Music classes aim to broaden girls’ knowledge and enjoyment of music. Classes are designed to cater for all abilities and also recognise that music is not just an academic discipline but one that can provide a welcome contrast to the rigours of school life. All girls take music in Years 7-9. About 20 girls every year opt go on to study GCSE and 10 AS Level with most continuing on to A2.

Music is compulsory in Years 7-9 and each class receives 70 minutes per week in half-class groups. In Years 7-8 each lesson starts with class singing of music from folk and classical to pop and African traditional music. The emphasis in lessons is on practical project work in small groups which covers theoretic and general musical knowledge.
 
Year 7: Rhythm; Pentatonic Melody; Indonesian Gamelan; Holst
Year 8: Melody Writing; Ternary Form; Intervals; 12 Bar Blues
Year 9: Writing Pop Songs; Cubase Software; Avant Garde; Music for TV

All classes in Years 7-9 prepare for the Form Song Competition during the first half of the Summer Term.

The Edexcel Music Syllabus is followed at GCSE. We would recommend that girls are about Grade 4 standard on one instrument or voice at the start of the course.

There are three core elements: Performing; Composing and Listening. In Year 10 various compositional techniques and concepts are introduced that link into work done in listening lessons. One double lessons each week is devoted to composition and the other to listening although there can be considerable overlap in Year 10. It is expected that performing will be developed in individual lessons and through participation in concerts and ensembles at school.

In Year 11 coursework is undertaken in composition and performance and the listening syllabus is competed before January to allow time for exam preparation.

The Edexcel Music syllabus is followed at A Level. We would recommend that girls are about Grade 5 standard on one instrument or voice at the start of the course.

AS Level extends the performing, composing and listening approach studied at GCSE and girls are required to perform solos and as ensemble players. Set works are studied by analysis and listening in preparation for an exam. Original composition work and stylistic composition are submitted as coursework. There are four double lessons each week with each lesson focussing on a different part of the course (listening, free composition, stylistic composition and set works).

A2 Level extends the work of AS. Girls can opt to do more composition or a 20 minute recital. The structure of the course is similar to that at AS. It is expected that performing will be developed in individual lessons and through participation in concerts and ensembles at school.