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Music

Music is an integral part of the life of the school. Many of the girls play at least one musical instrument and there is a long-standing tradition of choral singing. All the girls are given the chance to participate in extra-curricular music and there are many opportunities to perform in both formal and informal concerts.

It is not necessary to be an outstanding musician to enjoy and succeed in this subject. The lower school curriculum introduces the girls to many different traditions and cultures giving them the opportunity to experience music in many forms and to create their own compositions.

GCSE

Music is suitable for any girl who can perform vocally or instrumentally to a standard of approximately Grade 3 or above. The AQA syllabus is based around five areas of study: music for film, dance, music for special events, orchestral landmarks and the popular song since 1960. Girls are assessed in the following ways: a composition based on music for special events; two recorded coursework performances (one solo and one ensemble); a further composition based on a set brief; and a listening examination, including music drawn from all five areas of study.

AS and A-level

At this level girls must be able to perform vocally or instrumentally to a standard of approximately Grade 6 or above. The OCR syllabus requires assessment in each year by means of a folio of harmony exercises and a composition (instrumental at AS level; vocal at A2): a recital and a history and listening paper. At AS this paper includes analysis of three jazz and three classical set works. At A2 level the focus is on 19th Century romanticism.