Music at BISC

Music has always played a significant role in the education of all pupils at BISC. Pupils in the Junior and Senior School have the chance to take individual music tuition, as well as perform in choirs, concerts and musical theatre in and out of school and in and out of Cairo. The strength of any department in any school lies in the experience and expertise of the teaching and the positive and productive learning environment that is created as a result. BISC is able to offer such specialist music staff in the Junior and the Senior School and the results are outstanding. The pupils have access to bright and airy individual practice rooms. There are specialist music rooms with a significant emphasis on music technology.

The Junior School

PHILOSOPHY

At BISC we believe that music is a powerful form of communication, which can inspire and motivate children. It is a vehicle for personal expression and it can play a vital role in the personal development of pupils. Music is intellectually demanding, as well as appealing to the emotions and senses. Music making encourages self-discipline, creativity, group identity, aesthetic sensitivity and fulfilment. As an integral part of cultures past and present, it helps pupils to understand the world around them. Above all, the live experience of music, whether listening, performing or composing should be one of enjoyment.

AIMS

Main Aim: We aim to enable children

• To develop the interrelated skills of performing, composing, appraising, and listening and applying knowledge and understanding

We also aim

• To develop an understanding of the seven musical elements and how they may be organised in musical structures

• To develop sensitivity to the music of others

• To develop creativity in making music

• To develop skills in singing and in playing tuned and untuned instruments

• To bring about an awareness and appreciation of the music of Western culture, both past and present as well as of other cultures

• To encourage self motivation, self discipline and a positive self image

• To give all children equal access to music, live or otherwise

TEACHING AND LEARNING

CLASS MUSIC

The specialist music teacher teaches music to every class from Foundation Stage 2 to Year 6. Each class has two music lessons a week.

The content of Music is related to the skills and knowledge specified in Curriculum 2000. Music teaching in Foundation Stage is related to the musical aspects of work set out in the objectives of the Early Learning Goals.

The curriculum is primarily skills-based therefore the majority of lessons are highly practical. High expectations are set in terms of participation as well as learning. A variety of teaching styles are used in order to cater to all learners. Individual lesson plans are written for each lesson taught and lessons are evaluated immediately through brief notes written on the lesson plan. Evaluations are used to inform future planning.

Scheme of Work:

The scheme of work is based on the British scheme “Music Express” but also includes the opportunity to play violins, recorders, guitars and keyboards.  There is a clear progression of skills in music reading, instrument control, composing and listening skills.

DIFFERENTIATION

It is recognised at BISC that there are children of widely different musical abilities in all classes. These differences may result from natural giftedness or from extra musical input that the child receives outside school. Equally there may be children who find musical participation and concepts challenging. We provide suitable learning opportunities for all children by aiming to match the challenge of the task to the ability of the child and providing support as needed.

This is achieved in a variety of ways by

• Challenging more able children to lead activities for the class

• Providing resources of different complexity depending on ability, for example percussion instruments

• Providing opportunities for children with additional knowledge of music, e.g. notation, to utilise this within a task

• Setting common tasks which are open ended and can have a variety of responses

• Setting tasks of increasing difficulty

• Grouping children by ability and varying the task

• Using teacher or ‘buddy’ support in tasks

CONTINUITY AND PROGRESSION

The Scheme of Work for each year group provides continuity and progression across the Key Stages, covering all attainment targets as specified in Curriculum 2000.

In addition the ‘Progression of Skills in Music’ indicates how performing skills, composing skills, appraising skills and listening and applying Knowledge and understanding are developed through the Curriculum from Year 1 to Year 6.

ASSESSMENT

Assessment in music is made through informal teacher observations during music lessons. If written work is carried out in Key Stage 2 this is marked and graded. 

Concerts

Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 present at least one annual concert for parents and the public. This is a valuable performing opportunity, which involves each child in the rehearsing and performing process.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Choir

The Junior Choir is joined by audition and is open to any child from Years 4-6. These children work on more advanced singing skills and have the opportunity to perform in school concerts and events such as the Thank You Assembly, Carol Service and Speech Day. They also have the opportunity to sing in the community, for example at the British Embassy, the Remembrance Ceremony and the Ramses Hilton Hotel.

Musical Productions

Musicals are staged periodically in conjunction with the drama department. They are another opportunity for children to rehearse intensively and present a performance with more demanding singing repertoire.

INSTRUMENTAL LESSONS

Provision

The instrumental programme is managed by the Head of Music. The students are taken out of class for a 40-minute weekly lesson to study with an instrumental specialist. Children who study instrumental music at BISC are featured throughout the year at informal recitals, and many are offered the opportunity to enter Trinity College London music examinations in May. All instruments are available to students from Y4 upwards. Piano, violin and ‘cello students may also sign up in Y2 or Y3; however, the older students are given priority.

Session 10

Session 10 concerts are held every term. They are an opportunity for children who learn an instrument to perform in an informal supportive environment. They are crucial in encouraging young performers. Key Stage 1 children also perform in assembly periodically.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Pupils are taught to use musical instruments and resources appropriately.

Recorders are not shared by children and are disinfected after use.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

All children in accordance with School Policy have the right to equal opportunities in music, irrespective of gender, race, background and ability. Each child is considered an individual and will have access to appropriate work. Children with English as an Additional language will be supported through peers, pictures and gestures where needed.

The Senior School

Music in the Senior School continues to follow the British National curriculum leading to the GCSE and IB exams. Each student from years 7 to 9 has two music lessons per week and the department is well equipped with the latest in music technology and software as well as guitars and keyboards for student performances and composition.  A wide range of music from many cultures is studied.

In the Senior School, pupils continue or begin music lessons and can prepare for the examinations of the Trinity College of Music, London .

There is a senior school choir and opportunities to play in small ensembles.  Each year there is a musician's weekend retreat to rehearse and relax together at a nearby beach resort. Senior school students perform in the Session 10 concerts (see Junior School section) and have an annual talent show which they organise themselves.

Productions

The Music and Drama departments work closely together and in 2006 collaborated in a production of the musical 'Oliver'. In 2007 the Sixth form produced and directed an outstanding performance of the show 'Chicago'.

Please also view the Drama section.