Music

In years 7-9 performing (including singing), composition and listening skills are developed through the study of a range of musical genres, including traditional African songs and drumming, western popular music and Indian classical music.  Students also develop their personal learning and thinking skills through studying music and, in particular, their ability to be effective members of a team. 

Students are strongly encouraged to take part in the extra-curricular opportunities that the department provides, most of which take place at lunchtime.  Currently these include a brass band, a jazz band, an orchestra, a year 7 choir, a senior choir, a woodwind group, a flute group, a dhol drumming group and a steel pan group.  Students are also welcome to use keyboards and other equipment at breaktimes, lunchtimes and after school to practise, learn in more informal ways and to rehearse with other students.  In addition, the school is open until 7pm on Thursday nights for bands to rehearse and develop their instrumental skills and musicals are regularly staged with the drama department.

Instrumental lessons, which are partly subsidised by the school, are available on most instruments, including the voice.  It is the expectation that all students learning an instrument in school take part in the relevant ensembles that are available.

In years 10 and 11 we offer GCSE Music, GCSE Expressive Arts (Film Studies and Music Technology) and a BTEC First Certificate in Music/Music Production.

In the sixth form we offer Music and Music Technology at A Level.

Our results at all key stages are very good and a number of students go on to further musical study at university and music college each year.

How you can help

Make sure that your child listens to as many different genres of music as possible through live performances, recordings, radio and television.  Encourage your child to attend some of the many clubs which take place in the music department.  Ensure that students that are taking instrumental and/or singing lessons practise regularly.