Music is an expansive subject, which offers students the opportunity to be challenged academically, whilst also engaging them creatively. Music enables students to interact with others to develop teamwork skills and perseverance, whilst also developing independence. It is also proven to provide substantial benefits in cognitive function and performance in other areas of the school curriculum. Our curriculum aims to develop performance and composition skills whilst also equipping students with the ability to appreciate and articulate their thoughts about music.
- Years 7 and 8 – the aim of the course is to enrich and stimulate students’ musical appreciation in the three core areas of Performance, Composition and Appraising. Our curriculum is also designed to provide students with the grounding needed to study Music at GCSE. Students will explore a variety of different types of music and become critical listeners, developing their ability to discuss music and apply this knowledge to their practical experience.
- Years 9 to 11 – students broaden their musical appreciation and analytical skills through the study of a range of genres including film music, pop and rock, musical theatre, jazz and Western Classical styles. We aim to develop students’ individual composition skills through both the study of compositional technique and the application of performance skills. Students also play an essential role in the co-curricular life of the department.
- Years 12 and 13 – A Level Music is a challenging course which builds upon the skills developed at GCSE. Students are introduced to a wide range of areas of study (including those studied at GCSE) and also develop their understanding of compositional technique.
Co-curriculum and Extracurricular Activities
The Music department is proud to offer extensive extracurricular and co-curricular opportunities to students across the school. We have a broad range of department ensembles including; Concert Orchestra, The Bluebirds, The Nightingales, Flutissimo, Kazoo Group and Boomwhacker Group.
Students also have the opportunity to perform at a variety of different events including our Winter, Spring and Summer Concerts, the Colchester Schools Prom at Charter Hall, Year 7 and 8 Choral competition, and the annual whole school production. We also have opportunities to take part in additional workshops throughout the year. A wide range of instrumental and vocal tuition is provided through Essex Music Services.
Please contact Mrs Jefferies (FJefferies@cchsg.com) should your child wish to begin instrumental lessons at CCHSG (these are provided by Essex Music Services). Students should bring their own instruments.
The Music Department has excellent purpose-built facilities, including two spacious classrooms that can become one large rehearsal space, a recording studio, an iMac suite, digital piano suite, band recording space and six individual practice rooms.
Opportunities for Further Study and Destinations
Music is an obvious choice if you wish to pursue any type of musical career, in areas such as performing, composing, criticism or music administration. Music is also highly regarded for the transferable skills that it provides as it involves academic work, a huge amount of self-discipline, IT skills, performance confidence and teamwork.