Music

Our Aim

The aim of the department is to ensure that all our students reach their full potential in music.

The Curriculum

Music is taught to all students in years 7-9. GCSE (AQA Specifications) and A Level (OCR Specifications) are also offered as part of the curriculum. The work is project based with all activities relating to the National Curriculum areas of performing, composing and listening and appraising.

Careers in Music - Music can lead to a degree at University or Music College. Many graduates become teachers, arts administrators, music publishers, performers, music therapists, instrument repairers, music journalists, radio or television producers, army musicians and sound engineers.

All girls follow the National Curriculum.

Years 7 & 8 - 2 x 35-min periods per week
Year 9 - 1 x 35-min period per week
Years 10 & 11 - 4 x 35-min periods per week
Year 12 & 13 - 6 x 35-min periods per week

Twilight Music - this is a 'fast-tracking' scheme whereby girls may take Music GCSE, one, or even two years early, outside normal teaching hours. It runs before or after school hours in consultation with the girls and their parents.

Ensembles

  • School Orchestra
  • Senior Recorder Consort
  • Junior Recorder Consort
  • Swing Band
  • Clarinet & Sax Ensemble
  • Flute Choir
  • Year 7 Choir
  • Year 8 Choir
  • Senior Choir (years 9-13)
  • Rock Band
  • Staff/Parent Choir for Carol Service
  • Guitar Group
  • Year 8 Guitar Club
  • Year 7 Brass Group

 

Private Music Lessons

As an extension to classroom work the students have the opportunity to learn additional instruments. Lessons with visiting teachers take place during the school day. At present nearly 200 students are learning instruments through the school scheme.

All private music lessons are 35 minutes long, and run simultaneously with the academic curriculum. The fees are for 9 lessons per term, ie 315 minutes of tuition time per term, or 27 spread over the academic year. Girls come out of academic lessons on a 5-week rotation and will be expected to catch up on all academic work missed. Staff give 11 or 12 lessons in the Christmas term, 9 or 10 in the Spring term and 5, 6 or 7 in the shorter Summer term allowing for school and public examinations.

Tuition rates are set according to recommendations by the ISM, MU and MMA. All missed lessons will be charged for unless 1 week's notice is given to the teacher concerned.

Pupils will be expected to practice in between lessons according to the notes written in their Marist Music Practice Diaries. These are free in September, but if lost, MUST be replaced.

Pupils will be entered for Associated Board, Guildhall or Trinity College Examinations at their teachers' discretion.