Music is often described as the ‘universal language’. It is a powerful and distinctive means of communication and should be used as a vehicle to inspire and motivate. Music plays a vital role in personal and academic development. As both a highly academic and creative subject, it provides students with opportunities to express, represent, and communicate their ideas, emotions, and perceptions.
The music curriculum offers a clear pathway for progression and enables students to develop across three interrelated pillars of musicianship: technical, constructive, and expressive. These pillars support students in becoming confident, skilled, and reflective musicians. To help students achieve their full potential, we equip them with the following skills:
Technical: Students are given opportunities to learn new instruments, further develop existing instrumental and vocal skills, and engage in ensemble performance. In Years 8 and 9, students also use music technology to strengthen and extend their technical understanding.
Constructive: Students are encouraged to develop an appreciation of music from a wide range of historical periods and cultures. They learn how to listen critically and analyse musical works, enabling them to express themselves more effectively through music. This process helps to build confidence, resilience, and self-esteem through musical achievement.
Expressive: All students are given opportunities to contribute to the school and wider community through extra-curricular music activities. They are supported in developing musical skills that promote lifelong engagement and enjoyment of the subject.
These three pillars are developed through the core musical disciplines of Performing, Composing, Listening, and Appraising.
The Key Stage 3 scheme of work is carefully designed to support the acquisition of procedural knowledge. Each unit introduces manageable amounts of new information, while regularly revisiting and building upon prior learning with the Musical Elements running through the core of all teaching. This structured approach enables students to consolidate their skills, deepen understanding, and develop confidence through sustained practice.
The department is staffed by three specialist classroom music teachers, each bringing a high level of expertise and passion for the subject. At GCSE and A Level, set works are allocated in line with staff specialisms to ensure high-quality, subject-specific teaching and further enriched through guidance from professional composers. In addition, students benefit from a wide range of opportunities to participate in workshops and to attend live performances at both local and national venues, enhancing their musical understanding and cultural awareness.
In recognition of its excellence, the Music Department was proud to see Music Six students reach the finals of the Educate Awards last year, reflecting the high standards and commitment of both staff and pupils.
Through performance, study, and enrichment opportunities, the Music Department continues to inspire creativity, excellence, and a lifelong appreciation of music.
Music at KS3
During Key Stage 3, students follow a balanced and engaging programme of study designed to support success in music, regardless of their starting level. Pupils are introduced to a wide range of musical styles, genres, and practical experiences, helping them to develop both confidence and creativity.
Students learn to play a variety of instruments in curriculum lessons, including keyboard, djembe drums, percussion, and boomwhackers. As they progress through Key Stage 3, they are also introduced to the use of Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), developing valuable skills in music technology.
Listening activities form an important part of the curriculum, with students studying a range of works recommended in the Model Music Curriculum alongside carefully selected additional repertoire. Pupils are encouraged to analyse, evaluate, and respond thoughtfully to different musical traditions and styles.
Composition is central to learning, with students creating their own music using traditional notation, graphic notation, and music technology. All students complete the Trinity College of Music Theory Grade 1 and Grade 2 syllabus, strengthening their understanding of musical language and structure.
A broad and varied range of musical material enables pupils to build on their individual interests, abilities, and musical tastes, while also encouraging them to explore new and unfamiliar styles.
At Key Stage 3, students receive one 50-minute music lesson per week, providing consistent opportunities for practical, creative, and theoretical development.
KS4 Specification - Edexcel
An interest in music across all genres, together with a willingness to explore the relationship between the music we hear and the way it is written, provides a strong foundation for studying Music at GCSE and A Level. Students should enjoy making music and be confident in singing or playing at least one instrument. Those who are curious, analytical, and willing to research and evaluate musical works will be particularly well suited to the academic demands of the course.
At Key Stage 4, students follow the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Music specification, a broad and engaging course designed to accommodate a wide range of musical tastes and abilities. The course develops the three core disciplines of music: performing, composing, and listening and appraising.
Students study four Areas of Study:
- Instrumental Music (1700–1820)
- Vocal Music
- Music for Stage and Screen
- Fusions
Students will produce 2 compositions one set by the exam board (brief) and one entirely of the student’s choice (free). Students will also perform on their instrument or sing. It is advisable that students are receiving peripatetic music lessons either in school or outside of school to support the performance side of the course. In addition to the traditional GCSE Music pathway, options may also be offered to support students who wish to pursue a stronger focus on Music Technology. This flexibility allows pupils to tailor their learning to their interests while developing practical skills, creative confidence, and critical listening abilities.
Extra Curricular Music
The Music Department is a vibrant part of school life. It continues to flourish, with over 100 students taking weekly peripatetic music lessons, nearly 80 participating in the school orchestra and band, and over 50 involved in the choir and chamber choir.
The department is inclusive and offers opportunities for all students to take part. Pupils are encouraged to engage in a wide range of extra-curricular activities, with participation always remaining a personal choice. This year we had nearly 200 students involved with the school Christmas Concert which ran over two nights, and 150 students involved in our traditional Carols by Candlelight, held in St Andrews Church.
