Students follow a broad and balanced curriculum in Music. Throughout Key Stage 3 they develop their skills in listening and appraising various musical traditions, including jazz and blues, film music, popular song, African drumming and numerous composers. They have the opportunity to perform their own cover versions in groups, using an array of instruments including keyboards, guitars, voices and percussion. In addition, music ICT is widely used in the department and the students enjoy the use of GarageBand software when composing their own theme tunes, ringtones, songs and jingles.

At Key Stage 4, students are following the BTEC Technical Award in Music Practice.  This is a practical introduction to life and work in the industry, students can explore the sector while:

• Developing skills, including teamwork, leadership and communication
• Developing and presenting music to a brief
• Analysing, evaluating and enhancing their learning

The course has two internally assessed components, and one that's externally assessed.

Students are actively performing and engaging with a variety of musical genres from the Baroque era to the present day.

All students are able to join one of our music clubs, The Astley Cooper Choir, KS3 and KS4 bands (rock and orchestra) and students have the opportunity to learn and develop new skills on the following instruments:

Voice, Drums, Guitar, Piano, Woodwind (Flute, Clarinet and Saxophone) Brass (Trumpet, Horn, Tuba) or Strings (Violin and Cello).

Music Teacher, Mr A O'Grady