Music

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 Intent

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.

 

Curriculum Information 

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 GCSE Music Year 11 BTEC Music Practice

 

Why Study 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.

Music prepares students for careers as diverse as sound engineering, teaching, music production, events management, and performance.

 

Meet the Team

Ms. Brain – Curriculum Leader for Performing Arts

Miss. Wozencraft - Assistant Curriculum Leader for Performing Arts and Teacher

Ms. Wheatley - Teacher

Mr. Moores-Jefferson - Technician for Performing & Visual Arts

 

Enrichment Opportunities

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

 

How Parents/Carers Can Support at Home

• 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.

 

Further Study:

• A Level Music / Music Technology

• College courses in performance or production

• University-level music or music industry pathways

 

Career Links:

Performance & Creation Performer (solo artist, session musician, band member) Composer / Songwriter Musical Director Conductor Orchestral / Ensemble Musician Arranger	Production & Technology Music Producer Sound Engineer Live Sound Technician Studio Manager Foley Artist / Sound Designer (for film, TV, and games) Recording Engineer Broadcast Engineer (radio, TV, streaming)
Teaching & Education Instrumental / Vocal Teacher Classroom Music Teacher Community Arts Educator Workshop Leader	Business & Industry Music Publisher Artist Manager Booking Agent / Promoter Tour Manager Record Label Executive Music PR & Marketing Specialist Event / Festival Organiser
Media & Entertainment Film/TV/Video Game Composer Music Journalist / Critic Radio DJ / Broadcaster Podcast Producer / Editor Synchronisation Licensing (placing music in film, TV, adverts)	Therapy & Wellbeing Music Therapist Community Arts Practitioner Creative Wellbeing Specialist

 

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.