Music
Welcome to the Music Department
Aims
The aim of the Music Department is to engage all pupils in practical music making through the elements of performing, composing and appraising.
Staff
Mr. D. Evans (Head of Department)
Mr. P. Evans
Mrs. J Jackson
Key Stage 3
All pupils at Key Stage 3 have at least one music lesson a week (2 in Years 7 and 8 and 1 in year 9). During these lessons pupils will listen to various types of music, perform as part of a group and individually, and learn to compose music either individually or in small groups. There is an emphasis on working with others, and pupils are expected to be able to work as part of a whole class or in small groups.
ICT Facilities
The department boasts a suite of 16 Mac computers which pupils have access to regularly to enhance the learning experience. These are used to good effect during composing tasks. These have recently been linked to the school network and work will be undertaken to sign up to NuMu, an exciting educational website where pupils can upload their work and listen to work of pupils from other schools throughout the country. A great way to share ideas and see what kind of things happen in other schools.
The department is currently receiving some renovation work. When this is completed we will boast a state of the art recording studio and brand new practice rooms for pupils to use. Pupils will be allowed to use the recording facilities, with the option of delivering a music technology course at Key Stage 4 in the future.
Musical Futures
The department is pleased to be part of the Wales' pilot of an exciting new venture called Musical Futures, which enhances the experiences already gained by the pupils and where pupils are able to take control of their own learning in new and exciting ways. We believe the Musical Futures ethos will truly enhance the learning opportunities for our pupils. Work is already under way at delivering Musical Futures projects and instilling the work ethos of the scheme.
GCSE
Music is an option subject at GCSE level. Again, pupils are expected to perform, compose and appraise music and continue the ethos of group and individual work. Most composition work is completed using the ICT facilities and pupils have achieved excellent results through creating music on computers. Pupils will be able to make use of the new recording facilities to produce a record of their performing achievements.
We study the WJEC GCSE course. Pupils are expected to perform 1 solo piece and 1 group piece, compose at least 2 contrasting compositions with a total playing time of 5 minutes, and sit a written appraising paper of approximately 1 ¾ hours where they respond to music that is heard in the exam.
Performing – 30%
Composing - 30%
Appraising - 40%
The department has achieved excellent results at GCSE level. In 2010/11 we achieved a 100% pass rate, 85% of which was graded A*-C.
Extra-curricular activities
There are many extra-curricular activities available for pupils to take advantage of. Our choir has gone from strength to strength and now boasts over 60 members. Rehearsals are run weekly. Orchestra rehearsals also take place weekly. GCSE club runs one evening a week where pupils are able to complete coursework if needed, and the Key Stage 3 rock band meet weekly to rehearse.
The Show
Extra rehearsals take place for the annual school show at Theatr Elli. All pupils are welcome to take part in this. Since 2004 we have performed Les Miserables, Grease, Jekyll and Hyde, We Will Rock You, Back to the ‘80’s, Disco Inferno and Our House. The show is widely acclaimed locally and has enabled some pupils to further develop their acting sand singing skills when they have left Coedcae and gone on to study theatre skills at a higher level.
Peripatetic Lessons
A range of peripatetic lessons is available. Brass, woodwind, strings, vocals, harp, guitar and drum tuition are all available. Any pupils interested should ask a member of staff for details.
- Brass - Ms. S. Rees
- Woodwind - Mr. P Shingler
- Violin - Mrs. A Morgan
- Cello - Ms. N Clarke
- Harp - Ms. L. Jones
- Vocals - Mrs. J Jackson
- Guitar - Mr. D Evans
- Drums - Mr. D Evans
Pupils should check the timetables in the department for their lesson days and times. Pupils who receive tuition on an orchestral instrument are expected to attend orchestra rehearsals every Monday after school.