Music in Ffynone House School in Swansea

The Philosophy of the Music Department.

The main aim of the Music department at Ffynone House School is to provide a safe, caring and challenging environment, where all students can experience a broad and balanced musical educational experience. An experience which in catering for all abilities, develops at the same time, personality, talents and interests to the full. Students are given the opportunity to -

• develop a love for, and appreciation of, music in its widest context.
• take part in a wide range of performing, composing and listening activities.
• take part in a range of musical extra-curricular activities.
• develop related key skills and I.C.T. skills.

Facilities.

The department has three main teaching areas -

• a large, bright well equipped music studio for classroom teaching.
• two small practice rooms for individual practice and tuition.

The Music Studio provides an ordered, attractive and well lit facility for the teaching of music. The room is equipped with -

• an upright piano.
• a grand piano.
• a set of drums.
• a number of electronic keyboards.
• a comprehensive range of percussion instruments.
• a modern stereo system for listening activities.
• a television and video.
• three computers which can be used for composition, research and the development of general relevant I.C.T. skills.

The two practice rooms provide a suitable environment for students to receive individual tuition and to work on their own between formal instruction sessions.

Music provision at Key Stage 3.

The music curriculum at Key Stage 3 is designed to enable students to engage with and enjoy making music. Through active involvement in performing, composing and appraising, students will develop their sensitivity to and understanding of music. Students will develop musical skills relating to control, manipulation and presentation of sound. Music activities are designed to enable students to make links between their performing, composing and appraising activities, and work as a class, in a smaller group or as an individual. At Key Stage 3, these skills include singing, playing instruments and practising; improvising, composing and arranging music; and listening to and appraising music with perception and attention to detail. Students will improve their performing, composing and appraising by developing their thinking, communication and I.C.T. skills, and give due regard to health and safety.

The repertoire for performing is taken from the past and the present. It includes music from 'classical' tradition, folk and popular music, the music of Wales, other traditions and cultures, and music that evolve during the twenty-first century. Students are given the opportunity to develop singing and to experience playing a wide range of musical instruments.

Composing activities involve the use of a wide variety of vocal, instrumental and electronic sound sources. Activities are based upon a wide range of stimuli, including individual and group work, and incorporate vocal and instrumental improvisation.

The repertoire for listening includes live and recorded music, including students own compositions and performances and the music of others, of varied genres and styles, from different periods and cultures, composed for different media and for various purposes. The work undertaken links with and extends students musical experiences and includes examples taken from the European 'classical' tradition from its earliest roots to the present day, folk and popular music, the music of Wales, and other musical traditions and cultures, including those that evolve during the twenty-first century.

 Skills across the curriculum.

 Music provision at Key Stage 3 also encompasses - Skills across the curriculum -

Developing thinking - by applying the processes of planning, developing and reflecting. In music students choose suitable resources for performing and composing, create and develop musical ideas, evaluate their own and others music and reflect on their methods of working.

Developing communication - by applying the skills of oracy, reading, writing and wider communication. In music students communicate through performing and composing, and develop and apply their skills of speaking and listening through appraising their own and others work.

Developing I.C.T. - by finding, developing, creating and presenting information and ideas and by using a range of equipment and software. In music students use music technology to explore, create, develop and realise musical ideas.

Developing number - by using mathematical information, calculating, and interpreting and presenting findings.

Learning across the curriculum.

Music provision at Key Stage 3 also encompasses - Learning across the curriculum -

Curriculum Cymreig and Wales, Europe and The World - by performing and listening to the music of Wales, from the past and present. This includes music from the tradition, folk and popular music, and other traditions and cultures, which represent the communities of Wales. Composing activities can be based on extra-musical stimuli such as the literature, visual art, or physical landscape of Wales.

Personal and social education - by bringing benefits to health and well being which come from the intrinsic pleasure of making music. Students develop self-esteem and confidence, resilience and perseverance, and self-discipline and commitment. Music provision also contributes to students' spiritual and emotional development, and promotes awareness and valuing of their own and other cultures.

Careers and the world of work - in music students develop transferable skills and attributes, through making music individually and in groups. These skills and attributes help to prepare for lifelong learning, work and leisure, and can offer a route into the ever-expanding creative and cultural industries.

Music provision at Key Stage 4.

The music curriculum at Key Stage 4 builds upon the work that has been undertaken at Key Stage 3, providing students with a G.C.S.E. qualification, while at the same time providing a link for those who want to progress to study Music at 'A' Level.

The course offered can be followed by any student irrespective of gender, ethnic, religious or cultural background.

The course gives students the opportunity to develop broader life-skills and attributes including critical and creative thinking, aesthetic sensitivity and emotional and cultural development.

The course covers -

• the spiritual, moral, ethical and cultural dimension.
• citizenship.
• environmental education, health and safety education and the European dimension.
• information and communication technology.
• curriculum Cymreig.

Music provision at Key Stage 5 - A Level Music

The department offers the opportunity for students to continue their study of music to 'A' Level. In order to study Music at 'A' Level an interest in all kinds of music is needed, along with an ability to play an instrument or sing. A good G.C.S.E. pass is also desirable, though not compulsory. Following the course provides a route into the ever-expanding creative and cultural industries. The Arts Industry is the second largest in the UK behind tourism. Employment opportunities are wide ranging, from performers and composers, through to administrators, broadcasters, work in the recording industry, librarians, journalists, teachers, music therapists, publishers, sales and instrument manufacturers

Individual instrumental lessons.

The music department offers students the opportunity to undertake a range of individual instrumental lessons, through to Grade VIII. Current pupils are studying instruments as diverse as

• Guitar
• Voice
• Piano
• Flute
• Saxophone
• Violin

Extra-curricular activities.

The department offers students a range of extra-curricular performance opportunities, both in school and outside school, either as an individual or as part of an ensemble -

School Orchestra

The department has an active and talented orchestra that plays a wide range of music, from traditional classical through to modern popular music. The orchestra takes an active part in a wide range of school events, providing a vital platform for students to perform individually or together. The orchestra rehearses at lunchtime.

Vocal Work

The department encourages students to develop their vocal talents either as individuals or collectively as members of a group or choir.

Solo singing - students can develop their individual singing skills and perform as such in a range of school and outside events.

Choral Work - the department has two excellent choirs, The Chamber Choir/Senior Choir. All students are encouraged to involve themselves in these choirs, which perform at various school and out of school events throughout the year. The choirs rehearse at lunchtime.

School events -   the department provides students with a number of opportunities to perform in a range of school events. These include -

• School productions                  
• Harvest Festival Services
• Remembrance Day Services      
• School Concerts
• Nine Lessons and Carols        
• Competitions

Visits-  the department offers students the opportunity to take part in theatre visits, giving students first hand experience of live musical performance.

Achievements.

The music department has a long and proud tradition of its students achieving in competitions and examinations. Many students have also continued their musical studies beyond 'A' Level, and have gone on to study Music at various Universities and Conservatoires. Study that has led on to careers in music, in the ever-expanding creative and cultural industries. Music department students have also gone to successful careers in other professions.

Events calendar - Autumn 2009

AUTUMN 2009 -

• Harvest Festival Service -  October
• Remembrance Day Service   -   November
• School Concert   -   December
• Nine Lessons and Carols   -   December