“Music is a unique form of communication that can change the way pupils feel, think and act. Music forms part of an individual’s identity and positive interaction with music can develop pupils’ competence as learners and increase their self-esteem”. Evelyn Glennie

Our Music department brings together curriculum music, extra curricular, peripatetic and performance opportunities to provide a coherent learning journey for our young musicians and for them to become part of a musical community.

Music at Heart of England encourages active involvement in different forms of music-making, both individual and communal, helping to develop a sense of group identity and mutual co-operation. Our state of the art facilities hosting 15 iMacs and a suite of practice rooms which host a range of instruments provide the perfect environment for all types of musicians.

Musical learning develops pupils’ critical skills: their ability to listen, to appreciate a wide variety of music, develop their cultural understanding and to make judgments about musical quality. It also increases self-discipline, creativity, aesthetic sensitivity and fulfilment

Key Stage

Pupils develop skills through making music develop knowledge of musical features and a cultural appreciation of a vast range of musical genres from Baroque to Bhangra. All pupils are considered as musicians in class, where individual strengths are nurtured and areas for improvements supported by enthusiastic staff. We allow our pupils to experience a vast range of music through performing, composing and listening. They experience music through classical, world and pop music using our broad range of resources such as keyboards, ukuleles, samba drums and iMacs.

Key Stage

GCSE Music (OCR) allows our musicians to develop the depth and breadth of the skills and knowledge they gained in KS3. A fantastic course for composers and performers alike.

• Unit 1: Practical Portfolio
• 15% Solo performance
• 10% Composition
• 5% Log
• Unit 2 Integrated tasks
• 15% Group performance
• 5% Log and evaluation
• Unit 3 Creative task
• 20% This is a 45min composition exam
• Unit 4: Listening Exam
• 20% Shared Music, Descriptive Music and Dance Music.

Key Stage

Music Technology (Edexcel) is offered at AS and A2. This is taught in the Media Suite.
specification link

Entry Requirements

At GCSE level no previous training is required, however learning an instrument is an advantage.

Key Stage 5 courses do require GCSE Music or equivalent in terms of instrumental exams.

Activities and Trips

The Music Department currently offers the following ensembles:

• Orchestra: Monday Lunchtime
• Choir: Friday lunchtime
• Chamber Choir (Auditioned): – Wednesday 3.30-4.30pm
• Score: – Friday during registration
• Drum Club: – Thursday lunchtime

These are open to all staff and students.

Every Tuesday and Thursday after school, a GCSE Support session is run.

Previous trips and events include:

• The Cavern Club in Liverpool
• O2 Academy in Birmingham