“I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.”

^Confucius

Context

The Music Department at Deptford Green School has received a Gold Award from The Incorporated Society of Music (ISM) in 2018. Music is seen as essential in a child's development and every pupil is given the opportunity to participate in Music.

Both employers and universities see creative subjects as assets. Increasingly, employers and universities are looking for young people who have skills that are learned through creative subjects: creative thinking, emotional intelligence, adaptability, communication, and tenacity to name just a few. Universities are keen to attract students who have a well-rounded education and achieve good results, no matter what the subject.

KS3

In year 7, 8 and 9 the emphasis is on performing and composing. Every pupil will have an opportunity to learn an instrument, study composition and create music using Logic on IMacs.

At KS3, we expect all pupils to take part in all aspects of music making across a wide range of instruments. For pupils with a musical background, we have additional support with instrumental lessons. We also believe that the extra-curricular experience is as important as the one in the classroom and we try to encourage as many pupils as possible to participate in our wide range of activities on offer.

Inside the classroom we expect pupils to compose and perform. The next step is to link the skills acquired to demonstrate the understanding and applying the learning and key words to the appraisal of music. Class work is personalised for each group to enable students to participate in. They are supported or challenged in their musical understanding, knowledge and skills.

KS4

At KS4 we offer two pathways, RSL and GCSE Music. Pupils can select the most appropriate course based on their Music specialism. 

Class Activities and Enrichment

At Deptford Green we have a well-established vibrant department able to cater for all abilities and talents. We have access to two Mac suites, a recording studio with the latest software, regular opportunities to perform live and develop skills with weekly ensemble groups designed to cater for all tastes and styles.

We have a wide ranging and inclusive extra-curricular provision which includes, Orchestra, Jazz Band, Folk Band, Open Mic club and composition club. We have regular performances every term for pupils to showcase their talents.

Some of the activities on the RSL course will include creating music on IMacs. Sequencing tracks and learning how to record audio in the studio. There will be group performance opportunities if you have selected performance unit.

In the GCSE course, you will learn Music across four areas of study. You will master listening skills and the ability to appraise pieces of music. You will develop skills in your first study instrument with opportunities to perform as a soloist and in an ensemble. You will compose two pieces of music, one to a brief the other on whatever you like.

Extra-Curricular activities include: school orchestra, jazz band, choir, open mic club, folk club, composing club. We also regularly run project based opportunities.

Partnerships and Primary school links

Pupils across all year groups get to work with local professional organisations including:

• Trinity Laban
• London Symphony Orchestra
• London Philharmonic Orchestra
• The Albany Theatre
• Lewisham Music Service
• Edmund Waller Primary School
• Grinling Gibbons Primary School
• Childeric Primary School

Whilst instilling the etiquette and discipline required to be a professional musician in the pupils we also provide the experience of working with professional musicians and composers to reinforce the Music education that we provide within the curriculum, in some case providing life changing experiences that shape their future.

Mr Hill, Head of Department: rhill@deptfordgreen.co.uk