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Bury CE High School

BURY CE HIGH SCHOOL
A Church of England Academy with the vision to empower all students to let their light shine.

Music

Departmental Vision

At Bury Church of England High School, our Music Department provides a vibrant and inclusive environment where every student is encouraged to let their light shine through creativity, collaboration, and excellence.

Rooted in our values of Respect, Responsibility, and Resilience, we nurture a lifelong love of music by celebrating diversity, fostering teamwork, and encouraging perseverance. Students learn to value musical heritage and innovation while developing the confidence to express their individuality through performance, composition, and critical listening.

Our curriculum develops students as performers, composers, and appraisers, enabling them to make meaningful connections between theory, creativity, and culture. Through a broad and ambitious programme, pupils perform music from a range of genres and traditions, compose original works, and analyse musical structures and devices with insight. These experiences build musicianship, creativity, and critical awareness, equipping learners with the knowledge and discipline to progress into A Level Music, Music Technology, BTEC Music, or lifelong participation in the arts.
Beyond the classroom, we aim to make music central to school life and the wider community. Regular concerts, ensembles, and collaborative projects provide opportunities for all students to share their talents, grow in confidence, and demonstrate dedication. Through music, our students learn to listen deeply, perform with integrity, and work together with purpose — embodying our Christian ethos and allowing their light to shine brightly through every note they play or create.

Curriculum Design

 The Music curriculum at Bury Church of England High School is designed to inspire creativity, confidence, and curiosity through the interrelated disciplines of performing, listening, appraising, and singing. Our intent is to nurture students who are confident musicians, expressive communicators, and reflective learners — equipped with the knowledge, skill, and discipline to engage with music for life.

Through performing, students develop technical accuracy, fluency, and expression on a range of instruments and voices. They learn to collaborate in ensembles, demonstrate musical leadership, and perform with stylistic awareness and confidence. 
Listening and appraising form the foundation for critical understanding. Students learn to analyse structure, texture, harmony, and melody using accurate musical vocabulary. They explore music from different cultures, traditions, and historical periods, developing respect for diversity and context. These analytical and creative skills prepare learners for future study and for the appreciation of music as a lifelong art form.
By the end of Key Stage 3, students will:
  • Perform with accuracy, control, and confidence, both individually and in groups.
  • Compose and improvise original music with structure, creativity, and stylistic awareness.
  • Listen with discrimination and understanding to a wide range of music from different times, places, and cultures.
  • Appraise music thoughtfully, using appropriate vocabulary to describe, evaluate, and make connections.
This curriculum enables all pupils to experience the joy and discipline of music-making. Through challenge, reflection, and shared performance, students build Respect, Responsibility, and Resilience, and are encouraged to let their light shine as confident, creative young musicians.

 

KS3 Music Curriculum Intent 

KS4 Music Curriculum Intent 

 

Extra-curricular activities

The Music department performs a concert at Christmas and in the spring term. Students also play a lead role in the annual Carol service that takes place at Bury Parish Church. The choirs and bands also perform for school communion services. The Music department regularly contributes to our annual school production. 

Instrumental Music Lessons

Lessons are available for all the principle orchestral instruments, and the piano.