Total Education

Music permeates most aspects of life at Barrow Hills: from the earliest days of Kindy, when the children learn simple songs and play percussion instruments, through to Year 8, where pupils study the musical elements of improvisation (as part of the Expressive Arts course), with many reaching the higher Associated Board grades in their chosen intsruments.  Instrumental tuition is offered across a broad spectrum to children of all ages who are encouraged to develop their musical ability and progress through the Associated Board examinations.

Twice a week the school community gathers formally in chapel for assemblies.  On these occasions the school orchestra regularly performs, and the advanced musicians in Upper Prep have the opportunity to showcase their performances in anticipation of music festivals, Associated Board examinations or scholarship auditions.

As a Catholic school we gather regularly for the celebration of Mass, when our choirs lead the singing, and we regularly visit local parishes to sing the midweek liturgy.

Music theatre is a very important part of life at Barrow Hills.  Each year group in Junior and Upper Prep performs an annual musical, and Pre Prep stages a production at the end of each term.  Other musical highlights for the pupils and for the whole school community include our Carol Services, the House Singing Competition and the annual 'Proms in the Park'.

Mark Wardell, Director of Music

mark.wardell@barrowhills.org.uk