Music

The Music Department plays a central role in the life of the school, contributing in acts of worship, either in Collective Worship or at the regular celebration of Mass held each term. There are many performance opportunities including concerts and a showcase each term.‍

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Key Stage 3‍

At Key Stage 3, students have three one-hour lessons over a two week period. Students study a wide range of topics to prepare them for Key Stage 4 Music, including keyboard and guitar skills, the blues, Baroque music, film music and music in the media. Students are strongly encouraged to use their own instruments for any practical tasks. There is the opportunity for composition work at Key Stage 3 & 4 which is completed on the latest music in the Apple Mac suite.‍

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Key Stage 4‍

A BTEC First Award in Music is offered to develop a range of relevant practical and technical skills within the music industry. Students will study both the music industry and managing a music product, units that cover the fundamental knowledge, skills and understanding required for the music sector. Students will explore two sub-sectors of the music industry, by choosing a further two units, either introducing music composition and introducing music performance. The entire course is coursework-based apart from the core unit of ‘The Music industry’, which is a one hour written examination. ‍

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Exams ‍

Students work towards both the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music (ABRSM) theory and practical music examinations Grades, from 1 to 8, as well as Trinity rock school music exams.‍

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Enrichment Activities‍

Our school has a very strong tradition of high-quality, extra-curricular music. Our choirs and ensembles meet regularly and work towards regular concerts, services and other performance opportunities. We expect those students receiving instrument or vocal tuition to play an active role in the musical life of the school by joining a relevant ensemble. The Music Department currently runs the college choir, jazz band, orchestra and samba groups, plus other ensembles led by the students themselves.‍

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Instrumental & Vocal Tuition‍

Instrumental and vocal tuition is available to all students and Key Stage 4 music students are expected to play a leading role in the music enrichment of the school. We have a dedicated team of peripatetic instrumental and vocal staff. Tuition is provided on a range of instruments – Flute, saxophone, clarinet, strings, piano, guitar, drums and voice.