Welcome to the Music Department 

At The English School, you are joining a rich tradition of students who have embraced music, drama, and the arts. Many have taken instrumental lessons, sung in the choir, and performed in plays and musicals. We offer numerous opportunities to get involved, supported by a dedicated, experienced, and enthusiastic team committed to helping each student reach their potential. 

Our Vision: “Every Child a Musician” 

In the Music Department, we believe that music should be accessible to all. We work closely with the Drama and Art Departments to ensure that every child has the opportunity to engage with the creative and performing arts. Many of our students continue their musical journey in further education, with some achieving fulfilling careers in the performing arts — including members of our own staff. 

While we cater to the individual needs of students preparing for university entry and auditions, we also believe strongly that music is for everyone. Through a combination of curricular and extra-curricular classes, activities, and performance opportunities, our students are prepared for a lifetime of musical enjoyment and appreciation. 

Curriculum 

 
Year 1 

Pitch, Rhythm 

Keyboard Skills 

Pentatonic Music 

Band Skills 

Year 2 

Instruments of the orchestra 

Music Elements 

Use of DAW 

Composing Music for a Scary Story 

Hooks, Riffs, Loops and Ostinatos 

Band Skills 

Year 3 

Media and Film Music 

Performance of Film Themes 

Composition of a short film score 

Band Skills 

 
GCSE Music Edexcel Pearson 

Performance 30% 

1 Solo Piece 

1 Ensemble Piece  

Composition 30% 

1 Free Composition 

1 Brief composition 

Appraising 40% 

Instrumental Music 1700–1820 

● J S Bach: 3rd Movement from Brandenburg Concerto no. 5 in D major  

● L van Beethoven: 1st Movement from Piano Sonata no. 8 in C minor ‘Pathétique’  

Vocal Music 

● H Purcell: Music for a While  

● Queen: Killer Queen (from the album ‘Sheer Heart Attack’) 

Music for Stage and Screen  

● S Schwartz: Defying Gravity (from the album of the cast recording of Wicked)  

● J Williams: Main title/rebel blockade runner (from the soundtrack to Star Wars    Episode IV: A New Hope)  

Fusions  

● Afro Celt Sound System: Release (from the album ‘Volume 2: Release’)  

● Esperanza Spalding: Samba Em Preludio (from the album ‘Esperanza’) 

GCE A Level Music Edexcel Pearson 

Performance 30% 

Composition 30% 

Appraising 40% 

Vocal Music 

 ● J. S. Bach, Cantata, Ein feste Burg, BWV 80 

  ● Vaughan Williams, On Wenlock Edge 

 Instrumental Music  

● Clara Wieck-Schumann, Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 17: movement 1 

  ● Berlioz, Symphonie Fantastique: Movement I  

Music for Film  

● Danny Elfman, Batman Returns  

● Bernard Herrmann, Psycho 

 Popular Music and Jazz  

● Kate Bush, Hounds of Love 

● Beatles, Revolver  

● Courtney Pine, Back in the Day 

 Fusions 

 ● Debussy, Estampes 

  ● Anoushka Shankar, Breathing Under Water 

 New Directions 

  ● Kaija Saariaho, Petals for Violoncello and Live Electronics  

● Stravinsky, The Rite of Spring