Music

Year 7-9

From year 7-9 the curriculum is divided into performing, listening and composing. Girls sing and perform compositions, solo and group work, and music from other countries. Students study and deliver group presentations on the core elements of music, on music from other countries, traditions and time periods and investigate the role of music in its wider social and cultural context. Girls are very active composers. They compose using traditional percussion instruments, African drums and keyboards. All students are introduced to music software using the Cubase and Sibelius programmes. Students compose conventional pieces which help them to learn about rhythm, melody, harmony and structure. They also experiment with modes and scales from other countries, alongside different types of composition and sound. This allows them to write dance/popular and film music, forming a useful background to GCSE work.

Year 10-11

We currently follow the Cambridge iGCSE course. Girls are encouraged to take part in a wide variety of music both in and out of school. Those who are particularly gifted and talented performers are recommended to audition for Saturday music colleges. The GCSE course is divided into three components: performing, listening and composing.

Performing (30%): One solo and one ensemble. These can be recorded at any time during their GCSE years. Class concerts are held regularly where they are assessed. Listening (40%): ​Music from a wide variety of time periods and traditions is explored during the course. Girls develop analytical and aural skills and learn about the historical, social and cultural backgrounds to each ​style covered. ​Assessment takes the form of a listening exam at the end of the course. Composing ​(30%): Two contrasting compositions are required. These must be completed within the lessons under controlled assessment conditions. They may be completed at any time during the course.

Sixth form

A level music fosters a real love and understanding of music through the study of music from a wide historical span, writing compositions, developing aural awareness and building upon performing skills. Students will develop analytical skills that will help them understand not only the music they perform but also draw connections between repertoire from the past and present day. This is a good starting point for further study at all universities and colleges and a good grounding for a career in performing. The music department offers a comprehensive programme of extracurricular and enrichment opportunities for sixth form musicians including chamber music, advanced theory, concert trips and many performance opportunities.