Performing Arts - Music
Music Is the Laughter of the Heart
At Ellesmere Park, we believe that students deserve a broad and ambitious music curriculum, rich in skills and knowledge, which ignites curiosity and prepares them well for future learning or employment. We aim to create the very best musicians, give students the greatest opportunities to ensure every student leaves us ready for their next successful chapter in life. We challenge students to think, act and speak like those working in the field. We do this through quality first teaching which challenges them to not only understand the complexities of different styles, genres and cultures of music but requires them to explore, discuss and demonstrate this understanding in creative ways.
We consider it important that all students have experiences across multiple different cultures and genres of Music. We want students to be able to play a range of different instruments and all will be given the opportunity to be a part of the music family. Music is regarded as a highly academic subject by Russell group universities because it teaches children transferable skills such as commitment, confidence, public speaking and independent learning. Like a foreign language, Music is an academic subject and a means of communication as well as an art, beneficial to mental health and wellbeing. We think it is important that students are given different ways to express themselves and this is actively encouraged in the Music department.
Students are challenged in all lessons to be able to demonstrate understanding and creativity through performance, composition, through collaboration with their peers and through evaluation of their own work. Through the development of these skills, at both key stages, we would expect to see an increase in self-confidence and creativity throughout all aspects of the curriculum. This personal development will be shown through independent work, but also through ensemble performances and compositions. Students are then equipped apply these in external settings such as shows and employment opportunities.
The curriculum has been planned to develop knowledge and skills over time, with topics linking together to show a continuation. A range of strategies are used across the curriculum to deepen knowledge and allow students to find a ‘way in’ to the music. Music has strong links with other curricular subjects across the school and these are made explicit, so that students can draw links from each subject and build on existing knowledge. A systematic approach to teaching staff and other relevant notations has been included and embedded within and across all topics, bespoke to meet for the needs of all learners, so that students build confidence from reading from sheet music for performances to being able to write it accurately when creating music through composition. We expect and encourage students to use key musical terminology within their work. The curriculum embeds all the core values and expectations of an Ellesmere Park student, ensuring that they CARE about the work that they produce. This is shown through their resilience when learning a new skill and students are often pushed to aspire to complete the next challenge and put themselves out of their comfort zone. Within every lesson, students are expected to consider others points of view and be considerate of all values and abilities when sharing performances, compositions or during class discussions, creating a sense of shared equality to improve their spiritual, social, moral and cultural understanding.
Our curriculum at Ellesmere Park High School goes far beyond what is taught in lessons, for whilst we want students to achieve the very best examination results possible, we believe our curriculum goes beyond what is examinable. As a department we offer a wide range of extracurricular opportunities for those who want to develop their musical skills and abilities beyond the classroom. Individual instrumental lessons are available to all pupils throughout the school. These links to MAPAS and the music shed are of vital importance to show aspiring students where music can take them and the importance of learning to play an instrument. As a department, we also have a vibrant collection of extracurricular clubs that pupils can take part in, from choirs, ensemble bands and keyboard clubs. Where possible, and appropriate, we endeavour to expose our students to live music including visits to the theatre and to other live concerts. We also invite musicians to visit school, to perform and work with us. All pupils involved in music are given regular opportunities to perform to develop their confidence and understanding as musicians. We currently hold lunchtime performance concerts every 2 weeks on a Friday. This is a unique part of school life. Students feel supported and comfortable performing and thoroughly enjoy it.