Music

Department Contacts

Purpose of Study

The Wisbech Academy is proud to have music as a key feature of our curriculum. Our program centres around performance, composition, and musicology, fostering a love for music and a deep appreciation for a wide range of cultures, musical genres, and styles. Music education at our school enhances cognitive development, improving memory, attention, and problem-solving skills, which are transferable to other subjects and boost overall academic performance.

What makes Music at TWA Special?

Our intention at The Wisbech Academy is to integrate music into our curriculum in a way that enriches students’ educational experiences and supports their overall development. Our approach encourages students to explore their musical talents, develop teamwork and communication skills, and express themselves freely and with confidence. By fostering creativity, innovation, and cultural awareness, we prepare our students for a successful and fulfilling future, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to excel in various academic and life pursuits.

We are proud to be a singing school, where we sing for joy and to create a sense of community. Our school choir has already performed at a local care home and led a Christmas Carol Celebration Evening. We are excited to build this provision further over the coming years, enhancing our students' musical experiences and community involvement.

Additionally, we offer Year 7 students the opportunity to learn to play an instrument through free peripatetic lessons. For 12 weeks, students receive small group instruction provided by The Wisbech Academy in partnership with Cambridgeshire Music. These lessons not only enhance students’ musical skills but also boost their confidence and self-esteem as they master new instruments. The discipline required for regular practice fosters perseverance and resilience, while the collaborative nature of group lessons promotes teamwork and communication skills. Learning an instrument can also improve cognitive abilities, such as memory and attention, which are beneficial across all areas of study.

Aims of the curriculum

• Instil Confidence: We create a supportive environment where students feel empowered to take risks and express themselves through music, building self-assurance and presence.
• Develop Contextual Awareness and Cultural Capital: By exploring diverse musical genres and cultural contexts, students gain a deeper understanding of the world and enrich their educational experience.
• Perform and Compose with Musicality: We emphasise both technical skill and expressive performance, ensuring students’ work is engaging and impactful.
• Instil Creativity and Curiosity: We encourage students to ask questions, experiment with new ideas, and seek out diverse musical experiences, fostering a lifelong love of learning and creativity.
• Demonstrate Resilience and Autonomy: We promote independent practice and self-directed learning, helping students become resilient and autonomous musicians.

Year 7 Music Curriculum:

Students will experience a comprehensive, spiral curriculum centred around three core strands of the Music GCSE: listening/musicology, composition, and performance. Lessons predominantly focus on practical and collaborative exploration of topics. However, each half-term, dedicated time is set aside to enhance students’ ability to write detailed and eloquent reflections on their musical experiences.