We have a fantastic reputation for the quality of our teaching, and the standard of our extra-curricular ensembles. Our department is inclusive, challenging and engaging.Music
The Music Department at Beaumont School offers a wide range of opportunities for all students to enjoy music-making, both in and out of the classroom.
At Key Stage 3, students explore the interrelated skills of performance, composition and listening by studying a diverse range of musical styles and traditions. Students are taught the fundamentals of music theory and emphasis is placed on the use of these theoretical concepts in practical music-making, with frequent opportunities for students to compose and perform. Music Technology plays in important role in our Key Stage 3 curriculum with students learning how to use a variety of programs. Over three years, students form an appreciation of music in all its many forms. The Music Department assesses students’ work in a variety of ways: regular feedback is provided to groups and individuals on their work-in-progress during performance and composition tasks; completed compositions and end-of-topic performances in class are formally assessed; students complete mini-quizzes during lessons, and home-learning provides students and staff with immediate feedback. In Years 10 and 11, students follow the OCR GCSE Specification for GCSE Music. We believe the OCR syllabus offers students the opportunity to perform and compose in styles that interest them, as well as exposing them to a vast range of musical traditions. It is a demanding yet engaging course that develops the whole musician, and fosters a lifelong love and appreciation of music. The course is 60% coursework, comprising two performances and two compositions across the two years of study. The remaining 40% is a listening exam that covers the Areas of Study taught throughout the course. In the sixth form, students follow the OCR specification for A Level Music. The OCR syllabus is a demanding yet rewarding course that covers a wide range of music, through the study of a variety of works. Students engage with external factors that affect the production and consumption of music, developing knowledge and understanding historical and social factors surrounding great musical compositions. They perform and compose in styles that suit their individual musical identities. The course is 60% coursework, comprising a performance recital and two composition tasks completed across the two years of study. The remaining 40% is a listening exam that covers the musical styles taught throughout the course. The extra-curricular programme at Beaumont School is enormous. We have a range of ensembles: choirs, bands, orchestras and chamber ensembles. There are opportunities for every child to get involved in the department, regardless of experience and prior ability. We perform in numerous concerts throughout the year, both in school and in the local community. Soloists and smaller ensembles are offered opportunities to perform in recitals at St Alban’s Cathedral and St Peter’s Church, tea-time concerts at Beaumont, local village festivals and care homes. Larger ensembles perform in popular, termly internal and external concerts. The department is currently developing an outreach programme, involving performances and workshops in local primary schools. Beaumont students may volunteer to assist in the running of outreach activities. One to one instrumental tuition is available on many instruments, with tuition provided by a team of outstanding peripatetic staff. Students also enjoy masterclasses from professionals in the music industry. In lessons, students are encouraged to develop their composing and performing skills as much as possible. Our extra-curricular enrichment provides a range of opportunities to develop our musicians, and our auditioned ensembles further stretch our more advanced instrumentalists and vocalists. Students in the upper years may volunteer to lead ensembles, and those in sixth form may assist with the running of extra-curricular music through the Music Captains programme. We have a strong tradition of sending students to sing and play in local and national ensembles, such as the National Youth Choir, National Youth Concert Band and the English Schools’ Orchestra. A love of Music is a passion that accompanies you for the rest of your life. The ability to sing or play is an invaluable skill that many desire, but too few possess. Former students have read Music at a range of universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. Others have focused on music performance at conservatoires such as Guildhall and Trinity Laban. Careers for Music graduates are wide-ranging. Many industries value creativity, independent learning skills and a collaborative approach: these highly-regarded skills are typically possessed by musicians. You could find work as a musician, or move into education or Arts administration. Really, no career is inaccessible for music graduates! Encourage your child to make the most of the many extra-curricular music clubs on offer. If your child attends 1:1 music lessons, please help them organise attendance at lessons, instrument care and, of course, practice. Listen to a variety of musical styles with your child. Beaumont Music YouTube page: www.youtube.com/@MusicBeaumont Beaumont Music Twitter/X page: https://x.com/BeaumontMusicKey Stage 3
Assessment
Key Stage 4
Assessment
Key Stage 5
Assessment
Extra-curricular enrichment
Stretch & Challenge
Where can Music take you?
How can parents support their child’s learning?
Useful links
