Tel: 01923 331100 Email: info@purcell-school.org
The goal of the Academic Music Department is to assist students in becoming informed, imaginative and enquiring musicians. It aims to provide a wide range of musical skills and to enable students to use these skills creatively.
In addition to aural and composition classes, all Year 6 to 9 students study a series of set works which form the basis of creative and analytical projects designed to expand their general musical knowledge and inform their practical instrumental studies. Students are entered for IGCSE at the end of Year 10. In Year 11 students undertake an intense harmony course and an in-depth study of larger scale works. They also work on various creative projects, including training in workshop leadership, culminating in outreach performances in local schools. In addition, they undertake an introductory course in Music Technology.
IGSCE
Music: CIE
A Level
Music: OCR
In the words of Henry Matisse ‘creativity takes courage’. To encourage a fearless approach to Art we introduce our students to a wide range of different media early. All students study Art until Year 9, with a large number opting to continue their studies to GSCE (Fine Art) and then to A Level (Fine Art and Photography).
An emphasis is placed on drawing, visual and contextual study, experimentation, and the creative development of ideas while learning a variety of different two and three-dimensional processes and techniques. These include painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture and computer-based art.
The schemes of work are regularly reviewed and revised to keep projects fresh and inspiring, with study topics taking inspiration from contemporary and traditional artists, movements and cultures. With the Schools close proximity to London we are able to enrich students’ studies with gallery outings where students have the opportunity to observe art first hand and participate in workshops lead by industry professionals.
GCSE
Fine Art: AQA
A Level
Fine Art: AQA
Photography: AQA
Drama is a standard part of the School curriculum from Years 7 to 9, and is also available at GCSE and A Level.
The course aims to encourage students to work imaginatively and creatively in a collaborative context in order to generate, develop and communicate ideas. Students come away with an understanding of the social, historical and cultural influences on texts studied and develop a competence in a range of practical, creative and performance skills. Students will also learn to discuss and write about the experience of live performance.
Cross-curricular links are encouraged with many students seeking help and guidance with introducing pieces of music for performances. Alongside the Music departments, we often perform staged musical performances. Additionally, the School play has become one of the highlights of the academic year.
GCSE
Drama: Eduqas
A Level
Drama & Theatre: Edexcel
The goal of the Academic Music Department is to assist students in becoming informed, imaginative and enquiring musicians. It aims to provide a wide range of musical skills and to enable students to use these skills creatively.
In addition to aural and composition classes, all Year 6 to 9 students study a series of set works which form the basis of creative and analytical projects designed to expand their general musical knowledge and inform their practical instrumental studies. Students are entered for IGCSE at the end of Year 10. In Year 11 students undertake an intense harmony course and an in-depth study of larger scale works. They also work on various creative projects, including training in workshop leadership, culminating in outreach performances in local schools. In addition, they undertake an introductory course in Music Technology.
IGSCE
Music: CIE
A Level
Music: OCR
In the words of Henry Matisse ‘creativity takes courage’. To encourage a fearless approach to Art we introduce our students to a wide range of different media early. All students study Art until Year 9, with a large number opting to continue their studies to GSCE (Fine Art) and then to A Level (Fine Art and Photography).
An emphasis is placed on drawing, visual and contextual study, experimentation, and the creative development of ideas while learning a variety of different two and three-dimensional processes and techniques. These include painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture and computer-based art.
The schemes of work are regularly reviewed and revised to keep projects fresh and inspiring, with study topics taking inspiration from contemporary and traditional artists, movements and cultures. With the Schools close proximity to London we are able to enrich students’ studies with gallery outings where students have the opportunity to observe art first hand and participate in workshops lead by industry professionals.
GCSE
Fine Art: AQA
A Level
Fine Art: AQA
Photography: AQA
Drama is a standard part of the School curriculum from Years 7 to 9, and is also available at GCSE and A Level.
The course aims to encourage students to work imaginatively and creatively in a collaborative context in order to generate, develop and communicate ideas. Students come away with an understanding of the social, historical and cultural influences on texts studied and develop a competence in a range of practical, creative and performance skills. Students will also learn to discuss and write about the experience of live performance.
Cross-curricular links are encouraged with many students seeking help and guidance with introducing pieces of music for performances. Alongside the Music departments, we often perform staged musical performances. Additionally, the School play has become one of the highlights of the academic year.
GCSE
Drama: Eduqas
A Level
Drama & Theatre: Edexcel
With approximately 20% of Purcell students hailing from overseas, EAL forms an integral part of the curriculum for students for whom English is not their first language, and is offered at no extra charge.
