Music
Core Subjects
Additional Subjects
Thank you for visiting The Winston Churchill School Music Department webpage. Music is a central and thriving part of our school, with our engaging curriculum enhanced by our extensive extracurricular provision. Please have a look at the different areas of the department below to find out what we offer, what we have coming up, and what we have been up to.
About Us
The Music Department is housed in three specialist music classrooms where students are able to engage in a range of musical activities. Each classroom is fully equipped with a class set of keyboards and hand percussion. The department also has:
• iMac suite
• Recording Studio
• a suite of practice rooms
• a class set of tuned percussion
• a class set of guitars
• a class set of African drums
• 2 class sets of ukuleles
• orchestral instruments - available for loan
Radio Woking & Studio Hire
In addition we also have our own radio station, Radio Woking. Find out more about Radio Woking and how to hire our recording studio.
Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding music at Winston please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Music Department team using the email addresses below:
Mr Chris Drake
Director of Music
c.drake@wcsc.org.uk
Mrs Claire Laurent
Teacher of Music
c.laurent@wcsc.org.uk
Mrs J Mellor
Teacher of Music
Assistant Headteacher
j.mellor@wcsc.org.uk
Miss Nikki Ashworth
Teacher of Music
n.ashworth@wcsc.org.uk
Miss Hayley Shlackman
Teacher of Music
h.shlackman@wcsc.org.uk
Mr Theo Bimson
Music Graduate Teacher
t.bimson@wcsc.org.uk
KS4 Curriculum Information and Results
At Winston we are going against the national trend as our Key Stage 4 numbers have grown considerably over the last 4 years whilst nationally they are falling.
There are two options for Music in KS4, GCSE Music and VCert Music Technology
GCSE Music
At Winston students entering Key Stage 4 are able to opt for GCSE Music. We study the Edexcel GCSE course in which students are required to compose, perform and analyse music. Students receive 5 hours-worth of lessons over our 2-week timetable and are able to access additional support during our GCSE/VCert Coursework Club.
GCSE music results at Winston are outstanding.
2019 results - 97% 9-4 (94% 9-5) and 35% 7-9
Useful links:-
RSL Award in Music Technology
At Winston students entering Key Stage 4 are able to opt for the RSL Award in Music Tech. Students are required to compose using music technology, record live music, and create video soundtracks as part of the course. Students receive 5 hours-worth of lessons over our 2-week timetable and are able to access additional support during our KS4 Coursework Club.
At Winston students in years 7-9 receive at least 2 hours-worth of music over our 2-week timetable. Students study a range of topics and different styles during Key Stage 3, which focus on introducing and building key skills in composing, performing and analysing music. Students are encouraged to work on different instruments during Key Stage 3 so that they experience a broad, varied and engaging curriculum.
Topics:
- Year 7 :-
- A Musical Introduction
- Ground Bass Music
- Performance Skills (Guitar project)
- Cartoon Music
- The Classical Orchestra
- Year 8:-
- 4 Chord Hits
- African Music
- Minimalism
- The Blues
- Rock n Roll
- The Planets
- Year 9:-
- Carmina Burana
- Reggae
- Film Music
- Computer Games
Year 7 Music Groups:
Students who have been learning an instrument before coming to Winston are placed in one of our specialist music groups in Year 7. This allows us to create a bespoke curriculum for these students, ensuring that their previous understanding and learning is built upon.
If you are currently living outside of the Winston catchment area but you play an instrument or sing to a high standard you can apply for one of our 15 music scholarships. Auditions for these will take place in early October. Students are required to perform one or two pieces of at least Grade 1 standard (the pieces do not have to be from a graded exam book), to complete a short aural test, and to give a short presentation about their musical experiences. Successful applicants will be informed of the decision to award a music scholarship before the secondary school application deadline.
To find out more please take a look at Music - Specialist Applications or contact Mrs Arthur w.arthur@wcsc.org.uk
Instumental Lessons
At Winston we are pleased to be able to offer a large range of peripatetic music lessons. The lessons are delivered by a combination of private instrumental teachers, Surrey Arts tutors and from September 2018 our Music Graduate, Miss Shlackman. The lessons are of an extremely high quality with our students consistently gaining excellent results in graded exams. Many of our instrumental teachers are also able to provide instrumental lessons for primary school students. These lessons take place in the Music Department after the end of the school day. Please contact the relevant teacher below who will be able to arrange lessons for you.
Piano: (1)
Mr Finch
stephen.d.finch@gmail.com
07557 047232
Voice and Piano:
Mr Dillon
ryanalexanderstudio@hotmail.com
07713944053
Strings:
Surrey Arts
surreyarts@surreycc.gov.uk
01483 519303
(Violin, viola, cello, double bass)
Guitar:
Mr Beale
danielopus68@gmail.com
07896 715415
Electric Guitar:
Charlie Tottman
www.learnguitarwithcharlie.com
charlieptottman@gmail.com
Woodwind:
Alison Husted
alison.husted@hotmail.com
07746 135200
Woowind:
Surrey Arts
surreyarts@surreycc.gov.uk
01483 519303
(Flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone)
Brass:
Surrey Arts
surreyarts@surreycc.gov.uk
01483 519303
(Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba)
Brass: (2)
Mr Andrew Thompson
andrew.conducting@gmail.com
07879 634002
Drum kit:
Mr Tough
info@garytough.co.uk
07985 602546
Voice:
Shannon Bedford
Email: info@shannonbedford.co.uk
Number: 07540148940
Website: www.shannonbedford.co.uk
Ensembles & Clubs
If you have any questions regarding music at Winston please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Music Department team using the email addresses below:
A Cappella
Big Band
Brass Ensemble
Carol Players (Autumn Term only)
Choir
Flute Choir
GCSE/VCert Coursework Club
Guitar Group
Handchime Club
Jazz4*
Junior Session Band*
Keyboard Group
Music Tech Club
Orchestra
Percussion Ensemble
Rock n Pop Club
Session Band*
Song Writing Club
String Ensemble
Symphonic Ensemble*
Upper School Chamber Choir
*Ensembles which are auditioned or by invitation
In addition we also run rehearsals in preparation for our whole school musical performances in the Spring:
Musical Pit Band
Musical Singing rehearsal
Concerts & Events
Throughout the year The Music Department put on a number of music concerts and events, from our large-scale Christmas and Summer Concerts to smaller events like our Spring Recital Evenings. We also join forces with the Drama Department to put on our whole school musical performance in the Spring Term.
Music Tour
The Music Department are very proud to be able to give students the opportunity to perform abroad each year on our annual Music Tour. Whilst away our students give three concerts. They also get to enjoy sightseeing opportunities
The music tour this year will be to Germany
Belgium 2019
Belgium 2019: Last academic year we headed to Belgium for our music tour. Students enjoyed trips to Bruges and Gent and gave three outstanding concerts, including one on the beachfront. Look out for details of our 2020 Music Tour which will be released in October.
