Music

Welcome to Music at Stockport Academy!  The opening of the new building brought to our youngsters some of the best facilities not only in the North West of England but nationally as well. It incorporates 2 main teaching spaces, each with 15 PC computers running the latest music creation software, 3 purpose built practice rooms, a large ensemble rehearsal room and a top of the range recording studio which will allow the students to record, edit and create work of a standard that professional musicians would be proud of.

We can also call upon some of the top instrumental teachers in the area to work with our students, many who perform regularly with some of the regions most celebrated ensembles such as the Halle Orchestra, Halle Choir, Fodens Band and the Fairey Band. All of our peripatetic staff work in other educational establishments within the North West and are in great demand.

Our KS3 and KS4 curriculum is varied and challenging whilst still allowing students to work at their comfortable pace. It gives all students the opportunity to study a wide variety of musical cultures and genres, closely monitoring their past knowledge and assisting in the transition from KS2. It also allows progression throughout the 3 years and a smooth journey into GSCE and beyond, should the student choose to take that route. The classroom experience of Music at the Academy is one of high expectation and motivation, utilising team building skills and encouraging the use of the very latest developments in ICT. We currently study both AQA GCSE and AS Music with the plan to expand to offer BTEC and Diploma Qualifications in Music, Expressive Arts and Music Technology.

There are many small groups performing within the Academy from rock bands to chamber choirs and it continues to grow. The students are constantly encouraged to perform within lessons and this often leads to their involvement in extra-curricular activities.

Our extra-curricular program is ever expanding. In 2009, a whole school competition was launched named ‘The Academy Factor!', a combination of the two popular reality TV shows in which all students were encouraged to audition and compete for the title of ‘Academy Champion' This was a huge success culminating in a fantastic competitive final with Year 10's Kirsty Downes taking the title. The Music department was also invited to represent the school at a special ceremony held in Lincoln Cathedral marking the successes and achievements in the ULT academies nationally.

We also have close links with the other expressive arts in the academy. In February 2009, the expressive arts faculty (Drama, Music and Dance) combined to present the musical ‘Oliver' as our inaugural production in our fantastic new concert auditorium.

To view the GCSE specification please click here.