Music

Music at S. Anselm’s is thriving with an ever-increasing reputation regionally. Our aim is to broaden and deepen pupils’ understanding and appreciation of music and to offer enjoyment and opportunities to both the enthusiastic amateur and the more seriously committed instrumentalist or singer.

For both GCSE musicians and non GCSE music pupils in the College, the department offers a wealth of enrichment opportunities. The College has three ensembles; College Choir, College Rock Band and String Group and College pupils are also welcome to join any of the Prep School’s 17 ensembles.

A huge variety of individual specialist instrumental lessons are available to all pupils in the college delivered through our fifteen professional visiting music teachers. ABRSM practical and theory exams take place termly in school.

We are extremely proud of our excellent facilities within the School of Music, which include a large rehearsal room, eight practice rooms including a drum room and a fully equipped professional recording studio as well as access to the school’s 240 seater concert hall.

There are many opportunities for College pupils to perform each term, including school concerts, church services, College arts evening and productions. The music department also organises a variety of concert visits as well as orchestral and choral days/workshops which are open to all pupils.

Year 9

All College pupils study music in Year 9, following a scheme of work that buildings upon music IT skills using the tailored Music Studio, composition and performance, Western Music from 1600 and 20^th Century Music topics.

GCSE Music

Music is an optional GCSE subject at S. Anselm’s College and is run in conjunction with the AQA Examining Board. The two year course combines three areas of music education, Performing, Composing and Appraising.

We recommend a practical standard minimum of a grade 3 or above on either an instrument or vocally.

The GCSE course is structured as follows:

Performing (30%):  Pupils perform two pieces, one solo and one ensemble performance with a combined duration of at least 4 minutes. A Grade 3 practical standard is recommended.

Composing (30%):  Pupils compose two pieces, one to a set brief and one as a free composition, with a combined duration of at least 3 minutes. The use of the school studio and software is available for composition.

Appraising (40%):  The content of musical elements, musical contexts and Musical language is taught through the context of four Areas of Study, each containing two Set Works. The new requirement for students to appraise unfamiliar music is supported through wider listening.