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 ukuleles
• a class set of African drums
• orchestral instruments
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.
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 J Mellor
Teacher of Music
Assistant Headteacher
j.mellor@wcsc.org.uk
Mrs Claire Laurent
Teacher of Music
c.laurent@wcsc.org.uk
Miss Nikki Ashworth
Teacher of Music
n.ashworth@wcsc.org.uk
Currently on Maternity Leave
Mrs Hayley Shlackman
Music Graduate Teacher
h.shlackman@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.
Useful links:-
VCert Music Technology
At Winston students entering Key Stage 4 are able to opt for the NCFE Vcert Technical Award in Music Technology. 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 GCSE/VCert Coursework Club.
VCert Music Technology results at Winston are very good compared to those nationally.
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:
- The Dimensions of Music
- Soundscaping
- Class Orchestra (Notation)
- Cartoon Music
- African Music
- 4 Chord Hits
- The Blues
- Reggae
- Film Music
- Song Writing
- My Performance
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:ing is built upon.
Piano: (1)
Mr Finch
stephen.d.finch@gmail.com
07557 047232
Piano: (2)
Miss Shlackman
h.shlackman@wcsc.org.uk
01483 476861
Flute:
Miss Shlackman
h.shlackman@wcsc.org.uk
01483 476861
Guitar:
Mr Beale
daniel@bealeguitar.freeserve.co.uk
07896 715415
Electric Guitar
Charlie Tottman
www.learnguitarwithcharlie.com
charlieptottman@gmail.com
Strings:
Surrey Arts
surreyarts@surreycc.gov.uk
01483 519303
(Violin, viola, cello, double bass)
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)
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
Acoustic Group
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.
Calendar 2018-19
17.12.19 - Carol Service (St John's Church)
19.12.18 - Christmas Concert (Hall)
27.01.19 - All day Grease rehearsal (Hall)
05.02.19 - 09.02.19 - Grease (Rhoda McGaw Theatre)
27.02.19 - Band of the Royal Logistic Corp Day (Music Dept, Hall)
19.03.19 - Key Stage 3 Recital Evening (Hall)
02.04.19 - Key Stage 4 Recital Evening (Hall)
15.06.19 - St John's Fete (St John's Lye)
01.07.19 - 05.07.19 - Belgium Music Tour
16.07.19 - Young Musician of the Year
18.07.19 - Summer Concert
04.12.19 - Crematorium Carol Service
Events in 2017-18
Summer Concert 2018
Summer Fetes 2018
Band of the RLC Visit 2018
KS4 Recital Evening 2018
Young Musician of the Year 2018
Events in 2016-17
Summer Concert 2017
Summer Fetes 2017
KS3 Recital Evening 2017
Christmas Carol Service 2016
Events in 2015-16
Summer Concert 2016
Past Events
Click on the past events below to see photos from them. You can also click on the link to our youtube channel to see videos from our concerts. Visit our dedicated Tour section by clicking here to see photos from our past music tours.
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
Belgium 2019
This year we are heading to Belgium for our music tour. Students will enjoy trips to Bruges and Gent and will give three concerts, including one on the beach. This trip is now fully sold out with all places having been taken in less than an hour and a half!
Click on the past tours below to see photos from them. You can also click on the link to our youtube channel to see videos from our concerts.
Costa Brava (Spain) 2018
Holland 2017
Rhineland (Germany) 2016
