Music is a very active department at Painsley. There are many opportunities for performing and creating music both in class, through extra-curricular activities and through instrumental lessons.
In Year 7 you have 3 lessons of music a fortnight and in Year 8 you have a lesson of music every week. Our aim is to make the lessons practical based wherever possible to cover the three essential skills of performing, listening and composing. You will get the opportunity to take part in Samba processions, be involved in the annual Christmas Concert, and experience what it’s like being in a Band and working in the Music Business, as well as gaining an understanding of a wide range of musical styles. The Useful Files section will give you more information and resources.
In Year 9 you opt to study music. Whilst some students study GCSE – looking at composing for your own instrument, dance music, shared music and descriptive music, students also study for a BTEC in Music which gives them a vocational qualification equivalent to two GCSE’s grade A* - C. The BTEC course allows you to be part of the production team for the annual Talent Show and Band Nights as well as developing as a performer and exploring other areas of music you find interesting. Again use the Useful Files to find resources.
Instrumental lessons are offered in Strings, Woodwind, Brass, Drumkit and Guitar. These lessons are held in curriculum time, and whilst they are subsidised by the school, a small charge is made (although no student is denied the opportunity to learn). Students who study these instruments are encouraged to join suitable ensembles when they are ready enabling them to participate in group music making activities.
Extra-curricular activities include Wind Band, Flute group, String group, Choir, Saxophone Choir, Jazz Band, Senior Saxophone Ensemble and an annual school production in collaboration with the Drama Department. Concerts are performed in and out of School and the Wind Band tours abroad every other year in the summer term.
