Curriculum
Music is a core integral part of life at school. However, this does not diminish the importance of other academic subjects. Our curriculum allows pupils to fulfil their musical potential without limiting their choices. Although most of our pupils are aiming for a career in music and will progress to a conservatoire or university to read music, this path is never taken for granted. In recent years, Sixth Formers have taken up places at top universities to read other subjects such as English, history, modern languages and the sciences.
We recognise that big and sometimes tough decisions have to be taken during the course of a pupil’s school career. Pupils at The Purcell School are characteristically motivated both musically and academically. The key to the success of our curriculum is balance. Depending on a pupil’s age and instrumental commitments, between 25% and 50% of curricular time is spent on musical activities.
Juniors
Children in Years 5 and 6 are taught as one group. The emphasis is on the development of good social and moral attitudes, on the enjoyment of learning and on the acquisition of skills and knowledge. Their class teacher teaches English, mathematics, science, humanities and PHSE. Musical activities, art and PE are taught by specialist staff. There is one supervised practice session during each school day. Key Stage 2 tests are taken in English, mathematics and science at the end of Year 6.
Years 7&8
Pupils have lessons in music, English, mathematics, science, French, history, art, games and PHSE. For overseas pupils EFL lessons may be substituted for, say, a foreign language, art or history. Practice sessions during the school day are supervised.
Year 9
Pupils in Year 9 often feel particularly stretched. They follow a full range of academic courses and musical commitments are increasing. German is added for all as a second foreign language. In consultation with the Director of Studies, special permission may be given to drop a subject to pupils who have a particularly heavy musical commitment. Key Stage 3 tests in English, mathematics and science are taken at the end of Year 9.
Years 10 &11
As a rule, pupils are advised to take seven or a maximum of eight GCSE subjects. GCSE music is taken at the end of Year 10. Subjects on offer are: music, English language, English literature, mathematics, science, French, German, history, art and physical education.
Sixth Form
It is assumed that Sixth Formers will have five or more GCSE passes at grade C or above. Exceptions to this may be made in the case of overseas pupils or by a decision from the Head. Sixth Formers are advised to take four AS Level subjects in the LVI, but pupils who are aiming for university may take four AS Level courses. Most prefer to stay with three subjects in the Upper Sixth, but occasionally two A Levels are possible for those with a particularly heavy schedule. EFL can replace one AS or A Level option for overseas pupils. Subjects on offer are: music, music technology, English Literature, mathematics, French, German, history, art, biology, physics and chemistry.
Summaries of the courses followed in each subject can be found here.
If you would like further information about the curriculum please contact Paul Elliott - Deputy Head (Academic).
We recognise that big and sometimes tough decisions have to be taken during the course of a pupil’s school career. Pupils at The Purcell School are characteristically motivated both musically and academically. The key to the success of our curriculum is balance. Depending on a pupil’s age and instrumental commitments, between 25% and 50% of curricular time is spent on musical activities.
Juniors
Children in Years 5 and 6 are taught as one group. The emphasis is on the development of good social and moral attitudes, on the enjoyment of learning and on the acquisition of skills and knowledge. Their class teacher teaches English, mathematics, science, humanities and PHSE. Musical activities, art and PE are taught by specialist staff. There is one supervised practice session during each school day. Key Stage 2 tests are taken in English, mathematics and science at the end of Year 6.
Years 7&8
Pupils have lessons in music, English, mathematics, science, French, history, art, games and PHSE. For overseas pupils EFL lessons may be substituted for, say, a foreign language, art or history. Practice sessions during the school day are supervised.
Year 9
Pupils in Year 9 often feel particularly stretched. They follow a full range of academic courses and musical commitments are increasing. German is added for all as a second foreign language. In consultation with the Director of Studies, special permission may be given to drop a subject to pupils who have a particularly heavy musical commitment. Key Stage 3 tests in English, mathematics and science are taken at the end of Year 9.
Years 10 &11
As a rule, pupils are advised to take seven or a maximum of eight GCSE subjects. GCSE music is taken at the end of Year 10. Subjects on offer are: music, English language, English literature, mathematics, science, French, German, history, art and physical education.
Sixth Form
It is assumed that Sixth Formers will have five or more GCSE passes at grade C or above. Exceptions to this may be made in the case of overseas pupils or by a decision from the Head. Sixth Formers are advised to take four AS Level subjects in the LVI, but pupils who are aiming for university may take four AS Level courses. Most prefer to stay with three subjects in the Upper Sixth, but occasionally two A Levels are possible for those with a particularly heavy schedule. EFL can replace one AS or A Level option for overseas pupils. Subjects on offer are: music, music technology, English Literature, mathematics, French, German, history, art, biology, physics and chemistry.
Summaries of the courses followed in each subject can be found here.
If you would like further information about the curriculum please contact Paul Elliott - Deputy Head (Academic).
