Music - Department information

Mr A Cresswell (Head of Department)
Mr A Earle

As pupils in the Music Department of Boldon School children can be assured of a varied and exciting range of activities and opportunities. These are designed to make the most of whatever interests and talents children may have. For many years the school has enjoyed a high reputation for its pioneering work in classroom music making which has resulted in a very practical approach to the subject firmly underpinned by the latest research in the musical development of young people.

As a compulsory subject in the National Curriculum up to the end of Year 9, pupils develop their understanding of music through the 3 activities of composing, performing and appraising. In this they are assisted by the provision of excellent facilities in the form of classroom instruments, keyboards, computers, recording equipment and expert advice from the 2 full time staff. We have a 'state of the art' computerised recording studio with 5 separate recording booths as well as a larger recording space. 

Much of the work is designed specifically to cater for the wide range of musical abilities found in any school with enough to stretch the ablest as well as to help and support those who find things more difficult.

In Years 10 and 11 pupils have the option of studying music to GCSE level and large numbers have done so in the past. The school has a very high record of success in these examinations. The course extends further the work done in the lower school but with a little more emphasis placed on individual work.

For those pupils who show additional interest we have the L.E.A. and our own visiting team of teachers who specialise in teaching orchestral and band instruments and all participating pupils may receive back-up Theory of Music training that can lead to external examination entry at any stage of their time at Boldon. In addition, the school provides further opportunities for Woodwind, Brass, Drums, Piano and Guitar pupils from its own team of teachers. A large proportion of our pupils enter for the practical examinations of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and the school has an excellent record of success.

The school runs a wind band as well as smaller ensembles and choirs. Rock bands meet regularly to rehearse and have, in the past, enjoyed considerable success in the TSB Rock School competitions, and participated in the first Folkworks Youth Folk Festival at Hexham in 1994, enjoying sponsorship as joint winners of the Sainsbury's Arts Education Awards.  In 1999 a compilation CD 'In Celebration' was published and the school a regional finalist in the Millennium Experience song writing competition.  More recently we have hosted important events sponsored by the Northern Music Centre, Customs House and 'Gurukul' (an Indian classical music school).

The Family Choir includes parents, staff and friends as well as pupils and meets on Tuesday evenings. Monday evening is Rock School night, with ensembles and activities from 4.00pm - 5.00 p.m.

Concerts are an important feature of the school's life. There are numerous out of school events involving our young musicians. The music department is a regular partner of Boldon Productions (the Theatre Company of Boldon School) in large and small-scale projects linking music and drama.

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