Music

Our curriculum aims to challenge and inspire students to make excellent progress throughout the Performing Arts department. Through knowledgeable and motivating teaching, students will learn a variety of skills that build on subject specific knowledge from year to year, giving students aspirational goals for the future through our BTEC components. Through the curriculum, students will learn to be responsible for their own process and personal development, taking ownership of their learning and development. We will encourage students to take charge of their own learning, giving them an opportunity to explore the world around them through the practical application of a wide range of styles, and the study of genres; as well as to partake in practical group work and research tasks that focus on the development of music theory, performance skills and musical techniques. 

Our teaching inspires and encourages communication, team-work and builds confidence from lesson to lesson. It is our hope that lessons equip students with the skills, knowledge and understanding of professional musicians within the music industry. 

Through our Extra-curricular provision, students will engage in all aspects of performance and expand their knowledge of professional musicians. 

Instrument Lessons

At Trafalgar we offer a range of instrument lessons to support musical learning and development, whilst also delivering personalised lessons to help our pupils build their confidence and enjoy playing instruments. With a strong team of specialised instrument teachers, pupils are able to learn instruments in a 1-2-1 or group setting. Lessons happen weekly during the school day with lesson times changing each week to make sure pupils do not miss the same lesson each week. 

Instruments we offer:

• Piano
• Acoustic Guitar
• Electric Guitar
• Bass Guitar
• Drums

Our teachers are highly experienced in personalising lessons for pupils to make sure they get the most out of their lessons. Parents are invoiced through our Parent Pay system, making it easier for lessons to be paid for, and pupil premium pupils from Year 9-11 can access funded lessons. 

For more information and to sign up for instrument lessons, please contact Mr Mounteney: rmounteney@trafalgarschool.org.uk 

Key Stage 3: 

Students will be assessed on 6 strands, equally weighted, including: music theory, listening skills, genre study, composition, performance

Key Stage 4:

BTEC Music – BTEC Tech Award in Music Practice - Pearsons

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-tech-awards/music-practice-2022.html 

At KS3 students are expected to attend clubs for Music, Drama and Dance as part of their independent learning. As a department we offer a range of clubs so that students can develop both performance and non-performance skills at all levels. 

KS4 students are expected to complete one hour of homework a fortnight, working towards their coursework.

Music extra-curricular activities & interventions: 

Welcome to Music at Trafalgar School! 

I am very proud to be the Subject Lead for Music! Working with our hard working, dedicated Performing Arts team to provide high quality lessons for our pupils. I am incredibly passionate about the importance of engaging, active lessons that help pupils build confidence, learn new skills and grow as musicians. Giving pupils effective feedback through our developed digital feedback system provides meaningful feedback to enhance pupils' learning and development process. Our digital booklets encourage an engaging, interactive music lesson for every pupil, promoting personal development and musical progression. 

In my spare time I progress my own musical knowledge and understanding by continuing to learn piano, drums, guitar and bass, whilst testing my skills as a gigging musician.  

Ryan Mounteney (Subject Leader) rmounteney@trafalgarschool.org.uk 

Samantha Edwards sedwards@trafalgarschool.org.uk