RGS has had a long and distinguished tradition of music making at the highest level, and we are, of course, proud of the numbers of musicians who have gone on to make a successful career in music. However, we are equally concerned to give to all RGS pupils the chance to discover and fulfil an interest in music, and are keen to encourage all music making in the school. RGS has a reputation for producing not just academic high achievers, but for giving our young men a well-rounded education, and the opportunities available in the performing arts are seen as an important part of that strategy.

In Years 7, 8 & 9 all boys study music in modular groups, usually consisting of 20-22 boys. Following the National Curriculum model, lessons focus on three main activities: performance, composition and listening/appreciation of music. In Year 7, all boys do singing and all participate in our unique 'Brass Project' whereby all boys learn either trumpet, trombone or baritone in curricular music lessons. This year. a similar scheme has started in Year 8 whereby all boys learn some basic guitar skills. In Year 9, the focus is on the development of IT skills in our Music Technology suite.

There are two routes to GCSE within the school: firstly, there is the traditional route within the curriculum over three periods a week in Years 10 and 11; secondly, more advanced performers (Grade 5 or above) can sit the exam in one year with one after-school lesson per week.

A levels are offered in both Music and Music Technology, so that both boys whose skills have developed along traditional lines and those who have come to music through various other routes are catered for.

A healthy number of boys take music to GCSE and A Level after the compulsory periods of music in Key Stage 3, but many more are involved in music as an extra-curricular activity even though they no longer study it as an academic subject. The Music Department is fortunate to be housed in a recently developed wing of the 1960s building which also incorporates the huge Queen's Hall, a valuable asset as a performing venue. The Department includes two studios and a Technology Room, enabling our musicians to embrace new technologies which are such a part of the modern music scene.

Tim Venvell, Director of Music

Music Home