The Music Department has two specialist teachers plus 6 visiting instrumental and vocal teachers. We are housed in our own building with two music classrooms. We also have three rooms available for private music tutorials and practice.

Key Stage 3

In Years 7 - 9 all students receive 1 lesson per week of Music. Students use a range of classroom instruments and electronic keyboards and have the opportunity to take part in ICT based music technology projects. The aim of the lower school course is to encourage self expression, improve self confidence and cultivate an enjoyment of music whilst gaining a sense of success from working to achieve the highest possible standard.

GCSE

In Years 10 - 11 we offer the Edexcel 2 year GCSE music course as an option. The syllabus is based around the four study areas:

* Classical Music 1600-1899
* 20th Century Music
* Popular Song
* Music from Around the World

The assessment for GCSE consists of both coursework and examination as follows:

 

PERFORMING

Solo Performance - coursework assessment (15%)

Ensemble Performance - coursework assessment (15%)

or

Performing using music technology, sequencers or microphones (30%)

 

COMPOSITION

Composition 1 (chosen from a study areas) - coursework assessment (15%)

Composition 2 (chosen from a different study areas) - coursework assessment (15%)

 

LISTENING & APPRAISING

Listening paper 1.5 hours - (questions on all four areas of study) - examination (40%)

Extra Curricular

Extra curricular Music is an important part of the Department's work, especially to support and enhance the efforts of those learning an instrument. We encourage students to extend their musical education by joining the choirs, windband, orchestra, jazz band and various other instrumental groups that take place during lunchtimes including rock groups. There are opportunities throughout the year to perform both within and outside of school.

 

Nearly 120 students currently receive instrumental and vocal lessons at the school, with our specialist visiting teachers. Opportunities exist for saxophone, all woodwind, all brass and all string instruments, Electric, Bass and Acoustic guitar and singing.