Skip to content ↓

Teaching & Learning

Music

KEY STAGE 3 CURRICULUM OUTLINE

Students in KS3 are encouraged to explore Music in a variety of contexts and develop their musicianship through singing, composing, playing, improvising and listening. During curriculum time, they are encouraged to play instruments including; guitar, ukulele, drums, keyboards and steel pans.   

Our facilities include a Pro Tools recording studio, fully equipped ensemble and solo rehearsal spaces which students are encouraged to use both in and out of lessons.

KEY STAGE 4 CURRICULUM OUTLINE

BTEC Music Level 2 (4 Units)
Students will have the opportunity to explore various aspects of the Music Industry over the 2 year course. This course is aimed at students who are keen to develop their musical skills and knowledge of the Music Industry in a practical way. Students will have access to the Academy’s practice rooms, recording studio and professional equipment, as well as the opportunity to take part in various performances.

Some of the units studied include:
The Music Industry - Students will explore organisations and job roles within the Music Industry, such as venues, jobs and Health and Safety.

Planning and creating a music product:
Students will have the opportunity to create a musical product (Concert, C.D etc.). This unit is designed to enable students to plan, advertise and evaluate the success of the product, gaining insight into industry practice.

Music Performance:
By taking part in a variety of ensemble and solo work, students will develop technical and interpretive skills on their chosen instrument. This unit will end in a solo or ensemble performance.

In addition they will take an optional unit below:

  • Recording skills

  • Composing skills

  • Sequencing skills

'The world is full of creative people. I feel what we do impacts on their future success.' Mrs Warnes

FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES AND PATHWAYS POST 16

A variety of opportunities exist within the field of music at colleges and Universities, depending on what they wish to specialise in.

  • A level Music/Music Technology

  • Level 3 BTEC Music

  • Level 3 BTEC Music Technology

  • BA Hons Music/Performance/Technology

EXTRA CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES

Students benefit from the use of well-equipped practice facilities, allowing after school band practice and use of professional recording and sequencing programmes.

 In addition there are several after school activities including:

  • Recording sessions

  • Woodwind Ensemble

  • Guitar club: Beginners

  • Brass Ensemble

  • Singing – KS3 and KS4

  • Percussion Ensemble

  • Keyboard Club

Students have opportunities to see professional shows, most recently going to see the Opera North production of “L’Elisir de Amoure” at Leeds Grand Theatre, as well as taking part in our annual Academy performances such as; Wini’s Got Talent, Christmas concert, Easter concert and the Summer Show.

Instrument lessons: Students at Winifred Holtby Academy benefit from peripatetic instrument lessons. These are available in a variety of instruments such as; Percussion, Piano, Voice, Guitar, Cello, Violin and Woodwind. Through this, they have the option of taking graded examinations in classical or popular styles. If you wish for your child to learn a musical instrument, this tuition is brought in from Hull Music Service. This is heavily subsidised by the Academy.

Current charges are: 

  • KS3 - £80 per term

  • KS4 and not studying Music GCSE/BTEC courses - £80 per term

  • KS4 and studying Music GCSE/BTEC - £40 per term

All students looked after by the Local Authority (within the meaning of section 22(I) of the Children Act 1989) will be eligible for this tuition free of charge.

DID YOU KNOW?

"We have 2 classrooms designed to offer students a broad range of Music and Music Technology. Our Mac suite benefits from 22 computers and are fitted with Garage band, Sibelius, Cubase and Photoshop, so students can produce, market and develop products. Each computer has a midi keyboard and M-Audio box, to enable students to record live instruments using the XLR or jack input. Our double ensemble room benefits from a selection of layouts and instruments including; electric pianos, electric drum kit and Grand piano. It also has sliding doors leading to the Forum, opening up a large performance space. This is used regularly throughout the year for events and concerts. 

We have 5 dedicated practice rooms allowing for a variety of solo and ensemble practice to take place. Each room has a Mac, M-Audio box and electric piano, with the exception of the ensemble room which is designed for band practices."