Music vision

Musical education is an integral component of Saint Francis Xavier School, and seeks to explore and build upon students’ knowledge, expanding their understanding and to compass a vast range of music from “The Great Composers” to the modern day.

Music is central to our cultural life and is intrinsic to our assemblies, services and concerts. Our aim is to stretch, encourage and support students’ natural musical talents whilst ensuring its accessibility to all. This is achieved by the opportunity of playing a range of instruments, understanding music technology and participating in the wider curricular activities.  Students from across all year groups are encouraged to immerse themselves in worship band, choir and concert orchestra.

As a universal language, our music curriculum seeks to develop unique and meaningful values that include transferable skills, creativity and vibrancy, team work, resilience and perseverance whilst broadening students’ cultural capital.

 

Curriculum team

Mr R Chahal – Music Teacher
Peripatetic instrumental tutors

 

KS4 courses

  GCSE Music – AQA

The course is split into three units: Composing, Performing and Understanding Music.  We work on these areas concurrently throughout the course to allow students the time to develop their skills and make improvements to their work.

Topics include: Solo performance, Ensemble performance, Music Theory, The Elements of Music, Compositional skills and General listening skills.

We also discover two Study Pieces set by the exam board; these are currently Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto and Little Shop of Horrors.

 

Enrichment opportunities

All students can access further practical music-making through our instrumental tuition scheme whereby visiting teachers provide lessons for the vast majority of instruments, both orchestral and electronic.

There are also many co-curricular opportunities within the department which all students are welcome and encouraged to engage with.  These opportunities currently include a choir, concert orchestra and worship band.  The department also stages many concerts and shows and provides music for services and functions throughout the school year.