Music at Alderbrook is inclusive, immersive and a safe space for all students to express themselves. We are very proud to offer students an array of musical opportunities both in and out of the classroom. This includes a wide range of extra curricular opportunities including Orchestra, Choir, Rock and Pop bands as well as a Stage Band for our school productions. We promote building transferable skills that support pupils beyond the Music classroom.
The Music Curriculum is taught with the following disciplines as a focus- performing, composing, listening and analysing. These are embedded across a range of historical periods, genres, styles and traditions. Students are also taught how the elements of music are used effectively across all the disciplines which will enhance their musical knowledge, understanding and terminology.
It is important that in our Music Curriculum, we give students the opportunity to:
Within the department, we offer an extensive extra-curricular programme to help students develop their musical skills beyond the classroom. We offer termly concerts, lunchtime lives, peripatetic lessons (see list below) an annual school production in conjunction with the Dance and Drama Department, trips to external performance venues such as the Cavern Club and Royal Albert Hall, as well as a busy extracurricular timetable such as Choir, Orchestra, year group bands and the opportunity for rehearsals in the practice rooms outside of lesson time. By having these exciting performance opportunities, it is an honour to be able to showcase the amazing talents of the Alderbrook music students on performance evenings. It is their enthusiasm and commitment to the subject that makes the Music Department its true success.
Music is taught in mixed ability groups for KS3 and KS4.
Music at Alderbrook School is taught by
Please follow the Music Department on Twitter for regular updates.
https://twitter.com/abkmusic2?lang=en
The Key Stage 3 Curriculum has been structured, alongside guidance from the National Curriculum, to give all pupils the chance to develop musicianship skills, so that any pupil with a passion and skill set for the subject can achieve a Music qualification by the end of Year 11.
At Key Stage 3, students study a range of topics that are designed to spark interest within the subject of Music. It is also designed to encourage those already with a passion or experience in music, to excel. The lessons contain an introduction to the topic, listening tasks, rehearsal, composition or performance lessons and a final assessment. See units below:
The Music Department offers OCR GCSE Music Key Stage 4.
This course is assessed through composition (30%), performance (30%) and a listening exam. (40%). This course is suited to students who enjoy the more theoretical side of music and those interested in studying the history of music. Students are required to learn about Film Music, Concerto through time, World Music and Conventions of Pop.
Music is a powerful gift that can change our lives in a variety of ways. In listening, performing and composing, music can portray emotions that words cannot, instantly effect our mood, enhance our understanding of the world and grants an opportunity to express ourselves. Music is part of our daily life as well as a key focus within our communities and school.
Students will engage with the diverse and dynamic heritage of music, extend their skills in performing and composing and develop a deeper understanding of the need to communicate music through their own choice and to a set brief. Students will study a range of set works that vary from Vocal Music, Jazz and Programme Music whilst broadening their musical repertoire.
Music, Music Technology, Music Therapy, Performing Arts, Teaching, Arts Administration, Commercial Music, Journalism, Marketing, Media.
Minimum grade 6 in GCSE Music or BTEC Merit or Distinction. Grade 5 on an instrument/vocals is preferred.
‘Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent’
Victor Hugo
The Music Department offer a range of Music Activities for students to excel such as
Students are welcome to rehearse individually or for personal bands either before school, break time or lunch time, with teacher’s permission.
School bands are invited to perform at the many concerts the Solihull Music provide for the Borough. Please speak with Miss Rafferty about this exciting opportunity.
We have worked with Solihull Music for a number of years and are proud to offer peripatetic lessons on the following instruments.
Students who take part in these lessons have a weekly 20-minute lesson in which they rotate every week to ensure they don’t miss the same part of the curriculum lesson.
If you require more information about these lessons, please contact Miss Rafferty through the ‘Contact’ page on the main website.
There are many trips on offer within the Music Department that students are invited to partake. Recent trips include
Students can take part in the Arts Award qualification through a music pathway. Speak to Miss Rafferty or Mrs Stocks for more information.
The subject of Music can offer you a range of skills needed for success in your time at Alderbrook. Here is a list of the likely skills that you develop in Music.
Collaboration, Pride, Responsibility, Respect, Patience, Perseverance, Determination, Self-Discipline, Self-Motivation, Team Work, Confidence, Creativity, Empathy & Compassion
This qualification called lead to a career as a:
For further information, please contact Miss Rafferty.
Please follow the Music Department on Twitter for regular updates.