Music News for 20th February

I hope half term was relaxing and great.

We have finally arranged the AS and A2 recitals. AS are on Tuesday 3rd April, and A2 on Friday 16th March. I will contact teachers concerned directly. I am taking the stance this year that it is the responsibility of the musicians to communicate with you and to organise things, with your support. They are getting there.....

Timetabling is something that many struggle with – the fixed lessons, lack of rotation, subjects to avoid, the cooking, the head’s lessons, languages etc etc. Teaching in different schools also poses issues, as all timetables are different.

So. A plan to help.

1. Put in your fixed lessons – Years 10 – 13. Years 10 and 11 can miss music if they need to. These year groups cannot miss other curriculum lessons, unless agreed with me.
2. If you have issues with fixed lessons, rotate Year 12 and 13 students through free lessons. Charlie Pyne’s timetable is an example of this.
3. Group your remaining students into hour-long blocks, to fit the school day. 2 x 30 mins, or 3 x 20 mins.
4. Ensure you have a minimum of a 3-week rotation.
5. Ensure you have a short break each day. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the breaks.
6. Rotate the blocks of students. Some of you try to make it up week to week, and this is where trouble comes. Rotate the blocks.
7. Put it on google, and copy and paste the times. I have done some timtables, and left the January 3:2 split times, to use in the summer. I have shaded them in to ensure students do not read them.

Ofsted. A word that is not too popular. However, possibly on the horizon soon, using the new inspection framework. Little notice, much observing of teaching. We have to be prepared. As such an important subject in the life of the school, we have to be ready. Therefore, in the next two weeks, please ensure that:

• Timetables are up to date
• Lesson records are up to date, showing the termly overview and aims for the year
• Exam candidates know what they are doing in their exam - options, tests and feel as though they are fully prepared.

I will be looking at the lesson records of everyone to know that they are there and up to date.  You will also receive a list of your students to complete detailing their standard and what they are working towards. It should only take a few moments to fill in. I am trying to further make the link between instrumental and curriculum music, so that we all understand how the musicians are progressing. Ofsted also focus on data, how we use it and how we record it.

Something else we need to continue to work on is consistency of teaching - students should expect the same level and standard of teaching from each teacher. This includes supporting the students, the rigor, the challenge that we as teachers set. Exam preparation, use of technology, the amount covered in lessons. Sadly this is not always the case, and we have to work harder to make sure that it is the case. We achieve this by raising the standards and expectations of some, not lowering those of others. I would not be leading the department properly if I did not challenge where I think improvements can be made. In order to maintain what I believe is an outstanding department, I have to continue to challenge. This includes challenging the students, and this is something we can all do.

Danny and I had a fairly successful Year 9 parents evening just before half term. How is the time to make the GCSE comments to Year 9 - 'that performance is at GCSE standard' and so on. Again, the survival of GCSE music and the two classes that we have is in all our interests. Can we all make positive comments to Year 9 this week!!! (where appropriate, of course!)

Trinity and AB exams come this term. As usual, let me know where a student is not working hard enough. Get Sue to send an email, before it is too late. I will be putting together the timetables this week with Sue, and arranging rehearsals with Barbara.

I have re-published the music calendar above. Hopefully you can read it as a PDF now!

We have much to celebrate as a department, and when Ofsted do come, I want them to see us at our best. This involves us tightening up on the little things - prompt start to lessons, a sense of purpose, a sense of challenge, use of keywords. Most importantly, Ofsted must see how we inspire our musicians, day after day. Without us inspiring the musicians, we would have no department!

Have a great week

Mark