Boys are taught in groups of around twenty-two. The curriculum for each term concentrates on music literacy as a support for practical music making (the great majority of the boys are instrumentalists at this stage and all will sing a choral work in the Spring) and as a means of gaining the Associated Board Grade 1 Theory qualification. Boys record their work in note books which contain both writing lines and manuscript, or in files for loose sheets of manuscript, or in practice theory papers or other text books. They are expected to complete homework which may be written or practical. Many lessons will include some listening as a matter of course, which may or may not be connected to the subject under study. The material used can be of any musical style and is often brought in by the boys themselves.

In addition to the above, boys are prepared for participation the annual Choral Concert and for seasonal events, such as the Christmas Concert and the Commemoration Service. In recent years Year Seven pupils have taken a major role in the performance of Requiem (Mozart), Rejoice in the Lamb (Britten) and Stabat Mater (Dvorak) with the School Choral Society. Live instrumental demonstrations are given two or three times a year as and when they can be arranged, and boys are frequently reminded of the possibilities afforded by instrumental study.

Aims and Objectives

Our aims for all our pupils by the end of Year Seven are as follows:• To attain at least a pass in Associated Board Grade I Theory.• To take part in a public performance of a choral work.• To be confident in following and reading music in one clef.• To be able to express himself about music in his experience, using musical language and terms appropriate to the music.

For the more advanced instrumentalists and singers we aim to:• Provide stimulating specialist coaching each fortnight in the context of a year-group band.• Provide membership of Bach Orchestra or Junior Symphonic Winds, as appropriate, including performance opportunities in two concerts staged in the theatre and devoted to their age-group, and other opportunities outside of School.• Provide membership of the Chamber Choir or the Choral Society, as appropriate, including performance opportunities in and out of school, both sacred and on the concert platform.

Each class will have one lesson each week for them alone, and the whole year comes to the music school for one lesson together, weekly. Preparation for the Associated Board Grade I Theory takes place in the single class lesson and on the occasion when the whole form is present, some will sing (divided into treble and altos), and a Form I Band and Form I Strings run alternately, to give the more able instrumentalists some specialist ensemble tuition.

At this stage, assessment is via a series of informal tests during the year and the Associated Board written examination at the end. Boys are required to revise from their notes and to answer questions in text and in music notation. Mention of progress is made in twice-termly grades and twice-yearly reports, which are discussed with the boys. There is a parent-teacher evening once a year.

Form II

Boys are taught in groups of around twelve. In each term a pupil will aim to cover:

• one aspect of music literacy• the study of a single work or group of works, including its context in western music, and aspects of style and performance• one composer profile (often linked to the work under study)• the study of an instrumental family• composing to a given brief (using Music ICT)• performing skills

The particular subject matter in each part of the syllabus and the medium and style of delivery are at the discretion of the teacher. Boys record their work in notebooks containing both writing lines and manuscript, or in files for loose sheets of manuscript. They may be expected to complete homework which may be written or practical.

Aims and Objectives

The principal aim for all Form II (year 8) pupils is that during the year they have a rounded and positive experience of music, both practical and academic, at the same time as continuing to develop skills acquired in Form I (year 7). By the end of the year each pupil will have achieved the following:• further development of music literacy in the context of practical music-making and composition• familiarity with two works or groups of works chosen for their accessibility and suitability for this age-group, and for their relevance to areas of practical music-making in the School.• knowledge of the works and musical significance of two composers.• experience and understanding of a family of musical instruments, including reference to instruments from a tradition other than European.• introduction and development of skills in Music ICT• complete melodic compositions to at least two given briefs and opportunities to perform these works or hear them performed.• performance for class-mates, a recording of his work and an opportunity to assess the quality, success and context of his own performance.

For the more advanced instrumentalists and singers we aim to:• Provide some opportunities for stimulating specialist chamber music coaching.• Provide membership of Bach Orchestra or Junior Symphonic Winds, as appropriate, including performance opportunities in two concerts staged in the theatre and devoted to their age-group, and other opportunities outside of School.• Provide membership of the Chamber Choir or the Choral Society, as appropriate, including performance opportunities in and out of school, both sacred and on the concert platform.

