The Music Department teaches in mixed ability groups.

Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. A high quality music education should engage and inspire pupils to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians, and so increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement. As pupils progress, they should develop a critical engagement with music, allowing them to compose, and to listen with discrimination to the best in the musical canon.

Key Staff

• Mr T. Murray - Head of Music
• Ms C. Richards - Teacher of Music

 Key Stage 3 - Years 7,8 and 9

At KS3 students are taught in mixed ability classes twice a fortnight in our two specially equipped music rooms where they work with the three strands of music – performing, composing and appraising.

As students progress through the school we start to incorporate aspects of Music Technology.

Areas of Study include:

• The Elements of Music
• Indian Music
• Video Game Music
• Programme music
• The Blues
• Film Music

Key Stage 4  (GCSE, Exam board Eduqas) - Years 10 and 11

Music is a popular GCSE subject at The Willink School. Following the Eduqas specification students further develop their musical skills through listening, performance and composition. Students study a broad range of music from Popular Music to Classical Music and Film to Music Theatre which form the basis of the listening exam. Students must also complete 2 compositions, and a solo and ensemble performance as coursework, which make up 60% of the GCSE.

Key Stage 5 (A Level) - Years 12 and 13

Music A level takes a deeper and more analytical look at listening, composing and performing, offering a challenging and stimulating course for developing musicians. Students are empowered to take the lead as we study a variety of set works in depth, develop composition techniques leading to a final composition, and produce a short recital performance on their chosen instrument or voice. We follow the AQA specification.

Music Course Guide - Key Stage 5

Extra-Curricular

There are a variety of extra-curricular opportunities within Music at the Willink:

These include:

• Choir
• Training band (instrumentalists up to grade 3)
• Concert band (instrumentalists above grade 3)
• Brass band group
• Percussion ensemble

Last Updated October 2024