Music

The department has a good number of musical resources for pupils. These include 10 computers running the latest edition of the Sibelius composition software, 15 keyboards, 10 electric guitars, a drum machine, several tuned percussion instruments, a full size drum kit and a wide variety of orchestral instrument.

Pupils benefit from the opportunity to receive free instrumental lessons from visiting tutors and are encouraged to take part in the school orchestra and both school choirs.

The aim of Music in Blaengwawr is to enable pupils to develop practical musical skills which will lead to a lifetime of deeper enjoyment and understanding of music in their future careers and leisure time.

•     Mr. S Edwards – Head of Music

Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3, pupils develop their skills at performing, appraising and composing music. This is achieved through mainly practical lessons that utilize the wide variety of musical resources at our disposal listed above. Topics include, ‘ Music in Wales ‘ at year 7, ‘ riffs ‘ at year 8 and ‘ reggae ‘ in year 9 among many others.

Key Stage 4

In Blaengwawr, pupils follow the AQA GCSE syllabus. This examination includes a performing component, composition coursework and a listening test. The course is open to pupils of every ability and over recent years, regularly achieves a take up of the maximum recommended for a practical subject of 20 pupils.

Key Stage 5

At AS and A2 level, Blaengwawr enters pupils for the WJEC award. Pupils complete composition projects, perform a recital to a visiting examiner and undertake an extended listening examination towards the end each year. Both courses are modular with 3 units being examined in each year.

• Orchestra meets every Wednesday lunchtime.
• Choir for year 7 and 8 pupils is every Tuesday assembly time.
• Choir for year 10 and 11 pupils is every Wednesday assembly time.
• Pupils in years 9, 10 and 11 take part in several visits to local primary schools as part of our transition work.
• There are several concerts and events in which musicians take part throughout the academic year ranging from the Harvest
• Assembly through to Presentation Evening and the school Eisteddfod.
• Pupils also take part in the annual carol concert and several visits to perform in the local community.