Everyone feels musical

At St Catherine’s College, students study a wide range of different musical styles and genres. Music plays a vital role in their daily life, with every student encouraged to participate in music-making and fostering their musical ability to the highest level.  The department strongly believes that “Everyone Feels Musical”, therefore every lesson instils confidence in the students’ musical ability, through exciting performance and compositional projects. With a school ensemble, rock and pop bands, vocal groups and numerous exciting music concerts and projects, the Music Department is one of the busiest and liveliest departments in the school.

“Music is a world within itself, it’s a language we all understand”

- Stevie Wonder

Music is a unique form of communication that can change the way students feel, think and act. Music forms part of an individual’s identity and positive interaction with music can develop students’ competence as learners and increase their self-esteem. Music brings together intellect and feeling and enables personal expression, reflection and emotional development. As an integral part of culture, past and present, music helps students understand themselves, relate to others and develop their cultural understanding, forging important links between home, school and the wider world.

'Wherever music takes you, start your journey with East Sussex Music'

'If your child is interested in learning an instrument, they can sign up for lessons through East Sussex Music service’. Most students learn in a group with three or four other players so that every student can benefit from learning with others and making music together. If required, we also offer individual lessons. Lessons are held weekly for 30 weeks over the school year.'

Please find full details of the curriculum for all year groups below. If you have any queries, please get in touch with Mr Healey, Head of Music.

E: mhealey@stcatherines.college

Music GCSE – Changes for 2022

Performing music duration changes

The following changes relate to 3.2 Performing music.  

• Students will now need to submit either one solo performance with a duration of at least a minute and a half, or one ensemble performance with a duration of at least two minutes.
• A complete, unedited recording of the live performance must be submitted with the score or lead sheet for that performance (if available).
• Teachers will mark the piece out of 36.

Compositions a minimum of two minutes

The following changes relate to 3.3 Composing music.

• Students will now need to compose one piece of music with a duration of at least two minutes.
• Compositions may be in response to a set brief or be freely composed.  
• Submissions must include a complete recording of the composition with a score, lead sheet or written account produced by the student.
• Students don’t have to perform their own composition.
• The recording may be computer generated.
• Teachers will mark the one piece out of 36.