Music

Nature of the Subject

Music at Coloma Convent Girls’ School offers students the opportunity to explore creativity, develop technical performance skills, and build self-confidence through a varied array of musical genres. Students engage with diverse musical styles, from classical to contemporary, allowing them to broaden their understanding and appreciation of different cultures and traditions. Our approach fosters artistic expression and intellectual growth, with practical music-making and performance opportunities integral to the learning experience. We cultivate a lifelong love of music while nurturing talents and fostering teamwork. With a wide range of co-curricular offerings and frequent performance opportunities, students experience music as an essential part of both their personal and academic development.

Intent

Our department is committed to providing a music education accessible to all, helping students achieve personal growth through performance, composition, and musical appreciation. The spiral curriculum develops practical and theoretical skills, enabling students to become independent musicians. At Coloma, music also supports spiritual growth, aligning with Catholic Social Teaching through performances at masses and community events. We prepare students not only to excel musically but also to embrace the emotional, social, and intellectual benefits of music.

Design

Our KS3 curriculum builds students' skills year by year. The program offers diverse musical genres and techniques, from vocal and instrumental work to exploring global music traditions:

• Year 7 introduces singing, keyboard, and ukulele, laying the foundation for practical musicianship.

• Year 8 expands on ensemble work through Blues, West African drumming, and Gamelan, further developing keyboard and ukulele skills.

• Year 9 dives into more complex styles, including popular music, film music, and minimalism.

At KS4, we offer the Eduqas Music GCSE, where students compose two pieces (one free composition and one set to a brief), perform a solo and ensemble piece, and study two set works. The course covers a wide range of musical genres such as film, popular, classical, and ensemble music, offering students a broad understanding of musical styles and history.

At KS5, the Edexcel Music A-Level continues to refine students' musical abilities. They deepen their theoretical knowledge, explore sophisticated works such as four-part Bach chorales, study set works spanning various genres, compose one free composition, and perform a mini recital (9-12 minutes). This rigorous training prepares students for potential careers in music or continued academic study, crafting future musicians and appreciators of the art.

Delivery

Our curriculum is delivered through hands-on, practical learning, emphasing performance. Students engage in singing, instrumental work, and composition, building skills that are assessed through regular, structured evaluations. In each term, students explore musical vocabulary and listening skills, culminating in assessments designed to showcase their progress.

Coloma’s music department also provides numerous performance opportunities. Students participate in in-school concerts such as the Piano Evening, Christmas Concert, and the school musical (The Wiz this year). Additionally, they perform at central London cathedrals, attend workshops led by Croydon Music & Arts, compete in the Choral Competition (Coulsdon and Purley), and take trips to see musical shows. These experiences immerse students in a thriving musical environment, supporting their artistic growth and confidence.

Beyond the classroom, we offer a wide array of co-curricular activities, including St. Anthony’s Choir (junior), St. Cecilia’s Choir (senior), flute and string ensembles, percussion groups, and music theory classes. Through these activities, students further develop leadership, teamwork, and musicianship, making significant contributions to the cultural and spiritual life of the school.