Music
<<SPACE>>
OUR
AIM
The Music Department aims to build the confidence of our students to present and communicate their creative ideas to an audience.
Welcome to the Music Department at Darwen Vale High School, where we inspire a lifelong love for music in all our students through engaging and high-quality musical experiences. Our diverse curriculum encourages exploration and creativity, allowing students to delve into a wide range of musical styles through analysis, composition, and performance. We believe that music education extends beyond the classroom, which is why we strive to provide opportunities that enrich our students' lives and help them grow as individuals.
Mr Dobson
Head of Music
Vision
Our Music Department provides a learning environment where students of all backgrounds and abilities are empowered to explore and deepen their passion for, and understanding of, music. We are committed to providing an inspiring, inclusive, and comprehensive curriculum that promotes creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression. Our students enjoy many opportunities to share their music with others, both in and out of school, through a broad range of performance opportunities that are open to all.
Aims
Diverse Curriculum: We offer students a broad and diverse music curriculum that exposes them to a variety of musical genres, cultures, and historical periods, ensuring a well-rounded, fully immersive musical education.
Skills Development: We support and encourage our students to develop their unique musicality through essential skills in performing, composing, and appraising. This equips them with the tools they need to continue the subject at GCSE.
Student Engagement: We provide engaging and hands-on learning experiences that motivate students to actively participate and enjoy their musical journey.
Collaboration: We encourage teamwork and collaboration, as students learn to communicate effectively, respect diverse perspectives, and support each other's opinions.
Inclusivity: Our Music department is a welcoming and inclusive learning environment that celebrates diverse musical tastes and encourages students to appreciate different genres and styles.
Academic Development: We support students in pursuing further music qualifications, such as GCSEs, by offering guidance, resources, and opportunities to excel.
Performance Opportunities: Our students have many opportunities throughout the school year to perform to others, be that in front of their peers or to family and friends throughout the wider community. By implementing these aims, the Music Department at Darwen Vale is dedicated to nurturing well-rounded, confident, and creative musicians who will carry their love for music throughout their lives.
KS3 Curriculum
Our Key Stage 3 Music curriculum offers a comprehensive and engaging experience, built upon the core objectives outlined in the National Curriculum. Over the course of three years, students will have ample opportunities to develop fluency, accuracy, and confidence in appraising, composing, and performing music. Through a variety of learning contexts, including individual, paired, and group work, students will hone essential musical skills while fostering collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.
Our Year 7 students begin their musical journey by exploring the various timbres of the orchestra and enhancing their rhythmic understanding through the study of West African drumming. In Year 8, we dive into the world of blues and film music, challenging students to broaden their musical horizons and deepen their understanding of various genres. In Year 9, students will have the chance to recreate pop songs and delve into the enchanting world of musical theatre. Throughout all years, students will develop their skills on keyboards, vocals, and a range of instruments, including ukuleles, guitars, drums, and music technology.
Upon completing Key Stage 3, our students will be ideally positioned to continue their musical education at the GCSE level. With a strong foundation in composition, performance, and music appraisal, they will be well-equipped to thrive in further studies and explore their musical passions. Our curriculum aims to empower students to become versatile, knowledgeable, and confident musicians who carry their love for music beyond the classroom and into their future lives.
Our Key Stage 4 Music curriculum builds upon the solid foundation established during Key Stage 3, as students pursue the Edexcel GCSE syllabus. Throughout these years, students will further develop their skills in performing, appraising, and composing music while exploring a diverse range of composers and musical artists spanning from the Baroque period to the 21st century.
GCSE Music challenges students to refine their performance abilities through various solo and ensemble opportunities, mastering the nuances of technique, expression, and interpretation. They will engage in critical listening and analysis of a broad spectrum of genres and styles, deepening their understanding of music theory and history. Furthermore, students will create original compositions, showcasing their creativity, technical prowess, and mastery of musical elements.
By the end of Key Stage 4, our students will have developed a deep appreciation for the rich tapestry of music, from classical masterworks to contemporary compositions. As well-rounded musicians and critical thinkers, they will be well-prepared for advanced studies at A-Level and beyond, poised to contribute their unique voices to the ever-evolving world of music.