Ofsted Report

Provision in music is excellent.

Main strengths

• GCSE examination results were well above average in 2004.
• Outstanding subject knowledge and very high expectations are key characteristics of the very good teaching.
• Excellent leadership is the driving force behind a successful department.
  
• Pupils’ very positive attitudes and their very good behaviour help them to achieve very well throughout Years 7 to 11.
• The impressive quality of computers and their regular use enhances music teaching and learning.

Commentary

Standards of work by Year 9 pupils in 2004, and confirmed by work seen during the inspection, were well above average. This is an improvement on those reported at the previous inspection. Pupils in Year 7 have little musical knowledge when they arrive in school. Because of the systematic development of musical skills achievement of all pupils, including those with special educational needs or those who are gifted and talented is very good. Pupils have very good understanding of rhythm and can improvise and structure melodies to set chord patterns. Performance by Year 11 pupils in the 2004 GCSE examination was well above average. More pupils than in previous years attained the highest grades and achievement for all pupils is very good. There is no difference in the performance of boys and girls. Pupils know how to use harmony and instrumental colour in order to compose high quality pieces. They compose and play together confidently different lines of music combining electronic and acoustic material.

Teaching and learning are very good. In Years 10 and 11, much is excellent. Teachers’ knowledge of music and national criteria underpins their very good planning and very high expectations. Therefore pupils are constantly challenged through varied tasks which all have an explicit focus. Musical skills are revisited and pupils are adept at using musical knowledge to improve their work. Teachers are excellent musicians and through their practical demonstrations boys and girls are inspired to learn and do as well as they can. The very good relationships and humour found in lessons means that pupils learn from each other and sympathetically evaluate others’ work. Pupils learn to explain musical concepts to each other, which means they are very clear about what they are doing. Time is used effectively and the very good feedback of their work in lessons means that pupils understand how to improve and attain the highest possible standards. From Year 7 as part of their music lessons, pupils use the impressive computers and recording facilities. This means they can record, save and refine their work regularly and use technology to help them compose more complex pieces of music.

The leadership of the head of department is excellent. He is an exceptional role model through his own teaching, and conveys his enthusiasm and love of music to pupils and other staff. Policy and planning is exemplary and provides excellent guidance and support for all teachers, including those new to the profession. Management is very good. Pupils progress is analysed comprehensively. The very good range of ensembles, which enrich the musical experiences of many pupils, illustrates the commitment of all staff, including visiting instrumental teachers to the musical life of the school. There has been very good improvement since the previous inspection, especially in achievement and the quality of teaching and learning.