Music

All pupils in Key Stage 3 study Music at Archbishop Tenison's. Year 7 have one lesson per week and Years 8 and 9 work on a carousel system. This allows the pupils to have a double Music lesson in small groups for three half-terms.

GCSE Music and AS Music Technology are also offered, with a number of pupils opting for both courses. GCSE results for 2003 were 88%, which is 15% above the national average for the course.

The Music Department boasts four successful performing ensembles: The Cadet Force Band, the School Choir, the Junior Guitar Ensemble, and a Hand Bell team that is led by the School Chaplain. These ensembles perform regularly in and out of school, including world stages such as Sadler's Wells and Royal Festival Hall. The Department also offers instrumental lessons in brass, woodwind and guitar. All pupils studying GCSE Music have individual lessons with a Music Technology teacher in addition to their normal timetabled lessons.

April 2004 saw the start of a new Music Composition and Improvisation initiative. Fifteen pupils will be chosen to form a group that will be taught the skills of composing and improvising, and the initiative will culminate in the production of a CD and a performance for parents.

The Music Department has strong links with the Lambeth Music Service, Wigmore Hall, and The Academy of St Martin-in-the-Fields.

In Key Stage 3, each year group has the opportunity to attend trips and to showcase their work through musical evenings or on the School Website.

The Department is working towards creating CDs and DVDs of each ensemble's repertoire and all public performances.