MUSIC

The main aim of music at Kirkburton is to encourage all children to enjoy the various aspects of the subject and achieve personal satisfaction and success through performing, composing, listening and appraising. Every child has musical ability which should not be overlooked or underestimated. As with all subject areas pupils will develop their skills and learning ability at different rates. Pupils should not feel that music is only for those who play a musical instrument. They are encouraged and made aware of the fact that music is for all. It is a language which can be understood, experienced, enjoyed and developed.

Music is taught in class groups. In Year 6 pupils are taught about different families of instruments, learn about composers and their music, undertake a series of preparation listening exercises where pupils work and share their ideas with each other, and partake in listening exercises as individuals. Towards the end of Year 6 pupils develop their rhythmic skills both as a class and then in small groups. In Year 7 pupils learn to compose and perform, listen to and appraise (evaluate) their own work and rehearse and perform a set piece. All pupils work towards a recorded performance. In Year 8, pupils continue to learn new concepts and extend those already learned.

Extra-curricular activities involving the choir, windband and ensembles are a particular feature of the school which has a strong musical tradition. Peripatetic tuition in the full range of instruments can be arranged through Kirklees Music School. For further details contact Mrs S. Howard, Head of Music, at the school.