Music at CHS South gives students the opportunity to explore creativity, performance, and composition in an inspiring environment. We encourage every student to find their voice, uncover their potential, and develop transferable skills that will benefit them throughout school and beyond.

Our mission is to ignite creativity, uncover potential, and develop transferable skills through the arts, moulding Creative, Happy, and Successful students.

The Music Department aims to:

• Inspire and nurture passion for music in all students.

• Provide motivation to develop musicianship and transferable skills.

• Harness the proven wellbeing benefits of playing and singing.

• Support every student’s journey through performance, composition, and appraisal.

For GCSE Music, students are expected to take instrumental or vocal lessons (in or out of school), as performance makes up 30% of the final grade.

For BTEC Music Practice, students will build knowledge of music technology, genres, and the music industry through hands-on studio work and digital composition.

Key Stage 3

Year 7 Music Year 8 Music Year 9 Music Elective Year 9 Music Technology Elective

Key Stage 4

Year 10 BTEC Music Practice Year 11 BTEC Music Practice Year 11 GCSE Music

Studying music at CHS South develops a wide range of skills:

Creativity – through composition, improvisation, and problem-solving.

Confidence – performing and presenting to others.

Teamwork – collaborating in ensembles and group projects.

Technical ability – mastering instruments, voice, and music technology.

Transferable skills – communication, self-management, analysis, and resilience.

Students can extend their musical journey through:

• Choirs, bands, and ensembles

• Instrumental lessons

• School performances and showcases

• Studio and recording opportunities

• Trips to concerts, musicals, and workshops

• Encourage regular practice at home.

• Listen to and discuss a wide range of music together.

• Use resources such as BBC Bitesize Music or free DAW software.

• Support attendance at rehearsals, concerts, and extra lessons.

• A Level Music / Music Technology

• College courses in performance or production

• University-level music or music industry pathways

We believe music is for everyone - whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time or producing your own tracks, there’s a place for you in our department.