Curriculum Leader:
- Mr O Sammons
Peripatetic Staff:
- Monday – Singing lessons with Mrs Boycott
- Tuesday – Drum lessons with Mr Edwards
- Wednesday – Violin lessons with Mrs Davies; Woodwind lessons with Mr Shotton; Cello lessons with Mr Wadon; Brass Group with Mr Atherton; School Choir & Band with Mr Sammons
- Thursday – Brass lessons with Mr Atherton; Piano lessons with Mrs Newman; School choir with Mr Sammons
- Friday – Guitar lessons with Mr Nicholls
About the subject:
The Music Department is a modern suite of 4 rooms with good storage facilities and teaching space. It is well resourced with a variety of equipment, both acoustic and electronic.
KS3 overview:
Key Stage 3 Music is taught in mixed ability form groups for 2 hours per fortnight. Pupils study a wide variety of music topics and progress according to their individual capabilities via the three strands of Performing (Vocal & Instrumental), Composing & Appraising (Listening). Homework is set as appropriate to the tasks. Pupils are assessed regularly in all 3 areas in class and also sit an annual examination in Appraising & Knowledge.
KS4 overview:
Key Stage 4 Music is an option subject for about 15 pupils who show aptitude and potential. They receive 5 hours tuition per fortnight and follow the WJEC GCSE Music course. The main 3 areas are:
- Learning about Music of various styles for the Listening Examination
- Performing pieces, including an ensemble
- Extended compositions
Homework in all 3 areas is set regularly.
Examinations:
Exam Board: WJEC
- Perform a minimum of two pieces, one of which must be an ensemble [30%]
- Write a programme note for one of the pieces linked to an area of study [5%]
- Submit 2 extended compositions [35%]
- Listening Examination [30%]
Extra-Curricular Music:
St Joseph’s has a Brass and Wind Band which meets after school every Wednesday conducted by Mrs Goodison. The Brass Group is conducted by Mr Atherton and assisted by Mr Barlow and Mrs Goodison. They rehearse some Fridays when events require their performance. The School Choir rehearses every Thursday lunchtime. Liturgical Groups of players and singers meet at lunchtimes prior to events, both for school and community purposes. In addition to the extensive peripatetic provision by Wrexham County Council, which is enhanced by the governing body and to which parents and carers are requested to make a financial contribution annually, Wrexham County Music Service offers a comprehensive series of instrumental and vocal ensembles, again with a financial contribution to which pupils are invited when of an appropriate standard. Membership of these groups can lead to opportunities to belong to North Wales and ultimately National Orchestras, Bands and Choirs. Pupils can be entered for nationally recognised qualifications in Music, subject to achieving the required standard.
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