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We aim to develop
Skills in solo and group performance, composing and appraising. We try to develop in every child an awareness of pitch and melody, pulse and rhythm and harmony. Students are encouraged to work collaboratively with their peers as well as developing the ability to work independently.
Curriculum
We have our own area of 2 large classroom and 5 smaller practise rooms. Each classroom is equipped with 16 keyboards, as well as a drum kit and stereo equipment. The department also has 16 fully networked computers in the largest teaching room each with the notation programme Sibelius installed and we have one Apple Mac for students to use the sequencing programme Logic.
Key Stage 3
Music is taught to all pupils at Key Stage Three. In years 7 and 8 pupils are taught for three, one hour periods every fortnight, and in year 9 students are taught for two, one hour periods every fortnight.
Students perform in class using their voices and keyboards, they are also encouraged to bring their own instruments to performance lessons. In composition students explore melody, rhythm and harmony. In listening students develop a little understanding of a range of styles through the study of 12 key works. In addition students have the opportunity to learn to use the composing package Sibelius to notate some of their compositions. Students are assessed regularly as part of their class work and there is a formal assessment at the end of each unit at KS3.
Key Stage 4
Music is an option subject at KS4, and we offer a choice of two different pathways. Students can either follow the EDEXCEL GCSE qualification or the BTEC FIRSTS qualification.
Pass rates on both courses are excellent with 100% A*-B grade (2011-12) at GCSE and 100% pass rate at BTEC (2011-12).
At GCSE students continue to study the three core areas of composing, performing and listening. Students study 12 set pieces from a diverse range of styles, grouped in four different areas of study. In addition they develop composing skills in at least two of these areas of study. Students are also required to prepare a solo and ensemble performance. 60% of this course is assessed through controlled assessments.
We are still awaiting accreditation of the new BTEC syllabus, but it is our intention that students will follow units in performing and composing as well as learning about the music industry.
Key Stage 5
Music is an option subject at KS5 and again we offer a choice of pathways. Students may follow the EDEXCEL GCE AS and A2 qualifications or the BTEC National qualification. Pass rates are excellent with 100% A – C grade (2011-12) at A2 and 100% pass rate at BTEC (2011-12)
At AS and A2 students continue to work in the three areas of performing, composing and listening. At AS level students are required to prepare a 6 minute recital as a soloist or as part of an ensemble and at A2 a 12-15 minute recital. At AS students compose a piece in response to a chosen brief set by the examination board and at A2 students are examined in composition and Technical study. There are written examinations for both qualifications which ask students to show understanding of twelve set pieces.
At BTEC students study the core unit, Music performance techniques and have a choice of option units including Classical music in practise, composing music, singing techniques and performance, working and developing as a musical ensemble.
Extra-Curricular Activities
We offer individual tuition on a range of instruments including strings, brass, woodwind percussion and voice.
We also offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities and in all of our ensembles we aim for a high standard of performance detail, and a musical understanding of the styles and genre being performed.
We give frequent concerts in school and are regularly invited to perform in and around Tring. We have also made very successful concert tours to Denmark, Prague, Florence, Vienna, Spain, and Holland.
In addition every four years we participate in a musical exchange programme with Carroll High School, Southlake,Texas.
Tring School Instrumental Service - Information Sheet 2012-2013
(see www.tringschoolmusic.co.uk for more details)
Rehearsal schedule
For more information have a look at the Music Departments website:
www.tringschoolmusic.co.uk
Updated: September 2012
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