Year 9 Music
Guidance For Parents
What will students be learning in Music this year?
Students will be introduced to a range of topics such as Gospel music, Song writing, Film Music, Cover Versions and Performing Arts Festival workshops. Alongside each topic the rudiments of music theory are also covered, giving students the tools to compose and perform and enabling them to listen and respond to music more discerningly. All topics combine performing, composing, listening and appraising tasks and a wide range of singing activities.
Expectations of students in Music
The Year 9 course is one hour a week. Students have an exercise book in which to record their work and each topic is accompanied by a small workbook. Inside each topic workbook there are list of keywords that students are expected to learn for the end of year assessment.
What are the major assessments this year?
At the end of each topic, students will be assessed on the performance or composition work that students will have been completing throughout the half term. There will be an additional end of year written listening test in the summer term, covering all topics and theory learnt throughout the year. Feedback is given after assessments.
What should my daughter do if she feels she is struggling in the subject?
She should not be afraid to speak about any concerns to her class teacher, who will give targeted support and advice and may suggest extra resources and strategies. Remember it is a normal part of the learning process to experience difficulties sometimes. Above all, don't give up!
How can I support my daughter in Year 9?
Taking an interest in what she is doing and showing that you value what she is learning makes a tremendous difference. Encourage her to practise if she sings or plays a musical instrument. If you have a keyboard or another instrument at home, encourage her to play, even if she is just experimenting. Take advantage of the radio, television and the internet to talk to your child about the music they listen to. Never tell her that she cannot sing. It is not true! And finally, the Southbank Centre, the Barbican and the Roundhouse offer a wealth of free concerts.
http://www.topmarks.co.uk Select subject (Music) and the appropriate age and the site will pull up a list of interesting and useful websites.
Whom can I contact for further advice and I formation?
Please feel free to contact your daughter's class teacher in the first instance. Mr Graham, as Head of Music, is also available on firstname.lastname@example.org