Music
Welcome to the Music Department
Music is a subject in which students are engaged in making aThey can develop their understanding and appreciation of a wide range of music; acquire the knowledge, skills and understanding to make music and develop the skills; attitudes and attributes that can support learning in other subject areas. There are plenty of opportunities to take an interest in music further by joining a club (see extra curricular) or learning how to play an instrument. There are concerts and competitions throughout the year for soloists e.g. "Musician of the Year" and groups e.g. "Schools Alive" (which the Samba and Swing Choir have performed at for many years). The schools Christmas concert, carol concert, productions, summer concert and assemblies are just some of the opportunities given to students to perform for an audience. Palatine's musical talent is well known in the local community through the Samba band visiting other schools and holding workshops there. Palatine has a rich musical life which we want all students to get involved with!
Accomodation and Equipment
Housed in the Expressive Arts building and consisting of 2 purpose built music rooms and 1 separate practice room. Both music rooms are fully equipped with keyboards (full sized keys), Clavinovas, classroom instruments and sound equipment. Music also has access to the ICT rooms to use the music software "Sibelius" for composition.
Instrumental Tuition
The school provides high quality weekly Instrumental tuition on Woodwind, Brass, Strings, Guitars and Drums and also Singing tuition. All lessons are weekly, usually 25/30 minutes each and at a very reasonable priced contribution per term. Our students have gained excellent results in Associated Board Music Examinations which they are always able to enter throughout the school year.
The Annual School Production
The Music, Art, Dance and Drama departments all work together to produce a full scale musical production every year. The show is always a sell-out and is performed over 3 nights. Our last production was the musical “Bugsy Malone". Many students are involved each year with our musical productions and in the band playing the score for the performers to sing to.
Key Stage 3
At Key Stage 3 students have opportunities to perform individually and in a group. They develop keyboard skills and learn how to read music. They have a chance to record their own pieces and have these recorded. They listen to a great variety of music within each unit and develop the vocabulary to describe it. It is mainly a practical subject and students enjoy getting involved in all the music making activities on offer!
Key Stage 4
GCSE music is offered to all students who wish to take this option. The AQA specification is used at present. The 4 components are Listening & Appraising, Composing and Appraising, Performing Music and Composing Music.
