WAH ACAP
Music - Performing Arts
Contact Head of Faculty: mike.adams@jhanson.hants.sch.uk
Key Stage 3
Throughout the first 3 years at John Hanson students learn about Composing, Appraising and Performing a wide variety of music ranging from Classical through to Popular and World music styles. As a department we are dedicated to making music enjoyable for all and believe that music is the perfect opportunity for pupils to get creative. There is also an emphasis on independent and group work and on self and peer assessment of performances and compositions.
Year 7- In year 7 pupils explore a whole range of music and performance techniques through units such as ‘Performing Together’ focusing on singing and using their voices. Music Theory, and working with graphic score notation are explored. Keyboard skills are developed alongside developing their understanding of music notation. We give students access to 'Teaching Gadget' for online work covering the theoretical aspects of music - reading notation, understanding rhythms etc.
Year 8- In Year 8 student build on their skills learnt in year 7 through a range of topics including Understanding Rhythms and Patterns, Soundtracks for films, and story telling with music and sound effects. Keyboard skills are developed alongside developing their understanding of music notation and theory. We give students access to 'Teaching Gadget' for online work covering the theoretical aspects of music.
Year 9- The year 9 curriculum focuses on introducing students to the world of Music Technology using our Apple mac suite and Garageband software. They will learn how to play, and create music using modern studio techniques. They will also work on music keyboards to develop their keyboard skills further. We give students access to 'Teaching Gadget' for online work covering the theoretical aspects of music.
Homework- Homework is set via the Teaching Gadget website as explained above. Sometimes additional tasks will be set to include; practice and preparation of lesson materials (learning song lyrics etc.).
Key Stage 4
At KS4 we currently offer the Eduqas Performing Arts Music L1/2 course - allowing students to compose, perform music, and create music within a sound studio. Full details of the course can be seen on our dedicated website here
For those considering music at KS4 the most important thing is that you enjoy making music and are willing to learn an how to use a keyboard with the computer and study the technical details of music technology, software, setting up and using a studio, and how microphones, and digital audio work. You should also be someone who is willing to perform in front of others. You should also have done reasonably well in KS3 music this year!
Students will have already gained many of the basic skills needed for this course during KS3 and have been introduced to creating and performing music of their own at Key Stage 3.
Students are assessed through written research projects, performances and compositions. There is no final exam as the course is 100% coursework.
Students are also encouraged to look at the many career paths that are on offer and links with local colleges are designed to assist with this. To take this course, you must be able to offer at least one instrument and have a real interest in creating music using music technology.
Homework- Home learning is a key factor in students progressing in Performing Arts. Students are expected to undertake a minimum of 30 min every 2 weeks on ‘Teaching Gadget’ at KS3, and at KS4 1 hour per week which should contribute to their research projects, music rehearsal and composition outside of class time.
Facilities- The department boasts a large teaching classroom with an attached studio and 2 practice rooms. The department is equipped with Apple Mac computers running Garageband and a full set of midi keyboards. We also have a Drama Studio, and a Dance Studio as part of our Performing Arts provision. The department also has two additional practice rooms that are used for 1-1 and small group instrumental teaching (1 is a large band room with Drum kit, the other with a piano).
Hampshire Music Service instrumental lessons: We offer a range of instrumental/voice lessons to our students for a termly fee. If you already play an instrument or would like to start learning one, then secondary school is a great place to develop these skills and make friends in the process.
Extra-curricular Opportunities: We have a school band (Mondays) and Choir (Wednesdays). Music Tech sessions take place after school on Tuesdays.
School Productions: The Performing Arts department bring the school together once every two years to create a school production/musical. Our last production was Seussical the Musical, and before that‘Little Shop of Horrors’, which are first class shows and our students were truly fantastic. The school show is a great way to make friends and to have fun so keep your eyes out for our next show! Other shows performed at the school include; ‘High School Musical’, ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and ‘Oliver’. In 2019 we are produced the musical 'Matilda'. We are planning the next musical ‘Grease’ for performance in December 2023.
Performance opportunities
School concerts- In addition to our annual Christmas Concert, throughout the year, every half-term, we have a Showcase featuring the work of Music, Drama and Dance across the school.