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 follow GCSE Music (Eduqas Boards).  Music is a highly popular choice at GCSE, offering students the opportunity to further develop their performing, composing, and appraising skills.

Throughout the course, students engage in a variety of solo and ensemble performances, with the freedom to choose their own repertoire. This allows them to adopt a more analytical approach to refining their performance skills.

A key aspect of the GCSE Music journey is discovering and nurturing each student’s unique compositional voice. Students refine their techniques while drawing inspiration from the syllabus’ Areas of Study as well as their own musical experiences and interests. They also have access to a variety of notation and sequencing software to support their creative work.

In the Appraising component of the course, students deepen their aural and theoretical understanding of music. They develop the vocabulary and analytical skills needed to describe and explain how music works across different contexts.

The curriculum is structured around four Areas of Study, which cover an exciting range of styles and genres, including western classical traditions, musical theatre, film music, Bhangra, and popular music.

GCSE Music students are encouraged to actively participate in the school’s vibrant co-curricular musical activities. These experiences enhance their understanding and enjoyment of music, enriching all areas of their curriculum work

Music Teacher, Mr A O'Grady