Music
Those who take Music in Year 9 will develop their skills in composing, performing and listening in a series of set projects.
The composition element will take the form of group projects or individual pieces where students will use their own instruments, keyboards, computer technology and modern synthesizers to create imaginative music. Compositions can be printed out using computer music programmes and recorded on to CD and mini disc.
All students will be encouraged to develop performing skills as individuals and in groups. Students are not required to take instrumental lessons or to have passed a particular grade in music, but it will be an advantage if they do learn to play an instrument and/or sing in a choir.
Students will be introduced to a whole range of music. They will develop their performing and composing skills by investigating such styles as ‘Rap’ and ‘Cover Versions’. No style of music is necessarily excluded from these projects and students will gain an understanding of how music has developed through the ages and in different countries.
The emphasis on the course is practical with every opportunity being given to encourage students to perform their own music and to gain a deeper understanding of the rich musical culture around them.
Italian
A romance language, Italian holds strong links with Latin and French and would be appropriate for students with a genuine interest in modern foreign languages. The course itself will consist of an introduction to Italian language and culture, whilst developing the four language skills. Students opting for Italian are likely to have the opportunity to take a GCSE Italian exam at the end of Year 11 and possibly AS/A level after that.
Latin
The Latin course in Year 9 aims to build on the strong foundations developed in Years 7 and 8 in terms of understanding of the language. There is also an opportunity to pursue individual interests as students prepare independent projects on aspects of the Ancient World of their choice. We aim to prepare students for the various skills required at GCSE in which 50% of the marks rest on the language and 50% on the study of literature in the original Latin. This last section comprises extracts from Roman historians and poets.
Art & Design
The types of study can vary but will fall into two main groups. Lessons will consist of one double per week.
- Fine arts: Drawing and Painting, Textiles
- Graphics: Design, Printmaking and Computer Graphics
Art Historical studies will continue throughout Year 9. There will be places available on the Easter Art Trip.
The new Arts centre will provide improved facilities and students will be encouraged to develop oil painting skills. There will be the opportunity for individual and group work in cross-curricular study.
Languages, Geography and History have completed projects with artwork in the past. Students must listen for announcements regarding drop-in workshops with textiles, film and theatre studies. Students might also consider using Art as their chosen skill in Duke of Edinburgh awards.
Design & Technology
Students will have been introduced to a wide variety of tools, machines, materials and processes during their D & T sessions in their first two years. They should also have acquired some of the skills required to communicate their ideas and designs on paper, via their design folios.
The Year 9 course seeks to build on students’ previous experience and knowledge, taking them into more technological areas such as electronics and CAD/CAM. As in previous years, teaching will be project based. Lessons will be mainly practical and it is expected that students will use their regular homeworks to add content to their design portfolios.
An important aspect of the work undertaken in Year 9 is the CREST Award scheme. Students will enter one major piece of work this year and may gain either Pass, Merit or Distinction certification at Bronze level.
The Year 9 course is a demanding one, requiring the ability to be well organised and self motivated. A positive commitment towards the subject will be expected.