Welcome to the Music Department
For more information about the Subject curriculum, please contact: Mrs L Bache
- Mrs L Bache - Curriculum Leader for Performing Arts with English
- Miss L Tarmey
Peripatetic Teachers
- Mrs C Galea - Acoustic Guitar
- Mr M Roscoe - Drums
- Mr C Wooton - Piano, keyboard and brass
Music Curriculum Implementation
Music Department
The Music Department aims to provide learners with exposure to a rich variety of musical experiences, combining the four principal areas of The National Curriculum; listening, singing, performing and composing.
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, whilst developing knowledge and understanding of the key musical elements. At Balshaw’s we teach music musically, with a curriculum that inspires creativity and offers learners the opportunity to explore myriad musical worlds. At Key Stage 3, we introduce learners to the elements of music, equipping them with the knowledge and musicality to move forward to Key Stage 4 music with confidence and enthusiasm.
Throughout Key Stage 3, learners will use the acronym MAD TSHIRT to develop their understanding of the key musical elements. Applicable in all areas of music, be that Popular, Film or otherwise, learners will explore the implications of each of the elements of music and the way they can be used to both construct and analyse music.
Learners will also have the opportunity to develop their musicianship each lesson. We offer full class ukulele and keyboard lessons, with five adjoining practise rooms to allow students to collaborate and develop their ensemble skills.
Music performance is very important here at Balshaw’s, evidenced by our annual music festival ‘Balfest’, which all learners will have the opportunity to become a part of.
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:
Extra-Curricular
The Performing Arts department is integral in supporting the events of the wider school calendar. Our department is busy and vibrant with learners using the facilities during their social times, supported by the department staff, to explore their own creative endeavours.
We currently support and offer:
- Bi-annual School Musicals
- Open Evening performances
- Remembrance Services
- Memorial Garden Service
- Carol Service for the whole school
- Christmas Concert
- Resurrection Rock - Easter service
- Private weekly peripatetic lessons
Theatre trips that have included: to the Bolton Octagon to watch Little Shop of Horrors and to the Lowry to watch Jesus Christ Superstar. As well as visits from Runshaw college, industry professionals in musical theatre and music technology.
Music Ambassadors:
TBC
Aims of the Curriculum
- To develop a life-long passion for music within learners.
- To convey the physical and mental benefits of both music listening and making.
- To develop the confidence of learners, both inside and outside the music classroom.
- To further each learner’s knowledge, understanding and appreciation for both music creation and the wider creative industries.
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: