On the last day of term, we had a fantastic celebration assembly in school where Year 7 students were treated to a fabulous concert by our woodwind group. Students were introduced to all the instruments and listened to ‘Roar’ and the theme tune to Spiderman. We also had soloists, Jemima B, Charlotte R and Gemma H who performed fantastically well. If your child has been inspired to take up music lessons as a result, please complete the sign up form using the link below: 

Music Tuition

Mrs Cattanach

Associate Assistant Headteacher & Curriculum Leader for Music

On Wednesday 11th October, we held our first ‘Music and Verse’ evening of the year. The purpose of this concert was to provide our GCSE cohorts with the opportunity to perform to an audience in preparation for their future coursework submissions. It also gave our Year 8 students the opportunity to perform their LAMDA pieces to an audience. The evening was a tremendous success with all our students performing superbly. It was also fantastic to hear our Year 8 LAMDA students reciting their texts in preparation for their upcoming assessments. It was the first time many of these students had performed in public and we are extremely proud of them all. Each year, the Y11 cohort choose the charity they would like to support on the evening with all proceeds going to the designated charity. This year was no exception, with students choosing to support Young Minds.

Young Minds is the UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people’s mental health.  They provide young people with the tools to look after their mental health. They empower adults to be the best support they can be to the young people in their lives and they give young people the space and confidence to get their voices heard and change the world we live in. 

The evening raised a total of £133. A fantastic evening raising money for a very worthy cause. Well done, everyone and thank you for your support!

Mrs Cattanach

Associate Assistant Headteacher

In the Summer term, a number of students took their ABRSM examinations. Poppy M (Y9) achieved a fabulous distinction in her Grade 3 Piano exam, whilst Hannah S gained a Merit in Grade 3 Flute. Jennah K achieved a merit in Grade 4 Flute. Superb achievements. Well done!

As part of our essential knowledge programme, every student in Year 8 studies the LAMDA Grade 2 Speaking Verse and Prose course. During these lessons, students focus on developing their ability to speak in front of an audience with correct posture, pace, projection and diction. As part of the course, all students build up to the final exam by performing in pairs and small groups in front of the class and then finally performing to one of our School Governors. Those students who wish to enter for the officially recognised exam then perform in front of a visiting LAMDA examiner. Students are required to perform from memory, a poem and a section of prose from a book of their choice. 

20 Year 8 students took their LAMDA Grade 2 Speaking Verse and Prose exams at the end of the Summer term and returned to school in September to hear some fantastic news! Every single student passed with the vast majority gaining a distinction. An incredible achievement! 

We are extremely proud of all of the students who took the exam. Well done! 

Following the fantastic visit from our music therapists during the STEM festival, Year 8 students have been busy working to create their own piece of music to relax to. Focusing on composing, using the chords of C, A, F and G, students have been learning about using these chords in both block and broken chord accompaniment styles before writing a melody to fit with this. Using the sibelius software that we have in school, students have created some amazing pieces as I am sure you can see below. Well done, everyone!

Mrs Cattanach

Associate Assistant Headteacher

Year 7 have been learning all about the different families of instruments in the orchestra. Initially, we began with the brass family that includes the trumpet, the french horn, the trombone and the tuba. Students had the opportunity to create their own fanfare. Next, we learnt about the woodwind family (the flute, oboe, clarinet and bassoon) before moving onto the strings with the violin, viola, cello and double bass. Finally, students learnt all about the percussion family and how some instruments can be tuned and untuned. With all their knowledge in hand, students were tasked with creating their own musical instrument from recyclable materials and WOW, we had some fantastic creations! 

Unable to choose one favourite, we decided to enlist the help of our Senior Leadership Team to choose a favourite each. So here we have the winners….

Mrs Pomeroy’s favourite by Martha W

Mrs Hall’s favourite by Paige H

Mr Ramsdale’s favourite by Lilah C

Mr Ward’s favourite by Grace W

Mrs Honeyman’s favourite by Phoebe B

Mr Herbert’s favourite by Isabelle M

Mrs Sweeney’s favourite by Imogen C

Mrs Woodhouse’s favourite by Jessica B

Mrs Cattanach’s favourite by Ruby Mc

As you can see, there were some absolutely brilliant instruments which could actually make a sound! Well done, everyone!

Mrs Cattanach

Associate Assistant Headteacher