Music
Senior
The Music department at Kingswood School is a vibrant and dynamic place where everyone is able to express themselves creatively. We offer a diverse curriculum and ensemble programme which allows students to develop a love of music and provides them with the skills they need to become individual performers and composers.
The Music curriculum offers a wide range of activities that enable all students to fully develop their musical potential and interests. Kingswood’s Music School is well-resourced and is housed in an attractive, detached period building. We are fortunate to have a full iMac suite, a bright and open classroom and recital space housing a Yamaha C2 grand piano, modern recording studio and control room, and plenty of practice room space. Kingswood’s Chapel houses a two manual pipe organ, a three manual electric organ, and a Kawai C3X. Students also benefit from a wonderful Yamaha C7 grand piano in the Theatre.
Kingswood’s co-curricular Music programme is thriving and provides a natural extension of the academic life of the department. Ensembles include Kingswood Choir, Kingswood Jazz Orchestra, Senior Orchestra, Kingswood Strings, Westwood Voices & Orchestra. Each term plays host to concert and events, in school and beyond, including our annual show at Green Park Station as part of the internationally acclaimed Bath Festival. The department travels abroad biennially, most recently travelling to Holland to undertake a concert tour for the choir, orchestra and jazz ensembles.
There are so many music opportunities at Kingswood. I really enjoy playing in the different orchestras because everyone is so talented…
Phoebe, Year 12
KEY STAGE 3
Music lessons at Kingswood are always fun, dynamic and creative, with plenty of practical action. By learning to play instruments, compose music using software such as GarageBand, and explore the sights and sounds of musical styles from around the globe, our young musicians gain true understanding and appreciation of music in the modern world. Music is a compulsory subject for all students in Years 7 and 8 and is a hugely popular option choice in Year 9.
GCSE
The EDUQAS course at GCSE level enables pupils to develop an understanding and appreciation of a wide range of genres of music, from the Western Classical Tradition to Pop Music, Film Music and beyond. The course provides the opportunity for students to extend their own interests and increase their ability to make judgements about musical quality. Students are assessed via a written exam, two performances and a composition portfolio.
A-LEVEL
The EDUQAS A-Level course requires students to be able to play at least one instrument/voice to a very high standard and have substantial theoretical knowledge. Students will develop their performance skills, compose their own music, study other composers' work and understand the fundamental aspects of Music. Students who study Music at A Level also make a valuable contribution to the school's musical life through our ensemble programme. Musicians at this level often leave Kingswood to pursue future careers in Music, and past students have taken up places at institutions such as the Royal Northern College of Music and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.