Music

Within the music department there are a variety of extra-curricular groups including: Junior Choir, Senior Choir, Chamber Choir, Academy
Singers, Wind Band, Orchestra, Swing Band, Saxophone Group, String Ensemble, Clarinet Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Acoustic Guitar
Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, five Classical Guitar Ensembles and Flute Ensemble. There are also several student led rock bands. A
popular concert programme boasts an Autumn Music Concert, Annual Carol Service, 6th Form Chamber Concert, A-Level Recitals, Spring
Music Concert, Classical Guitar Recitals, Summer Music Concert and a school production. There are thirteen visiting peripatetic
instrumental/singing teachers.

Key Stage 3

Key Stage 3 music lessons are taught twice a fortnight. In the topics taught in music lessons, students can expect to be taught the elements
of music and key skills. Differentiation has been adapted for all groups of learners.
The aim of the music department at key stage three is to encourage students to learn instruments and / or sing, compose their own music
and develop their appreciation of music for life.
In years 7-9 students will have the opportunity play a variety of instruments including keyboards, ukuleles, guitars, drums, hand held and
pitched percussion. Students will experience a variety of musical genres including orchestral and vocal music, world, pop, Blues and jazz
music and film and programme music. Through these studies, students will learn about the historical and cultural aspects and develop their
appreciation of a variety of musical genres.

Key Stage 4

The music department at Royal Wootton Bassett Academy currently follows the OCR Music GCSE course. The current OCR specification is a
two year course of listening to, composing and performing music in a wide range of styles, from pop, lieder, choral, orchestral, African
Acapella, jazz, Indian Classical, Bhangra, Tango, Salsa, Gamelan, Irish music, Club Dance, Film and Programme music. Learning is based on
practical activities, listening and assessment structures. Students are encouraged to extend themselves vocally or instrumentally, with
additional support provided through extracurricular activities.
The current OCR GCSE Music specification is divided into three areas, performance (40%) Composition (40%) and listening exam (20%).