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Aims and Achievements
The music department seeks to provide all KS3 pupils with access to a wide range of musical opportunities. The curriculum offers listening and appraising, performance, composition, history of music, theory and notation, and recording work. Students have access to a wide range of instruments and ensembles, and the department is introducing a range of music software to support classroom lessons.
At KS4 students prepare two pieces of composition for coursework. A short performance is recorded and marked internally and in the Summer term, students sit a written examination in listening and appraising, for which they prepare by studying five different musical styles.
There are no entry criteria at present for A Level courses, but students are recommended to know the principles of Grade 5 Theory, and to have a playing level of around Grade 6. The course requirements are a more extended recital, a portfolio of compositions and a written paper based on six set works which students will work on in depth. The A2 course extends these elements to broader listening papers and essays, with a much larger area of historical study, and a recital accompanied by a substantial Performance Assessment Investigation.
All students are encouraged to take advantage of the ensembles run by the department. These include orchestra, swing band, brass group, string quartet, samba group, choir, classical guitar group, wind band and several groups set up and run by the students themselves.
Peripatetic lessons are available on a wide range of instruments including organ and harpsichord and can be arranged by contacting the Director of Music.