Music

Music

At KS3 all students are given the opportunity to work in a variety of styles and genres.  The students undertake performance, listening, composition, and recording work as part of the curriculum.  In this work the students have access to both traditional instruments as well as using a range of music technology.  Each year-group will give their own performing arts evening in the course of the year whcih provides and informal platform for the students todisplay their talents and achievements.

For GCSE the students follow the Edexcel course which is made up of Performing 30% Composing 30% and Analysis and listening 40%.  Both composing and performing are coursework papers and this work is completed and assessed in school.  The listening paper is taken in the June of year 11 and is externally marked.  A performance level of around grade 4 is the expectation for this course.  All music scholars take GCSE music.

For AS and A level there are two pathways which can be followed which are Music or Music technology (both Edexcel).  It is possible to take either option without taking GCSE music but these candidates must be able to demonstrate that they have a high level of performance skills as well as a good theoretical knowledge.

The music course gives natural progression from GCSE with the same areas covered but with greater depth as well as the addition of unseen analysis and technical studies.  For performance students are able to show a wider range of skills and repertoire in a short recital than they were at GCSE.  The Technology course includes practical recording in the studio, sequencing and arranging skills.  The listening paper allows students to demonstrate their understanding of all aspects of recording/sequencing and applied effects.

There is an excellent whole choir that sings at all major school events, concerts, and church services throughout the school year.  The school orchestra, like the choir, provides music at school events and concerts.  Both the choir and the orchestra receive invitations to support large-scale events in and around Plymouth.  In addition to these groups the school has various small ensembles that are run by the visiting specialist instrumental teachers.

As well as the formal/organized music making there are innumerable student-led bands that help to ensure that the music department is a vibrant environment.  Tuition is provided on all orchestral instuments, including percussion.  In addition, voice, piano, organ and all types of guitar lessons are also available.

There are annual music scholarships and instrumental exhibitions, these are available for all year-groups.

The music and drama departments work together on large-scale productions, last year the students gave an acclaimend run of Return to the Forbidden Planet.  This coming year the major production will be Blood Brothers.