In addition to the above areas, boys are prepared for participation in School events and for seasonal events, such as the Christmas Concert or the Commemoration Service. Live instrumental demonstrations are given occasionally, as and when they can be arranged, and boys are frequently reminded of the possibilities afforded by instrumental study. Almost every lesson will include some listening as a matter of course, which may or may not be connected to the subject under study. The material used for this occasional listening can be of any musical style and is often brought in by the boys themselves. The emphasis at this stage is placed more practical skills than previously, and the boys will take part in some composition activities. They are still required to write answers in both text and notation and keep their own information in a text book or file.

Resources used will include information sheets produced in-house, text books, recordings, recording equipment, musical instruments, video presentations and display material. Use is made of classrooms, the auditorium, the ICT Suite and the practice rooms.

At this stage, assessment is via a series of informal assessments during the year and a formal, end-of-year written examination. Boys are required to revise from their notes and to answer questions in both text and notation. Mention of progress is made in the twice-termly grades and the twice-yearly reports. These are discussed with the boys by the form tutor. A parent-teacher evening takes place annually.

Form III

At this stage boys opt for music in the classroom. Classes are divided and taught separately in groups of around twelve. They receive two lessons per week taught as a double period. Given the number of new pupils entering the School in Form III, it is important at this stage to encourage pupils to focus on activities and skills which don’t rely too much on knowledge gained in the past two years, but rely instead on shared experiences at different levels. Challenges at this level are fresh to all pupils, whether new to the School or not, as a way of providing a level playing-field.

Boys make a more prolonged study of the subject areas than in the preceding years, spending ten weeks studying each of three topics drawn from a list. These areas are:

• Blues• Ensemble Music Making• Drumming and Rhythmic Patterns• Music for Film and Television• Keyboard Skills• World Music• Guitar Skills• Composition• Grade V Theory

Teachers will move from one group to another to deliver topics for which they possess particular skills and experience.

Aims and Objectives

The principal aim for all Form III (year 9) pupils is that during the year they should have a rounded and positive experience of practical music making, at the same time as continuing to develop skills acquired in Form II (year 8). By the end of the year each pupil will have achieved some of the following:• further development of music literacy in the context of practical music-making and composition• further development of skills in Music ICT• developed some practical and reading skills via the medium of guitar or keyboard• positive experience of instrumental performance for the group• complete composition to at least one brief, with or without music technology• developed an awareness of music in the context of media and film.

For the more advanced instrumentalists and singers we aim to:• Provide some opportunity for stimulating specialist coaching in the context of chamber music or small ensemble.• Provide membership of Bach Orchestra or Junior Symphonic Winds, as appropriate, or a sensitive transition from these ensembles to senior instrumental ensembles (Brass Band, Symphonic Winds, Chamber Orchestra) as appropriate.• Provide membership of the Chamber Choir or the Choral Society, as appropriate, including performance opportunities in and out of school, both sacred and on the concert platform.

The emphasis in the classroom is very much on boys experiencing and enjoying the topic areas in an informal and accessible way. Discussion is encouraged and boys are given ample opportunity to express their views and explore their interests. A certain degree of music literacy is now expected, especially for the keyboard skills and guitar skills courses.

At this stage music making is almost entirely practical, though pupils are still prepared for seasonal school events, such as the Commemoration Service. However, live instrumental demonstrations are no longer given. Many lessons still include some listening as a matter of course, the material for which may be selected for its relevance to the topic under study or may be brought in by the boys.

Resources will include information and work sheets produced in-house, text books, recordings on CD and tape, video presentations, music ICT, five-octave keyboards, keyboard tutors and guitars.

Assessment is via a series of informal tasks set throughout each segment of the syllabus. Mention of progress is made in twice-termly grades and twice-yearly reports. There is no terminal examination.