Students in Years 7 and 8 study music for a one lesson every week and rotate between individual and group work topics. The schemes of learning studied are diverse and include topics such as Djembe drumming, Samba, Ukulele Rocks, Band Skills and Find Your Voice.

GCSE Music students follow the Eduqas syllabus, which is diverse in content and really harnesses musical potential.

60% of the GCSE is based around practical coursework; either through musical performance (solo and ensemble) or through composition based tasks. Students can perform on any instrument of their choice, including singing and Music Technology.

The final 40% of the course is based around a listening exam which combines musical theory with units of study such as Popular Music, Western Classical Tradition, Music for Ensembles and Music for Film.

A Level Music (Eduqas)
A Level Music is a varied and engaging course that develops students as skilled performers, imaginative composers and informed listeners. The course is built around three core areas: Performance, Composition and Appraising. Students develop practical, creative and analytical skills through a wide range of musical experiences and styles.
A key feature of the Eduqas specification is that students can choose their individual area of focus. Learners may specialise in either Performance or Composition, depending on their musical strengths and interests. The chosen specialism is weighted at 35%, while the other practical component is weighted at 25%. The Appraising component remains the same for all students at 40%.

Students do have the option to have additional instrumental or vocal tuition provided by visiting Rochdale Music Service peripatetic teachers. These lessons can be provided as 1:1 or as a shared group and the available instruments include: drums, acoustic/electric/bass guitar, voice, flute, clarinet, saxophone, cornet/trumpet, euphonium, tuba, trombone, french horn, violin, viola, cello and double bass.