Each year, the department presents several concerts featuring all extra-curricular groups. They showcase large and small ensemble performances, as well as opportunities for solo and duets. The Music Department also works closely with the Drama and Art Departments to produce a professional-standard annual musical, with students forming the live band for each production.
For many students, the House Music Festival is the highlight of the year. Bringing together pupils from Years 7 to 13, this event inspires enthusiasm and creativity months in advance with the six houses competing for overall victory. Performances are judged by professionals from the music industry, and the day concludes with an exciting evening concert featuring winning entries and festival highlights.
The festival is led by House Prefects, who organise and coordinate performances across a wide range of styles, including Contemporary, Pop, Musical Theatre, Jazz, and Classical music. Performances feature instrumental and vocal soloists, duets, choirs, orchestras, small ensembles, and bands, creating a rich and diverse musical programme.
The Music Department also offers valuable touring opportunities. Most recently, the joint orchestra and choir visited Ypres in Belgium, further international tours are planned for 2026. There is a strong culture of musical engagement within the school, and students benefit from numerous opportunities to perform both as soloists and in ensembles. We aim to provide high-quality musical experiences for all abilities and interests and are committed to meeting individual needs wherever possible.
We are supported by an outstanding team of visiting instrumental teachers who cover almost every instrument. If a student wishes to learn an instrument not currently offered, we will endeavour to arrange appropriate tuition. Students may also enter external examinations, including ABRSM, Trinity College, LAMDA, LCM, and RockSchool. Applications for instrumental lessons are made through the school website and can also be accessed with this link:
Instrumental Music Lesson: Request for Tuition
We are keen to recognise and celebrate students’ achievements in instrumental music examinations.
These exams may be taken either:
· With a teacher through school, or
· Independently outside of school.
To ensure we can accurately record and celebrate all successes, we kindly ask that students and parents/carers complete the below form with details of any instrumental music exam results.
Celebration of Music Examinations
Orchestra/Band:
West Wirral Schools Orchestra and Band - This is run on a Friday between 15.35 and 17.30pm by Mrs Gilbert in the drama studio. Students that play any instrument are invited to join. Students from Calday Grammar School are also invited to attend. The music ranges from a movement from a well-known Symphony to a Disney Medley and everything in between. Students are very welcome to request a certain piece of music. There is no audition.
Chamber Choir:
This is run on a Monday lunchtime by Miss Keating. Any student in years 7 - 11 can audition. The music ranges from traditional choral works both sacred and secular to popular music and musicals. Students sing in up to four parts.
Saxophone Quartet:
This is run on a Thursday lunchtime by Mr Clarke. Any student in years 7 - 11 can audition. This group is often asked to play for school functions.
Wind Band:
This is run afterschool on a Friday by Mrs Gilbert from September to Christmas from 17.30 – 18.00pm. All wind players of grade 3 and above are invited to join this group. This group will also rehearse at weekends and at lunchtimes and afterschool leading up to competitions and performances. This Band will also perform for Armistice Day which will involve extra rehearsals with the CCF at Calday normally on a Thursday evening in the Autumn Term.
String Ensemble:
This is run by sixth form students and overseen by Mrs Gilbert. This group meets on a Friday when the Wind Band rehearse.
Jazz Band:
This group rehearses on a Thursday lunchtime and is overseen by Becky Thomas. This is a small ensemble of between 10 and 15 students all playing at a standard of grade 6-8 on their instrument. They will often practice their improvisational skills.
Production Club:
This is run on a Wedensday after school by Mr Pepe. Mr Pepe will put together a band and then teach students how to produce a professional level recording of the group.
Ukulele Club:
Ukulele Club is run by students on Monday lunchtime.
Rock Bands:
Any student is welcome to create a Rock Band. Rock Bands can rehearse after school, lunchtimes and break times. Students can book the available space through Mrs Gilbert.
Pianists:
There are many opportunities for soloists at concerts. Pianists are always needed to accompany solo instrumentalists and there are also opportunities for pianists in the band (xylophone and glockenspiel parts) and for various functions at the school.
Pit Band:
This band is run in preparation for the school musical production.
Music Mentoring:
The music department runs a daily student mentoring programme. Students are invited to access this programme to offer support alongside their class teacher. The mentoring is provided by both Music staff and older pupils and can be on a one-to-one basis or in a small group. It will focus either on the theoretical aspects of music or provide keyboard skills for the relevant topic. The sessions will take place at break times. Students do not need to make arrangements to attend; they should just turn-up with their appropriate materials.
If you would like extra help or support or would like to become involved with the mentoring programme please contact the music department.
Private Instrumental Lessons
Pupil News
Piano Results
Spring 2025
Erin Fitzgerald-Crook (Year 7) - Grade 1 - Distinction
Hannah Lumb (Year 8) - Grade 1 - Distinction
Charlotte Rye (Year 9) - Grade 3 - Pass
Imogen Hughes (Year 8) - Grade 2 - Merit
Autumn 2024
Iyla Thomas (Year 10) - Grade 1 - Distinction
Carlota Thomas (Year 7) - Initial - Initial - Merit
examination results
of GCSE students achieved grades 9-7
of GCSE students achieved grades 9-6
of GCSE students achieved grades 9-4