The programme is personally tailored and aims to equip students with all the necessary skills, not only to engage in their musical and academic studies, but also to allow them to fully integrate into the student body.
EAL is offered from Pre-intermediate to Intermediate. International students are also able to elect to take EAL at GCSE level (IGCSE in English as a Second Language), as part of their A Level programme and also to study towards IELTS for those wishing to remain in the UK for further education.
IGCSE
English (Second Language): CIE
English at The Purcell School provides growth, knowledge and improvement in the key areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. English seeks to foster creative talent as well as academic success, and each year students engage in creative writing competitions. In an international school we especially seek to work with the EAL Department to further language acquisition and development for our foreign students.
English Literature is offered at both GCSE and A Level. The courses are enriched through educational outings, study days and theatre visits.
GCSE
English Language, English Literature: AQA
A Level
English Literature: OCR
In our international school community where languages are at the core of our working life, we have little difficulty persuading our students of the importance of language learning. In recent years we have seen increasing numbers of students who wish to study outside the UK, especially in Germany, as such languages are seen as a valued life skill by many of our students.
The department has high expectations and considers that a methodical acquisition of grammar and vocabulary, combined with much speaking and listening, is essential in training successful linguists. However, at all levels, we also value the opportunity to break away from the course books to do an ad hoc lesson on, for example, a current news item or musical theme.
French (Years 7-9) and German (Year 9) are taught as compulsory subjects in the curriculum and are also offered at options at both GCSE and A Level.
GCSE
French, German: Edexcel
A Level
German: AQA
French: Edexcel
With approximately 20% of Purcell students hailing from overseas, EAL forms an integral part of the curriculum for students for whom English is not their first language, and is offered at no extra charge.
The programme is personally tailored and aims to equip students with all the necessary skills, not only to engage in their musical and academic studies, but also to allow them to fully integrate into the student body.
EAL is offered from Pre-intermediate to Intermediate. International students are also able to elect to take EAL at GCSE level (IGCSE in English as a Second Language), as part of their A Level programme and also to study towards IELTS for those wishing to remain in the UK for further education.
IGCSE
English (Second Language): CIE
English at The Purcell School provides growth, knowledge and improvement in the key areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. English seeks to foster creative talent as well as academic success, and each year students engage in creative writing competitions. In an international school we especially seek to work with the EAL Department to further language acquisition and development for our foreign students.
English Literature is offered at both GCSE and A Level. The courses are enriched through educational outings, study days and theatre visits.
GCSE
English Language, English Literature: AQA
A Level
English Literature: OCR
In our international school community where languages are at the core of our working life, we have little difficulty persuading our students of the importance of language learning. In recent years we have seen increasing numbers of students who wish to study outside the UK, especially in Germany, as such languages are seen as a valued life skill by many of our students.
The department has high expectations and considers that a methodical acquisition of grammar and vocabulary, combined with much speaking and listening, is essential in training successful linguists. However, at all levels, we also value the opportunity to break away from the course books to do an ad hoc lesson on, for example, a current news item or musical theme.
French (Years 7-9) and German (Year 9) are taught as compulsory subjects in the curriculum and are also offered at options at both GCSE and A Level.
GCSE
French, German: Edexcel
A Level
German: AQA
French: Edexcel
The History department aims to develop skills and knowledge that will be used throughout a student’s life. Students will learn the causes and consequences of historical events and develop the ability to deduce the influence such events may have had on the trajectory of history.
The department enriches its curriculum with trips and outings throughout the year.
IGCSE
History: Edexcel
A Level
History: AQA
In Mathematics we aim to develop creative reasoning together with a high level of mathematical competency so that our students can solve problems with confidence and logic.
We follow the English National Curriculum for Key Stage 2, 3, and 4 with a variety of enrichment opportunities offered to students during their time with us in the form of competitions, investigations and outings. In the Sixth Form, we teach A Level Mathematics with the Edexcel Exam Board.
All classes benefit from our newly refurbished maths teaching rooms which feature the latest interactive technology and online learning platforms for teaching Mathematics. We have three Clevertouch 7 Series Interactive boards, with specific maths teaching software and engaging teaching tools, which are used in every lesson by the teacher and students. In addition, all students up to Key Stage 4 have access to a digital learning platform, which complements their classroom lessons and provides them with tailored resources to consolidate, recap and revise their work.
GCSE
Maths: Edexcel
A Level
Maths: Edexcel
The Music Technology Department generates and fosters creativity in students using the latest recording and computer technology.
With six AV links allowing the recording of our best pianos direct to the studios and all concerts in the School being captured direct to the two automated systems, music technology touches on many areas of music making.
