Teacher for a username and password to login

Music Department

The Music Department aims to provide students throughout the school with a rich variety of musical experiences, which combine the three principal areas of performing, composing and listening.

In Music, we endeavour to inculcate tacit knowledge: this is experiential, as in identifying the difference between A major and A minor; procedural knowledge: as in playing the scale of A major, and declarative knowledge: as in knowing that A major has three sharps: F, C and G sharp.

In Year 7 students receive Music lessons once weekly. In Year 8 and Year 9 students receive one lesson every two weeks.

Students follow a structured course of half-termly projects. Through explorations of both Western Music and World Music, students will develop skills in aural perception, recognition and appreciation of musical styles and cultures. A variety of practical opportunities is built into the projects to develop performance skills in vocal and instrumental music. Students are encouraged to be creative and imaginative through composing activities. At all times, work is designed to stimulate and develop students’ awareness, knowledge and appreciation of the subject.

 

Curriculum Time

In Year 7 Music is taught in humanities groups for one lesson per week. Humanities groups remain for Years 8 and 9, however the lessons are bi-weekly.

Music Curriculum Intent KS3

At Balshaw’s we believe in the inclusive nature of a performing arts department and that each student who comes into our department can grow in confidence and ability through the reassurance of a supportive and encouraging environment.

  • We encourage students to learn in an active way and all lessons are practical with emphasis on building musical skills and appreciation
  •  Music lessons are musical
  • The music curriculum should inspire creativity and offer opportunity for students to be exposed to different instruments, genres and opportunities to perform and appreciate performances
  • At KS3 to give students the building blocks of music to be able to move forward to KS4 music in order to study confidently and enthusiastically

Implementation

  • During Year 7 department staff build on the foundations of the primary music education and continue the celebration of singing; in the first half term a singing transition unit is introduced and culminates in a singing assembly; this is built on throughout KS3
  • Composing, performing and improvising is incorporated into the curriculum to build a love for music as well as a foundation of knowledge and skill
  • Performing, listening, appreciating and evaluating different styles, genres and historical forms of music
  • Explore the elements of music and apply the skills to different instruments. Use technology to enhance and understand production

Impact

  • Develop the passion and skill for students to opt for KS4 music and beyond
  • All students to have an appreciation for music and how it can be used as a creative form of communication
  • Students should be able to play and perform using a range of instruments and use their voices confidently and with fluency
  • Listen to and evaluate different pieces of music with attention and consideration
  • Recognise and use staff notation and other relevant notations to compose and present their own compositions and compositions from others
  • Have a life long love of music

Please see the Music Learning Journey for KS3 here or below:

 

Music - Key Stage 4

Students who study Music at KS4 will take the BTech Tech Award, which provides them with the necessary comprehensive skills and knowledge for further study or merely the creative pursuit of music in a rapidly changing world of music technology. This course is suitable for students who have a keen interest in different musical styles and who have some skill in singing or playing a musical instrument, composing or creating, or using digital audio workstations (DAWS). The course is suitable for students of all abilities and has been tailored to prepare students for a diverse and competitive music industry. Therefore, those who have an interest in the scope of music technology in production or composition may find it as relevant as those who simply enjoy playing an instrument for pleasure.

Students are assessed in three components throughout key stage 4, two of which are internally assessed and externally moderated, and the third, which is only externally moderated. These assessments are carried out over several weeks under controlled conditions.

Component 1 involves a study of different styles of music (e.g. pop, classical, blues and rock) and the elements of music which typify these styles. Students produce a portfolio of four contrasting genres with examples, and a performance, composition or DAW project incorporating one of these styles.

Component 2 involves developing skills used in the music industry and the assessed outcome is a choice of performing, composing or producing and commentary/reflection on their personal development.

Component 3 involves responding to a musical brief and contrasting styles of music. Students are then given the option to compose, perform or produce a remix version of a song in a different style. Clear preparation and a commentary must also be produced.

During the course, it is important that students are committed to developing their own skills and being involved in extra-curricular music, where appropriate. The practice rooms and digital facilities are available after school and at lunchtimes for students to undertake their own study. This course is enjoyable and varied but challenging in its content. There are many careers for which this course would be beneficial, including: session musician, music producer, talent scout, recording engineer, technician, studio manager, software programmer, composer, arranger, singer, stage manager, events’ organiser, teacher, agent and music manager.

Extra-Curricular

The Performing Arts department is integral in supporting the wider school and the events that we have each term on the school calendar. Our extra-curricular timetable supports the events and all activities are very well attended. The department is busy and vibrant with student using the facilities during breaktimes and afterschool, supported by the department staff, to explore their own creative endeavours.

We currently support and offer:

  • Our second consecutive whole school musical
  • Open Evening performances
  • Remembrance Services
  • Memorial Garden Service
  • Carol Service for the whole school
  • Carol concert
  • Resurrection Rock-Easter service
  • Summer Concert
  • Chamber choir
  • Show choir
  • Brass band
  • Private weekly peripatetic lessons
  • Drama club
  • Students regularly rehearse and perform in their own bands

Theatre trips that have included: Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Blood Brothers, The Lion King, An Inspector Calls. As well as visits from Runshaw college, industry professionals in musical theatre and music technology.

Music Ambassadors:

  • Rosie Holland
  • Ruby Hunter
  • Alice Gomez
  • Daniel Patterson
  • Michael Thornley
  • Tobias Diaz

Aims of the Curriculum

  • Successful learners, who enjoy learning, make progress and achieve their best in music
  • Confident individuals, who are able to perform, listen and compose safely and find healthy fulfillment from discussing creative ideas
  • Responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to an increasing creative society

Please note the that following documents are under review due to the recent staffing changes in Performing Arts.

Please see the documents below for the Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 curriculum plans:

Key Stage 3 and 4 Music Curriculum Documents


Peripatetic Lessons

Please see the following letter from Mrs Bache. The return slip from the letter must be completed and sent back to school before any peripatetic lessons can begin.

Peripatetic Music Letter

Other Lessons

  • Singing lessons - please contact Mrs Howarth

Music Exam Results


Music Clubs

Please see details of Music clubs below:


Performances

Christmas Celebrations 2022

On Thursday 15th December, it was a super busy day for our Christmas celebrations!!

During the day, there was a wonderful service in St.Andrew's Church in Leyland, with readings, reflection, prayers and carols, that was attended by students in Years 7-10 and staff. 

In the evening there was our fabulous 'Lessons and Carols' concert that was really well attended.

A huge thank you to all of our talented performers, you were amazing as always!

We would also like to thank everyone for their wonderful donations too. £119.67 was raised for the Church service and £556.85 for SLEAP. Your donations are always welcome but especially so this year.

You can read more about SLEAP and the wonderful work they do here.

 

Thank you for the Music - Summer 2022

We were delighted to be able to showcase the musical talents of our wonderful students on Wednesday 20th July.

You can read more here.

 

CEOPRHCOfsted