We are delighted to announce that we have been nominated by Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust (NMPAT) to become a Music Mark school in recognition of our commitment to quality music education.

The criteria for nomination are listed below:

• evidence of a willingness to engage in development conversations related to improving music provision
• recognition of the value of music education as part of a broad and balanced curriculum
• a strategy for music in place which provides for all children

Music is a new and developing subject at Corby Technical School: Over the past couple of years, we have invested in high quality music resources, have introduced a full curriculum at Key Stage Three, and have plans to launch GCSE Music and A level Music Technology courses next year. With Miss Patrick joining our staff team this year we have an excellent full time music practitioner who will be delivering curriculum music and ensuring there is parity of experience and continuity for all students in their learning.

Beyond the curriculum, we have partnered with NMPAT to offer specialist instrumental lessons which are available to all students. We have also broadened our extra-curricular offer with a choir, a mixed ensemble and a rock/pop band taking place after school. Next term we will be launching our stage school which will be a multi-disciplinary club combining singing, dance and drama skills. Look out for our first performance at Christmas. We are very excited to share what we have created together!

Every assembly, students enter the theatre in silence, whilst listening to a live music performance. During this time, a PowerPoint slide is displayed to inform the students about the music they are hearing. This broadens our musical horizons and helps to develop a greater understanding of music theory and music history. The staff team have paved the way with performances in term one, and in term two we will start to see students taking the spotlight and sharing their musical talents with their peers in this way.

We are proud to teach creative, enthusiastic students who thrive on inspiration and are open to opportunities offered to them. It is wonderful to receive this recognition for the students and for the school. We can’t wait to see how the music department develops further over the next few years!