Welcome to the Burford School Music Department. This is a very dynamic department within the school. We offer many opportunities for students to succeed at all levels through many varied activities. The atmosphere in the department is one in which students can develop their skills, with the knowledge that there is always someone at hand, both staff and fellow students, who can help and encourage them to do their best. Please take a little time to look through the sections of this web site. If you want to contact the Music Department, then please use the email address below.
Mr S. Frankcom
Head of Music
Contact email: saf5222@buford.oxonsch.uk
Music is a compulsory subject in Years 7, 8 and 9. Students receive two lessons of music in Year 7, and one lesson of music in Years 8 and 9. After Year 9, students have the opportunity to take GCSE music and then move onto A level music.
In the lower school (Years 7-9), the music curriculum is based on the three main areas of music: performance, composition and listening. Students undertake various topics, in which their knowledge of music is encouraged to expand, but without losing the fun element of this subject. The theory of music is taught to all lower school students.
AQA GCSE Music code: 4270
At GCSE level, more emphasis is put on individual learning, with a large coursework element based on performance and composition worth 80% of the final result. Students gain in confidence, as they perform in front of their peers and share in each other’s learning.
Various activities are available throughout the week:
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Concern Band |
Open to all senior woodwind & brass players |
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Senior String Ensemble |
Open to all senior string players |
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Training Orchestra |
Open to all lower school orchestral players |
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School Choir |
Open to all members of the school |
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Rock School |
Open to all budding electric/bass guitar players |
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Battle of the Bands |
An annual competition, open to all school rock bands |
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Star For A Night |
A biannual singing competition, where the competitors sing with a live professional band |
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A Full Stage Musical |
A biannual event, where senior students have the opportunity to participate in a full-scale production of a popular musical |
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Music Tour to Italy |
A biannual event, where we take the senior orchestra to Burford’s twinned town of Potenza Picena on the Adriatic coast of Italy |
Each year around 100 students and 10 members of staff go on a week long music residential to Rydal Penrhos School, Colwyn Bay, North Wales. This is an opportunity for all students who learn a musical instrument to participate in an orchestra, which will perform at the annual ‘Summer Proms Concert’. Although many schools may take students on tours across Europe, very few will actually have such intensive learning that is both productive and enjoyable.
All instrumental lessons at Burford School are taught in a purpose-built building, consisting of five sound-proof practice rooms. Lessons are generally taught in 30-minute weekly slots, either by group, pair or on an individual basis. Lessons are taught during the school day and rotate on the hour throughout the term, thus reducing the time missed from curriculum lessons. Only sixth form students can have their times fixed, normally during one of their free periods. All students who learn orchestral instruments are expected to participate in one of the school’s ensembles. We cater for all sorts of instruments but, if you have an unusual request, please do not hesitate in contacting the department by email on the following address:
saf5222@buford.oxonsch.uk