Music at Holy Rood RC High School

Music engages learners of all ages, interests and abilities. It uses a universal language of numbers and symbols, which allows us to communicate ideas in a concise, unambiguous and rigorous way.

All pupils study music in S1 to S3 following the BGE, then pupils will sit a National qualification at level 4 or 5. Pupils can then choose to continue their musical studies in S5 and S6 by studying National 5, Higher or Advanced Higher music.

Mr Barker – Brass

Mr McVinnie – Cello

Ms Halyburton – Double Bass

Mr Linfoot – Guitar

Mr Rankin – Percussion

Mr Anderson – Piano / Keyboard

Ms Johnston – Violin

Miss Barry – Voice

Mrs Barker – Woodwind

Subjects & levels offered

BGE S1 to S3 Music

In music our pupils learn how to read music and play different instruments, sometimes for the first time or they continue to learn an instrument they started in Primary school. It provides our pupils with many transferable skills  that will help them in work, life and beyond and enhances the work completed in other subjects at the school.

S1

Pupils will learn how to read music and play the following instruments:

> Drum Kit
> Glockenspiel
> Guitar
> Keyboard
> Ukulele
> Xylophone

The pupils work hard learning each instruments notation. They have time to practice on their own and will have to work together to play pieces at the same time and in time. Pupils also work on a unit of work throughout the year called Understanding Music, where they will listen to music in a range of different styles and learn to pick out different concepts relating to the music such as the time signature and the speed of the music.

Students focus on their keyboard skills at Holy Rood High

S2

Throughout S2 pupils will work on 3 units:
> Performance skills
> Composing skills
> Understanding music

Pupils are allowed to pick 2 of their favourite instruments from S1 to practice and learn more in-depth. They are given different performance tasks and have the choice to complete these individually or as a group.

Pupils learn how to create their own music using instruments and digital technology. Throughout the year pupils improve their understanding of music reasearching different concepts and genres.

Students learn to play together in small groups

S3

 Pupils who choose music in S3 work on 3 units:
> Performance skills
> Composing skills
> Understanding music

Subjects & levels offered
Senior Phase S4 to S6

During the senior phase we offer music at National 4, 5, Higher and Advanced Higer. Each course is made up of the same units that follow the BGE, building firmly on the experiences and outcomes they will have experienced and achieved by the end of S3. It enables them to extend and deepen their learning.

Higher Music

National courses reflect the Curriculum for Excellence values, purposes and principles. They offer flexibility, provide more time for learning, more focus on skills and applying learning, and scope for personalisation and choice.

Pupils will, through regular practice and reflection perform level-specific music with sufficient accuracy while maintaining musical flow. Pupils will develop technical and musical performing skills.

Career Opportunities

Careers with specific to music include; Musician, Producer, Recording Engineer, Session Musician, Artist Manager, Journalist, Audio Engineer, Backing Vocalist, Disc Jockey (DJ), Composer and more!

Click the button to learn more about a rewarding career in the media and creative sector.