The Music Department at John Spence offers a wide range of opportunities for all students at all abilities; both within classroom based lessons and through extra-curricular opportunities.
Students across both Key Stages 3 and 4 will develop their musical abilities through Performing, Composing and Listening to and Appraising music. Most of this learning is done through practical based lessons, working on Keyboards, Guitars, Tuned and Un-tuned Percussion, Voice and Music Technology software.
Students in Key Stage 3 will be assessed every half term in Performing, Composing or Listening and Appraising music. These assessments will allow the teaching staff to grade a student an overall level at the end of the academic year.
Students in Key Stage 4 will have regular ‘achievable’ targets set in order for them to complete their G.C.S.E. course successfully.
Year 7:-
Year 8:-
Year 9:-
Independent project – a group set performance of 15 minutes of a chosen style / genre or a presentation of a tour package.
Students choosing to study Music at Key Stage 4 will follow the AQA Music specification.
This specification follows a unitised structure. There are five areas of study for all of the units.
These are explored through three strands.
The Western Classical Tradition
Popular Music of the 20th and 21st Centuries
World Music
Students will be assessed in four areas.
By the end of the course pupils are able to use their musical skills to appreciate the music of others as well as enjoying music of their own. The GCSE course will provide an excellent base for further study and leisure time activity.
Many of our Key Stage 4 students have previously enrolled onto various Music and Performing Arts courses at local sixth forms and Newcastle and Gateshead College.
The department offers the following extra-curricular activities that are on offer for all students to attend.
The John Spence Musical Performance Group :- Students who wish to develop their vocal talents within a pop / soul style or instrumentalists can develop their ensemble skills by providing a rhythm section for the vocalists, students can even develop their own dance routines. Students have recently performed a range of songs for the school awards from the hit show Glee.
The John Spence School Band :– An opportunity for students of any ability or instrument to learn and perform a variety of different styles including:- pop, rock, jazz, classical and world music.
© 2012 John Spence Community High School, Preston Road, North Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE29 9PU. T: 0191 2005220 E: office@johnspence.org.uk