The course covers all aspects of creative studio work including stereo ambient recording, multi-track recording, electro-acoustic music, arranging, studio engineering, producing and composing for film. Students have access to cutting edge technology and are equipped with essential knowledge for future work in the studio-music environment.
A Level
Music Technology: Edexcel
The History department aims to develop skills and knowledge that will be used throughout a student’s life. Students will learn the causes and consequences of historical events and develop the ability to deduce the influence such events may have had on the trajectory of history.
The department enriches its curriculum with trips and outings throughout the year.
IGCSE
History: Edexcel
A Level
History: AQA
In Mathematics we aim to develop creative reasoning together with a high level of mathematical competency so that our students can solve problems with confidence and logic.
We follow the English National Curriculum for Key Stage 2, 3, and 4 with a variety of enrichment opportunities offered to students during their time with us in the form of competitions, investigations and outings. In the Sixth Form, we teach A Level Mathematics with the Edexcel Exam Board.
All classes benefit from our newly refurbished maths teaching rooms which feature the latest interactive technology and online learning platforms for teaching Mathematics. We have three Clevertouch 7 Series Interactive boards, with specific maths teaching software and engaging teaching tools, which are used in every lesson by the teacher and students. In addition, all students up to Key Stage 4 have access to a digital learning platform, which complements their classroom lessons and provides them with tailored resources to consolidate, recap and revise their work.
GCSE
Maths: Edexcel
A Level
Maths: Edexcel
The Music Technology Department generates and fosters creativity in students using the latest recording and computer technology.
With six AV links allowing the recording of our best pianos direct to the studios and all concerts in the School being captured direct to the two automated systems, music technology touches on many areas of music making.
The course covers all aspects of creative studio work including stereo ambient recording, multi-track recording, electro-acoustic music, arranging, studio engineering, producing and composing for film. Students have access to cutting edge technology and are equipped with essential knowledge for future work in the studio-music environment.
A Level
Music Technology: Edexcel
Science at The Purcell Schools hopes to promote students curiosity about the world around them and develop their ability to explore their interests effectively through investigation and analysis, enabling them to deduce satisfying conclusions.
At KS3 all students follow the National Curriculum and are taught by specialists in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Students are then able to select to either study Combined Science (single award) or Coordinated Science (double award) at GCSE level. The three sciences are also offered as A Level options.
We are extremely proud, in a specialist music school, to have had a number of students leave The Purcell School in the past to pursue university courses in the sciences, engineering and medicine. Recent destinations include Oxford University (Physics) and Imperial College (Aeronautical Engineering).
GCSE
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Combined Science Trilogy: AQA
A Level
Biology, Chemistry: AQA
Physics: CIE
Our vision for PE is to deliver a curriculum that promotes participation, enjoyment and a love of physical activity and exercise. We aim for students to understand the importance of physical fitness and how this can benefit their musical performance and studies.
At The Purcell School we aim to offer a balanced and varied curriculum that allows all pupils to achieve and enjoy PE. We aim to provide character building and leadership opportunities, ensuring standards develop their knowledge and understanding of the importance of health and well-being, supporting pupils to enthusiastically take an interest in leading an active lifestyle alongside their musical commitments and studies.
Sport facilities at The Purcell School:
Science at The Purcell Schools hopes to promote students curiosity about the world around them and develop their ability to explore their interests effectively through investigation and analysis, enabling them to deduce satisfying conclusions.
At KS3 all students follow the National Curriculum and are taught by specialists in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Students are then able to select to either study Combined Science (single award) or Coordinated Science (double award) at GCSE level. The three sciences are also offered as A Level options.
We are extremely proud, in a specialist music school, to have had a number of students leave The Purcell School in the past to pursue university courses in the sciences, engineering and medicine. Recent destinations include Oxford University (Physics) and Imperial College (Aeronautical Engineering).
GCSE
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Combined Science Trilogy: AQA
A Level
Biology, Chemistry: AQA
Physics: CIE
Our vision for PE is to deliver a curriculum that promotes participation, enjoyment and a love of physical activity and exercise. We aim for students to understand the importance of physical fitness and how this can benefit their musical performance and studies.
At The Purcell School we aim to offer a balanced and varied curriculum that allows all pupils to achieve and enjoy PE. We aim to provide character building and leadership opportunities, ensuring standards develop their knowledge and understanding of the importance of health and well-being, supporting pupils to enthusiastically take an interest in leading an active lifestyle alongside their musical commitments and studies.
Sport facilities at The Purcell School:
