Music

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Our vision includes the belief that:

  • A broad and balanced curricular and extra-curricular programme will unlock and support the artistic potential of all our students.
  • Outstanding exam results will be achieved with a commitment to every child, not just our talented performers.
  • The performing arts will encourage each individual to work in a creative, co-operative and collaborative manner while promoting personal, learning and thinking skills.
  • Students learn best in a participative and creative environment placed within a firm framework of high standards in teaching and learning.
  • Students need an understanding of, and access to, developing technologies in order to encourage participation and leadership in a technologically developing society.
  • We have a responsibility to our local community through productions and performances.

All students at Ratton have Music lessons as a regular part of their curriculum at Key Stage 3, during which time a variety of projects are studied, from Classical Music, Blues and Jazz through to Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop and Dance music. There are many opportunities for practical music-making during lesson time, using percussion instruments, keyboards, ukuleles and our newly- acquired class set of iPads.

Music is available as an option subject at Key Stage 4, both as a BTEC and GCSE qualification. The BTEC gives students the opportunity to develop vocational skills ready for the world of work alongside studying units such as DJing, Performing and Music Sequencing. The Music GCSE focuses on performing, composing and listening preparing students for the study of Music at A-level.

Subject Information

Subject Leadership: Mr R Kearsey, Curriculum Leader

Niki Smith, Music Teacher.

Dave Brinson, Music Teacher.

Facilities: In the Music department there are two fully-equipped classrooms with keyboards, glockenspiels, xylophones and ukuleles.

One of the classrooms also has computers with music software, such as Cubase and Virtual DJ and the other classroom has a class set of iPads with programmes such as Garageband.

Within the department we also have three practice rooms, guitars, drum kits, an electric drum kit, recording facilities and two sets of DJ decks. Practice rooms can be booked out at lunch for students to rehearse.

Curriculum Overview

Music Development Plan