Mereway Middle School

THE MUSIC AUDIT

This Music Audit is an attempt to make a snap shot of the music education provision in School to aid conceptual understanding, to separate its various parts and make pointers for improvements.

In accordance with the National Curriculum, Music is taught through the activities of Performing, Composing and Listening. Six different programmes of activity provide a wide range of experience and musical education. They are:

• Curriculum Music - Each class receives 1 hours music lesson weekly which focuses upon one of the elements of music. Where possible, thematic links are made with the current topic which often provides the context for performance, listening or composition. An orchestra session also ocurrs weekly to unite the Schools instrumental musicians. In years 5 & 6, class teachers teach their own class music. Currently, a specialist teaches all key stage 3 music. In addition, singing is given a special focus weekly in two singing assemblies, a general choir session and for years 7 and 8, A Cappella.
• The Wednesday Music School - Most orchestral instruments, keyboard and guitar are taught by 8 specialists from the County Music Service. The School day is extended on Wednesdays to 4:30pm and for many, lessons continue up to 5:30pm. Teaching is available at three different levels. Sounds Musical: 10 weeks of beginner exploritory activity, Music Together: group lessons in improvisation and performance technique, Solo: one to one tuition for advanced players. This term 100 students enrolled for lessons.
• The Music Initiative - An instrumental programme for Year Five which aims to offer first choice instrumental opportunities to everyone. This is staffed by 8 class teachers during Music Break Time and supported by the Music Service in the Wednesday Music School for instruments of which we have no in house expertise.
• MAP Music Programmes - Four students from Years 7 and 8 are working on an advanced composition programme organised by the music specialist. This programme of study may be used as preparation for Music GCSE should the students wish to take this exam. option prematurely.
• Extra Curricula Music - The programme of extra curricula music activities varies from term to term according to the Music Development Plan, Music Residences, School Productions and staff / student interests. This term there have been four steel and a two samba bands.
• Music Residences - Again, the number of residences each term varies. Two residences have ocurred this term: A four day composition project with Derngate Education and NIAS and our on going Adopt a Virtuoso project for string players with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

Some statistical findings from the audit:

• The total number of music teaching hours is 72 each week (excluding residences).
• The total number of music sessions is 77.
• The total number of musical personnel is 15 (excluding class teachers who teach their own music.)
• The total number of students who weekly elect activities, extra to the curriculum lesson is 284.

Some concerns from the audit:

• General class teachers though willing are underconfident about progression and skills in teaching music
• Many music activities lack rigour in the teaching of knowledge, skills, and understanding
• Some music resources are in sufficient, over used and/or in need of repair and careful monitoring
• Performance repertoire doesn't always connect with the musical knowledge that the students have already
• Sound management is a problem to surrounding classes of the Music Suite
• Group work is difficult to organise in the Music and Drama Studio for years 5 and 6
• Students need more guidance on how to practise
• On over emphasis on conventional notation is hindering improvisation, particularly at the beginner stage

Some recommendations:

• Increase the amount of INSET and Teaching Partnerships
• Monitor planning
• Set up a portable bar code system for all musical instruments
• Increase the stock of popular music
• Liaise with Upper School to establish quiet lesson timetable
• Reconsider use of weekly timetable slots - block music time and resources together
• Organise an evening on "How to Practise" for students and parents
• Give INSET on how to improvise for beginners - maximise current knowledge KSAUDITMUS