The Music department is a thriving place and more than a place of learning. It is a place of belonging where pupils thrive musically, academically and socially.
A range of opportunities
Our small class sizes enable us to offer excellent instrumental tuition in class. From Year 3 upwards we enable pupils the opportunity to learn key skills in the recorder, djembe drums, ukulele, guitar, keyboard and music technology using our iMac suite. Music is very important at Rookwood school and we encourage pupils to have one-to-one lessons on an instrument/voice with our visiting peripatetic staff. Pupils learning instruments thrive in our varied ensembles including; orchestra, soul band, show band, choir, jazz band and rock bands.
All pupils experience Music through the core integrated skills of Performing, Composing, Listening and Appraising. From KS2 to GCSE level pupils explore the musical styles of Ballads, Jazz, Pentatonic scales, Rock and Roll, Samba, film music, form and structure, Looping and remixing and classical styles to name but a few. At KS2-3 pupils have one Music lesson per week and at GCSE level they have three.
Intrinsic benefits
The power and rewards pupils gain from Music making is lifelong. Pupils benefit from reduced stress and are able to develop creativity, build confidence as well as increasing comprehension and maths skills, improving coordination, and having a greater capacity for memory. Additionally, music training develops the same muscles that will assist pupils in cooperation, time-management, organization, concentration and listening skills. Rookwood Music aims to develop the skills that employers look for whilst providing an inspiring approach to music education full of enrichment activities such as regular concerts, shows and Music trips.