Introduction

All students at Gartree take part in curriculum music lessons, which are designed to be interactive, fun and practical. Pupils perform on keyboard, djembe drums, ukulele and guitar in practical class lessons.  Students compose live and with the aid of music technology such as the Sibelius and Soundtrap software.  Throughout, the theory of music supports our practical application.

Extra Curricular Music

Choir

Gartree Choir is a large, busy and successful choir that won the Leicestershire Schools Choir of the Year in 2018.  They enjoy a variety of musical styles and performances from De Montfort Hall, Haymarket Theatre and Royal Albert Hall.

Orchestra

We have a well-established orchestra at Gartree. All pupils who play an orchestral instrument to Grade 1 standard and above are invited to join the Gartree orchestra who can be heard playing an eclectic mix of music Vivaldi to Ghostbusters.

Musical

Each year a musical is prepared and performed.  Recent performances include High School Musical and A Christmas Carol.  Our students are not only performers, but also take up the accompany the singing in the orchestra and take on the sound, lighting and props responsibilities.

Peripatetic lessons in Music

If your child already plays an instrument and would like lessons in school, we are able to arrange these lessons for your child. Additional music lessons will usually take place during the school day.

Performances

There are many performance opportunities at Gartree including a Christmas Concert, Soloists Showcase and Summer Concert as well as many others.  You can see pictures and videos from our recent performances on the Gartree High School Gallery which can be found here: https://gartree.leics.sch.uk/news-events/galleries/

Pupils eligible for pupil premium funding

If your child is eligible for free school meals, and wishes to learn an instrument in school, this will be fully subsidised by the school.

Key Stage 4

GCSE Music

How the course is assessed:

• 40% Final examination
• 30% Composing (two compositions)
• 30% Performing (two performances)

Exam Board: Edexcel (1MU0)

Course overview

This course will equip students with all the skills required to develop as a musician. The three key components of the course are appraising, composing and performing, with a focus on developing deeper musical understanding in a wide variety of contexts throughout the course. Students will be given the opportunity to perform with others and also use technology to compose music in a variety of genres and styles.

Areas of study

• Instrumental music 1700-1820
• Vocal Music
• Music for stage and screen
• Fusions

You can expect to:

• Appraise and understand music from a variety of genres. These include music for stage and screen, classical music and vocal music.
• Perform as a soloist and in groups/ ensembles
• Compose music based on your own ideas and set composing briefs.

Where does it lead?

Music is a creative and expressive subject that can lead to many fields including music teaching, music therapy, sound recording and music technology based industries. GCSE Music is an ideal path into A-level music, which can lead to many specialised courses including degree courses that specialise in composing, song writing and popular music. There are also many college courses specialising in performance, studio techniques, sequencing and turntablism.

Other useful information

Students would benefit from taking part in extracurricular music making in school and also following a dedicated practise regime on their chosen instrument. Students will be expected to take every opportunity to perform in school concerts, shows and events. The ability to read music is an advantage but not essential. Students will develop the knowledge of music theory throughout the course.