Ethos

At The Cottesloe School, we believe the Performing Arts are a vital reflection of our history, national identity, and community. Music is fundamental to the personal development of our young people; it is a discipline that has the power to unite students, promote equality, and transcend difference. We are committed to providing an ambitious curriculum that ignites curiosity and instills a lifelong appreciation for the Arts. Our ethos is rooted in the conviction that the experiences afforded through musical study shape students’ characters and remain with them throughout their lives.

Intent

Our curriculum is designed to move students through a progressive Cottesloe Journey, focusing on the mastery of skills and the development of the 6Cs learning behaviours to ensure success both within the curriculum and in life beyond school.

Key Stage 3

We intend to develop versatile musicians through a range of disciplines including keyboard, voice, ukulele, and guitar. Students master skills through creating, performing, and appraising across a variety of cultures and traditions - from African Music to Classical, Pop, and Disco. Aural skills are sharpened through weekly assessments, while the use of Chromebooks provides adaptive support for all learners through digital videos and bespoke sheet music.

Key Stage 4

We intend for students to aspire to excellence at GCSE by further developing their composition, appraisal, and performance skills. We use the Healthy Relationships Wheel to underpin themes of community and empathy through projects like Sign 2 Sing, allowing students to reflect upon and challenge the wider world.

Performance & Progress

Our intent is to foster high-level technical and expressive competence. This is supported by:

• Peripatetic Excellence A popular instrumental and vocal programme where students achieve graded exams, including UCAS points at higher levels.
• Ensemble Playing Active collaboration with Bucks Music Trust, including participation in Orchestra for All and the Royal Albert Hall performances.

Beyond the Classroom

Our intent is to bridge the gap between education and the professional world through high-profile external opportunities:

• Student-led workshops at feeder schools and performances at local events like the Leighton Buzzard Light Show and Tring Fest.
• Participation in the MK Festival (our Flute Choir achieved Silver in 2025) and regular performances at Brickstock and the Honeycomb Dance Festival.
• A robust programme of INSPIRE events, Bandjam and school productions. 
• Development of social responsibility through the power of music to support charities such as Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and 4Louis.

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Careers in the Performing Arts: Music

Creative & Performance

• Performance: Soloist, Session Musician, Orchestral Player, Accompanist, Backing Singer.
• Creation: Composer (Film/TV/Games), Songwriter, Arranger, Orchestrator, Musical Director.
• Media: Radio Producer, Music Journalist, Content Creator, Podcast Editor.

Technical & Production

• Studio Production: Record Producer, Mixing Engineer, Mastering Engineer, Studio Manager.
• Live Sound: FOH (Front of House) Engineer, Monitor Engineer, Roadie, Backline Technician.
• Manufacturing: Instrument Maker/Luthier, Piano Tuner, Music Software Developer (Coding/VSTs).

Business & Leadership

• Industry Operations: Artist Manager, Booking Agent, A&R (Artists and Repertoire), Tour Manager.
• Publishing & Law: Music Publisher, Copyright Specialist, Music Lawyer, Royalties Administrator.
• Marketing: Music PR, Plugger (getting music on radio/playlists), Digital Marketing Manager.

Education & Wellbeing

• Education: Music Teacher, Peripatetic Tutor, Choir Leader, Creative Learning Coordinator (e.g., Bucks Music Trust).
• Therapy: Music Therapist, Community Musician, Arts in Health Practitioner.
• Retail: Music Librarian, Instrument Sales Specialist, Sheet Music Editor.

Transferable Industries

• Technology & Media: Sound Brand Designer (creating "audio logos"), Gaming Soundscape Architect.
• Business & Finance: Data Analyst (utilising the mathematical logic inherent in music), Project Manager.
• Public Sector: Armed Forces Musician, Charity Fundraiser, Venue Manager.