Overview
Academic Year: 2025-26
Date Published: 22/04/2025
Date Reviewed: 22/04/2026
School Music Lead: Sonny Robb
School Leadership Member Responsible for Music: Oliver Hamdi
Local Music Hub: Music in Secondary Schools Trust (MiSST) / Music Education Islington Partnerships: MiSST – Andrew Lloyd Webber Program.
Part A: Curriculum Music
- Weekly Music Curriculum: 50 minutes per week/100 minutes Year 7
- Curriculum Model: Bespoke music curriculum aligned with MiSST and the school’s Music Scholarship Program
- Instrumental Learning:
- Whole-Class Violin and Flute lessons with MiSST
- 1:1 instrumental lessons on orchestral instruments through the Music Scholarship Program
- Music Qualifications Offered:
- GCSE Music
- A-Level Music
- Internal MiSST Graded Examinations
- SEND Support:
- SEND-first approach with adaptive teaching in classroom and one-to-one lessons
- Inclusive access to all musical
- External Partner Support: MiSST
Part B: Co-Curricular Music
- Instrumental Tuition:
- Offered on all orchestral instruments and pop band instruments
- Ensembles and Choirs:
- 4 orchestras (Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Senior)
- Choir
- Rock School
- Brass Ensemble
- Cello Ensemble
- Clarinet Ensemble
- Concert Band
- Progression Opportunities:
- Every student receives their own instrument
- Practice is set as homework
- Weekend program available through MiSST Saturday Music School
- Internal MiSST ABRSM styled practical examinations available free
- Tuition Costs: Free for all students
- Practice and Rehearsal Spaces:
- Students with parental permission can use practice rooms or classrooms outside lesson time.
Part C: Musical Experiences
- Annual Performances:
- 3 seasonal concerts
- 3 low-stakes open mic evenings
- 1 playing assembly per year group
- Live Performance Opportunities:
- Music trips for singing
- West End theatre trips (e.g., Wicked)
- Bright Sparks GCSE concert
- Visits to Point Blank production university
- St Mary Le Bow Live for bands
- DJ workshops with Ronnie Scott’s
- MiSST annual concert at the Roundhouse Camden
- MiSST Playdays and Together Days (orchestras collaborate with other schools for a full day)
- Additional Events: Same as live performance opportunities above
Future Plans
- Expanding Trip Opportunities
- Providing More Performance Opportunities for Bands Outside of School
- Increasing Student Participation in Choir
- Expanding Singing Curriculum to Year 9
- No new upcoming partnerships or funding plans
Further Information
The Music Department at Highbury Grove is dedicated to nurturing a lifelong appreciation and passion for music in every student. Our mission is to create an inclusive, dynamic, and inspiring environment where students of all abilities can explore, create, and perform music.
We believe that music education is integral to the holistic development of young people, fostering not only their artistic talents but also their cognitive, emotional, and social growth. Through a diverse curriculum that spans various musical genres, cultures, and historical periods, we aim to cultivate students’ creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration skills.
Our department is committed to providing high-quality instruction, both in the classroom and through extracurricular opportunities, including ensembles, performances, and music technology. We strive to support each student’s individual musical journey, whether they are pursuing music as a career or as a personal passion.
In addition, we seek to engage with the broader school community and beyond, promoting the value of music education through performances, community outreach, and partnerships with local arts organisations.
Ultimately, our goal is to empower students to become confident, skilled, and expressive musicians, ready to contribute to the rich cultural fabric of our society.
Click here for more information about the Music Curriculum.