All senior and junior students attend a weekly hymn practice, and sing hymns at full assemblies each week. All pupils attend the annual carol service and most will attend the prize giving in October. At both events music plays a very important role and students are encouraged to perform either as part of the existing school ensembles, or as solo performers etc. Students are also encouraged to participate in the school's bi-annual production either as actors, singers or as musicians in the orchestra.

A regular programme of tea time concerts is arranged so that students have the opportunity to perform to parents and friends. There are also regular demonstrations of instrumental playing in assemblies.

Wherever possible, attending concerts and visiting musicians are encouraged as well as relevant musical trips. Year 9 recently attended a tour of symphony hall and were allowed to stand on the stage and play the organ.

Structure

KS3 (Years 7-9)
During key stage three students will study all periods of composition and will be expected to learn traditional and graphic notation. These year groups are timetabled for two periods a week. By the end of key stage three it is the intention that all students will be able to read music, know the notes on a keyboard and will have written a pop song regardless of their previous ability or experience. They will also be able to appreciate music from all cultures. This will enable every student to go on a study for GCSE if they so wish.

Differentiation in lessons is achieved by extension work for those who already have musical experience, eg when learning keyboard pieces, higher standard pieces are available for those who can already read music competently.

KS4 (Years 10 & 11)

During year 10 and 11, the Edexcel GCSE course is followed. Students will find that the GCSE course is an extension of the work done in key stage three. From September 2009 the new edexcel GCSE course will be followed.

The year 10 and 11 GCSE groups are allocated four periods a week and are taught as part of the option system.

It is recommended that students taking the GCSE course have lessons on a musical instrument as well as learning keyboard in class during key stage three, but this is not essential.  This will, however, give them a distinct advantage in the performing part of the course and also supports the music theory part of the listening and composing elements of GCSE. Parents are informed of this at the time of choosing options.

The courses are structured containing the following elements:

Listening
Students' listening skills are developed by regular listening to pre-recorded and live music. They are taught how to listen actively and are made aware of the composers intentions. They are also taught about the composer's use of musical devices, the elements of music themselves as well as different tonalities, structures and influences.

Composing
Pupils are encouraged to explore their own musical ideas though the use of improvisation and are taught how to apply their knowledge of musical structures in response to stimuli. They are able to use classroom percussion, keyboards, voice or orchestral instruments. They are encouraged to use appropriate notation to record their pieces.

Performing
Pupils develop their own skills and confidence in performing, by playing their own compositions. They are encouraged to express themselves through the music using sufficient technique to convey their message using control and sensitivity. Students mainly work in groups, enabling them to enhance their awareness of performing alongside players, however there is scope for individual performance. Any student having instrumental or vocal lessons is encouraged to bring this experience into their group's work wherever possible.

Appraising
Pupils are taught how to analyse and evaluate their own music and that of others in their group and class. The marking system is geared towards positive feedback and suggestions for improvement, as are any comments made. The whole class is involved in the decision making process each group's marks. This normally involves a healthy but measured discussion at the end of assessment lesson.

Teaching staff: