Michael Gove was on the radio on Saturday talking about the National Music Plan. Great listening. Why? Have a listen yourself.
Michael Gove NMP interview by simonballemusic
By the end of term, everyone should have taught 12 lessons. It is not advisable to go over 12 as you will run out of lessons later in the year. However, you need to get to 12. This week for many will be the 12th lesson. Please use Christmas week as a catch up week. Full details of the teaching weeks are on the calendar above.
In January, it is a short first week. Therefore, I am asking team leaders to have meetings with teams as there has been little time this term. Team meetings are important for everyone to catch up, continue to share ideas and work together. You may want to teach Sixth form and Year 11 in the first week to ensure that you are ahead, but otherwise, again, start from Friday 6th January (to compensate for the inset day just before half term).
Some dates to take account of:
Next Monday, 12th. Year 10 have a revision morning for January modules, so will not be available during periods 1 to 4. Friday 6th January Year 11 have a results morning, so will be unavailable at least periods 1 and 2. Christmas lunch on Wednesday 14th Dec, and the sixth form one is on Thursday 15th. Avoid these times if you are making up lessons in the last week. Tuesday 13th Dec is a 3:2 split, as all of Year 7 are off to the panto at 12noon.
This coming week is housesports. Students attend instrumental lessons as usual. I will ensure they know. In January, Year 12 and 13 study leave is being changed. Thus, students will apply for time off and lessons continue as usual. So, each week during January, check with the students that they can attend next week's lesson. Assume nothing!
Trinity exams this week, a clarinet recital and rock gig. Les Mis final rehearsals. Wow! Thanks to everyone who supported musicians for the Rock School exams.
Reports. Sorry, a pain I know. These are due by Friday 6th January (time to write them in the first week back!). For these, all I need is a paragraph about each student covering the following points:
- What they are really good at (praise). Be detailed here.
- What they need to do in the coming term (target - achievable)
- How they need to do this to achieve their target (action).
They can be emailed as a word document (.doc) or in the body of an email. They should be completed for all students who are having lessons next term. Email to the music account please. If you require any other advice or support, you must ask! Please do not submit late as they are being sent with invoices.
Martin Connelly is leaving this week. Retiring. Off to pastures more relaxed. You are all aware of the huge impact Martin has had on the department, especially the centre we use every day. He will be a huge loss to the school, and our department! If you see him, have a chat. Wish him well. Sue is collecting for a gift, so please dig deep and hand her the cash! Without him.....
Have a great week. Nearly there!
Mark
Martin Connelly is leaving this week. Retiring. Off to pastures more relaxed. You are all aware of the huge impact Martin has had on the department, especially the centre we use every day. He will be a huge loss to the school, and our department! If you see him, have a chat. Wish him well. Sue is collecting for a gift, so please dig deep and hand her the cash! Without him.....
Have a great week. Nearly there!
Mark
