Music

We also teach personal and social skills: for example, collaboration, time management and listening, to  provide skills students can use beyond their musical studies. The final year of Key Stage 3 expands students’ knowledge through the introduction of more complex chords and consolidates previous learning through songwriting and film. Students work to a brief, whilst also developing improvisation skills in performance and learning about industry-spec software in composition.

At Key Stage 4, students build on prior knowledge to study prescribed set works. This  develops a more critical understanding of music through set works and wider listening, whilst strengthening  the development of performance and composition skills.

At Key Stage 5, students explore music from different styles and cultures. Through this they develop analytical and appraising skills to support evaluative and critical judgements about music.  They develop independence and the love of music through wider listening around the set musical repertoire. Students’ performance and composition skills are developed through technical and expressive control with an understanding of style and context.

Students have opportunities to explore the wider curriculum through extra-curricular trips and visits to develop wider listening.  In addition to the A level course, we offer music theory to support the holistic understanding of the curriculum and the personal development of the student.

Students are offered opportunities to participate in groups and ensembles, with many students moving from junior and smaller ensembles to the more senior ensembles to stretch and challenge musicians of all standards. The depth and range of musical opportunities - from classical to contemporary - provide our students with an exciting, enriching curriculum.