We have been awarded ‘Music Mark’ status as a school in recognition of the excellent provision of music, both in and out of the classroom at All Saints.
How is Music a sacred subject?
The universal language of Music embodies and gives expression to one of the highest forms of creativity and communication. The transformational power of music offers all learners a channel to discover their God-given talents. Music endeavours to enable students to give expression to the heights and depths of their emotions, hopes and longings and may transcend the limitations found in other forms of communication.
All Saints Music Department delivers a broad and balanced music curriculum with an emphasis on enjoyment and creativity. It aims to expose students to music from many different genres/cultures to widen their knowledge and understanding of music. From Year 7 through to Sixth Form, there are opportunities for students to develop their music skills through composing, performing and listening.
Key Stage 3
Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 receive one hour of music per week. For each year group, students are taught a number of units, lasting approximately half a term. Units covered include:
- Exploring the Voice – Song writing and Rap
- Improvisation, Jazz and The Blues
- Quest For The Crystal
- Film Music
- Rhythms Of The World
- The Elements of Music- Meet Dr T.P. Smith
- An Introduction to the Ukulele
In all Units of Work there is the opportunity for Performing, Composing and Listening. All students will learn to play the keyboard, Ukulele and also sing. It is expected that students are then well prepared to study GCSE music should they wish to.
Key Stage 4
Students in Years 10 and 11 have 2 ½ hours of music per week, following the Edexcel GCSE syllabus. This is broken down as follows:
- Composing (30%)
- Performing (30%)
- Listening (40%)
The course covers a wide range of music from Pop Music, Rap and Dance Music to Music from around the World and Western Classical Music. Students use Cubase and Sibelius, as well as our professional standard Recording Studio to help them create their compositions.
Key Stage 5
All Saints Sixth Form offers both Music and Music Technology AS and A-level. Students further develop the skills they have acquired at Key Stage 3 and GCSE developing a wider knowledge of compositional and listening skills. Again, the skills of Composition, Performance and Listening are at the core of all lessons with students providing a solo and ensemble recital and two compositions by the end of the assessment. The compositions can be in any style/genre and focus on the skills of the individual student, with the recital repertoire being chosen by the students, again working to their own individual strengths/interests/needs. The listening skills learnt throughout KS3 and 4 are further developed and students are exposed to a wide range of music from Classical to Pop, Opera to World Music.
Extra Curricular
All Saints offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities that cater for all musical abilities and tastes; these include:
Senior Orchestra
Junior Orchestra
Senior Choir
Chamber Choir
Junior Choir Folk Group
Soul Band
String Orchestra
Numerous Rock Groups and Ensembles organised and run by students
Throughout the year there are many opportunities for students at All Saints to perform; these include:
Year 7 New Beginning Mass
All Saints Advent Service in The Minster
All Saints Day Mass in The Minster
Battle of the Bands
School Productions – Previous productions include The Wiz, Bugsy, Little Shop of Horrors, Grease, Hairspray, Blood Brothers, Romeo and Juliet and Much Ado About Nothing, each involving over 240 pupils
‘Cabaret’ (July)
6th Form Recital Evening
GCSE Recital Evening
Lower School Performing Arts Evening
