The music team consists of three teachers and a team support assistant. In addition to these staff, we have 11 visiting peripatetic instrumental teachers providing instrumental lessons on woodwind, brass, strings, guitars, drums, voice and keyboards.  

Music accommodation consists of two teaching rooms, a large rehearsal space, eight small practice/instrumental teaching rooms and a recording studio.  

The department is well resourced with 16 Apple Mac computers and music keyboards in each classroom, running software such as Garageband, Logic Por 9 and Sibelius Ultimate. These are used throughout the school for composing and performing tasks. In addition, we have a wide range of instruments used for class lessons and individual instrument work.

All students receive music lessons at KS3. They are taught in their form groups of 30-32 students and will receive three 60-minute lessons per fortnight in years 7 and two 60-minute lessons per fortnight in year 8. In year 9 students can opt to take Music as one of their GCSE subjects. The KS3 course follows a balanced study of a range of musical styles and eras including western classical music, pop music of all styles from 1960 onwards and world music such as Latin American, African drumming and Indonesian gamelan music.  

This is a helpful website for you to use: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z9xhfg8  

For more information contact Miss S Lane. 

In year 9, students who have opted to take music develop the skills to they need to work towards starting their GCSE course in Year 10. We currently follow the EDUQAS (WJEC) GCSE exam syllabus. Group sizes vary but are usually around 15-24. Students receive five 60-minute lessons per fortnight in Year 9, 10 and 11. They follow a course consisting of listening to, understanding and composing music. Performing aspects of the course are generally covered by the peripatetic instrumental teachers, and students are encouraged to take part in some of the many extra-curricular performing opportunities available to them.  

This is a helpful website contain information on some of the topics covered in the subject at GCSE level:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/music/  

GCSE Music | Eduqas  

We currently deliver the EDUQAS A level music course in the 6th form.  A level students currently receive 9 60 minute lessons fortnightly and are encouraged to participate fully in the musical life of the school.  The course is divided into 3 components; performing, composing and appraising, and students have the opportunity to specialise in either performing or composing. Students are expected to use the department facilities for independent practise and they can also book the studio for composition.  

Useful web sites: teoria : Music Theory Web , musictheory.net , AS and A Level Music | Eduqas  

There are opportunities for students to become Music Mentors; leading activities, ensembles and supporting less experienced musicians.  

We have a team of 11 instrument teachers who teach 1:1 lessons on all woodwind, brass, percussion and string instruments. They support our students for their GCSE and A level performance coursework.  

The music department runs a wide range of extra-curricular ensembles including orchestra, jazz band, string ensembles, wind ensembles and choir. There are opportunities for students to organise their own pop and rock bands, string quartets, etc. Our main annual performances include a Christmas carol concert held at a local church, Autumn, Spring and Summer gala concert, 6th form recital and composition concert. As well as these we also hold solos concerts and recitals, we participate in local and national festivals and visit nearby schools with our smaller ensembles to provide some musical entertainment. We offer students the chance to attend a residential music week in the Peak District. Our annual school musical productions are always very popular and have included My Fair Lady, Fiddler on the Roof, Oliver, Wizard of Oz, High School Musical, Grease, Bugsy Malone, Beauty and the Beast, Annie among others. We also organise many trips to see concerts, musicals and to attend workshops to enrich the cultural experience of our students. 

We have secured free access for a year to the Creative Pathways website through funding from MK Music Hub. 

Creative Pathways contains information on a wide range of jobs and careers in music, industry professionals explain their jobs and provide valuable advice, accessible 'key terms’ to understand the music industry jargon along with university and course links. If you would like the user name and password please see the Music team.