Music
MUSIC
At BST we offer an extensive instrumental programme, with professional instrumental tutors who visit daily, and a wide variety of extracurricular music activities for students of all ages. Research shows that participation in musical activities significantly develops children’s social, cognitive and motor skills as well as fostering greater teamwork. We take pride in our role as facilitators, providing opportunities through which every child can construct their own understanding of a broad range of musical genres, cultures and traditions.
Learn more about Instrumental Teaching
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All children from Nursery to Year 6 are taught music by specialist teachers in our dedicated music rooms, where singing, theory, composition and listening are essential ingredients. They are also encouraged to take individual music lessons; information about the range of instruments and our high quality peripatetic teachers is available from the music team.
The children also have the opportunity to participate in music clubs before, during and after the school day, including choirs, orchestras, small ensembles and bands. A number of informal musical performances and small recitals give musicians of all standards the opportunity to play for the pleasure of others.
In Years 7 to 9 we cover a comprehensive history of Western Music from the Medieval period to the Music of the 21st Century. This is complimented by a range of World Music projects. The key skills are in composing, appraising and performing.
In Years 10 and 11, Music has become increasingly popular over the past 3 years as a GSCE subject. We follow the Cambridge IGCSE syllabus which allows students to explore composition, solo and ensemble performance and detailed listening and appraising components. In Years 12 and 13, we offer A Level Music (Edexcel), preparing our students for entrance into the best universities and Music conservatoires in the world.
We have very well-resourced facilities, complete with a recently commissioned Gamelan, fully furnished technology suite, large ensemble rehearsal room, sound-proofed practice suites and a set of African drums, purchased from a Fair Trade village near Guinée Conakry.