Music Notes

Hello!

• Many are aware of the horrendous network issues we have had this week and last. I hope that they are now behind us, baring minor things to resolve. Paul has worked so hard to get to the bottom of this, and I understand more about DNS and IP addresses than I ever wanted to! Printing downstairs, unrelated, is a problem still.
• Remission of Fees. There has been a great amount of difficulty with RMF this term, as County have capped the amount of remission available across Hertfordshire. To say that the stuff has hit the fan is about correct. Most are approved, but randomly some are not. So. Sue has contacted teachers affected, and I am working on a possible back up plan. Most importantly, any remission student who has poor attendance or progress will have their remission stopped without warning. Sue will contact everyone this week with a list of remission students.
• Absence form. Now on the blog (to the right here). Please can EVERYONE complete when a lesson is missed and I will decide, based on my lovely knowledge, if to email home. However, having an accurate log of missed lessons is essential please. Even if you knew or they are ill.
• Planning sheets. Please can these be up and running by the end of this week please, for all. It is essential. They plan for the term and year, and record what has been covered in each lesson.
• Please remember the sessions at inset and what was agreed. Simon Balle is a learning community, and lessons should not be teach, set work, teach etc etc. We all learn together, and the students are expected to embrace the learning required to progress.
• Theory. We have a new theory blog (simonballemusictheory.blogspot.com). It is a resource for all to use, so that all our students learn as early as possible about theory. Much is aimed at Grade 5 AB theory, but GCSE, A level Music and Music Tech and others are using it. Everyone can suggest things to add, so it is a rich resource. Please look, use and help improve. Theory is important, and we can all work together to develop the knowledge of our students. This links in with the keywords from your folders that are being used more in our vocabulary when we speak to students!
• Open Evenings - October 5th and 6th.
• Theory lessons, leading to AB grade 5, will be led by Cynthia. The classroom has been 'flipped' and students learn independently, guided by Cynthia and yourselves and check in each week or so to have work marked and progress monitored. They start in September and all take the exam in June. Like a curriculum subject. Please let me know comments on this idea and possible names of candidates.

I am delighted with how the term has started. Year 10 and 11 lessons are settling down, everyone is working so well in teams and attendance at ensembles has been excellent. This week I will be publishing reminders of who Year 10 and 11 GCSE Musicians are, along with their deadlines (don't forget all Year 11 should have a recording by now or imminent). We need to maintain the buzz around the music centre, the hard work of the musicians. We are all part of this, every day!

Have a great week

Mark

Music Notes - Sunday 11th September

Hello! All lessons resume this week. I have sent a newsletter to parents (in the form of a blog like this) and copied you all into the email to read. It has been a busy week, setting up lessons and sorting timetables. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this, especially Sue, Clare, Debbie and Alex. They have provided so much support to their teams. I am aware that fixing most Year 10 and 11 lessons has led to rotation issues, but I will again copy you into an email to school staff about the lessons. Swaps should be avoided at all but the most pressing costs - please pass this onto the students. One of the most pleasing things of the week has been to see how everyone has started using google docs and technology more and more. It is fantastic, and the blogging session that Alex led on Thursday was very well received. Theory - I have set up a new blog with some theory videos on it, found on You Tube. They relate directly to the AB grade 5 theory and are fantastic. The blog - simonballemusictheory.blogspot.com can be used by everyone. I have asked Cynthia and Jeremy to lead on theory, and am working out how we can get this to work on a sustainable basis for students to take the exams. Ideas welcome.

Sue still does not have SIMS, so please can you come to get a student from a class lesson, or use your previous student to go fetch someone if they are late. I want all students to be fetched this week please if they forget. Sue has put a list of reminders for the first week in your trays. Most importantly, take each Year 7 student to the timetable to show them how to find their lesson time. Better still, write it in their practice book.

With practice books, please use last years for another week or so until I can get more printed. Year 7 can have a new one as there are enough in the kitchen cupboard. Explain how to use it and all that!!

Open Evenings are on Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th October and I need all areas covered, as with last year. Please suggest things to do. Team leaders will approach you!!

The year has started in a very positive way. Students are buzzing about coming back for lessons. Remember to ensure that everyone is in an ensemble and understands our ethos. Work with them and set your expectations. Inspire them. Enthuse them. Develop their love for learning. Without this, we are not a department!

Have a good week.

Mark