Music

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, string orchestra and wind band.

The music curriculum is designed in such a way it is taught to complement and enhance other subjects such as History and English, this inspires interest and actively engages students in their music and its context.

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 C Rodaway – Curriculum Leader
• Peripatetic instrumental tutors

KS4 courses

•  GCSE Music - AQA

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, string orchestra, worship band and wind band.  The department also stages many concerts and shows and provides music for services and functions throughout the school year.