Our Aims

• To ensure that, by the end of Key Stage 3 (KS3), pupils will have gained an understanding of the basic concepts of how music works in practice, for example, the use of melody, rhythm, chords etc. along with an awareness of the makeup of different musical groups and an understanding of the features which characterise the different musical periods spanning the past four centuries to the present day.
• To promote the making and appreciation of music throughout the curriculum under the statuary three headings of Listening, Performing and Composing.
• To prepare pupils fully for the public examinations at GCSE, AS and A2 level.
• To advise A Level pupils about possible career paths involving the study of music at University or Music College after leaving school.

Facilities & Resources

The Music Department enjoys the modern facilities of a new purpose-built department comprising of 3 classrooms, a computer suite, recording studio, eleven practice rooms, and a network of Apple iMacs spread throughout the Department. We also boast a Boston Steinway grand piano and a pipe organ in the Assembly Hall.

Career Paths

Over the years, many Academy pupils have chosen to pursue their studies at third level education with a view to embarking upon a career in Music. Several former pupils have gone on to study Music at such mainstream universities as the Queen’s University of Belfast, and the University of Ulster, along with those of York, Durham, Manchester and Edinburgh. We have also had Oxbridge successes with recent places at St John’s College, Cambridge, and our first organ scholar (Exeter College, Oxford). Recently a number of pupils have obtained places at the Royal Northern College of Music and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. We hope for, and indeed anticipate, many more such successes in the future.