Music

Fourth Form (Years 7 and 8)

Studies at Fourth Form level are designed to develop listening, analysis, theory, composition and performance. We place a special emphasis on the use of music technology as an aid to learning.


Lower Four pupils develop their understanding of the basic principles of music theory through a number of integrated projects, including World Music, Music for Advertis­ing and the History of the Orchestra.


Pupils in the Upper Fourth build on this knowledge by considering and performing a wide range of musical styles including Blues, Samba and Music for Film. We encourage pupils to participate in group music- making, with a strong focus on performing in small groups and with the whole class.

Fifth Form (Years 9, 10 and 11)

Lower Five works as a preparatory year for the GCSE course. Pupils are introduced to the Sibelius computer notation programme and learn some of the funda­mentals of composition such as melody, rhythm and structure, in preparation for their coursework in subsequent years. Meanwhile, they build on their knowledge of theo­ry gained in Fourth Form.


For Middle and Upper Five, the Edexcel GCSE Music course is divided into three topics: Performing (30%) Composing (30%) and Listening (40%). The course requires pupils to study an eclectic mix of music ranging from Bach to John Williams, Purcell to Stephen Schwartz, through the use of eight set works (all printed in a dedicated anthology).

In the same way, diversity is encouraged in Performing and Composing.


Pupils from all musical back­grounds and disciplines can develop their skills throughout this exciting course. Those with, by start of Lower Five, a practical level equivalent to Grade 2-3 or above are well-equipped for the Performing element.

Sixth Form

Music at A level follows the AQA specification. Pupils examine key works from a wide repertoire and learn to notate, describe and analyse the music they see and listen to.

The core repertoire consists of music from the 16th -19th centuries and includes that of Purcell, Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart, Chopin and Grieg. Two further modules explore the development of 20th century music, including Pop and Jazz.


Pupils develop their understanding of harmony and composition techniques by looking at styles including chorale harmony and free composition. They also perform and record pieces for assessment.



At A2, pupils record one solo performance of 10-15 minutes, with the minimum expected standard of Grade 7-8.


A Level Summary Information
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