Posted on: September 14th 2018
Over the summer I was the nervous keeper of a pile of gold embossed certificates, each a hard-earned qualification for one of our young musicians who took a grade exam at the end of the Summer Term.
Results this year were our best yet, both in terms of the number of children achieving and in the levels being reached.
Three Senior Prep students gained their Grade 5, a qualification at level 2 in the government’s National Qualifications Framework; equivalent to A* to C grades at GCSE level. Keya S and Leonard S achieved Grade 5 piano with Merit while Maya M-V, in Year 4, gained her Grade 5 violin with Distinction.
Three Junior Prep students, Josh S, Emily F-C and Emma P, who started their musical journey having piano lessons with me in reception, gained their Grade 2 piano and it was wonderful to witness the calm and accomplished manner with which they took the exam process in their stride. Annabel G, recipient of our 2018 Junior Prep Music Award, gained her Grade 3 Violin with Distinction a term after achieving her Grade 1 Singing also with Distinction.
Notable for their dedication, work ethic and talent are Amelie B and Evie R who both gained a grade each term last academic year, something I have not witnessed before in my teaching career, finishing the Summer Term with six grades between them and Grade 2 and Grade 3 Singing respectively, both with Merits.
A new high was set by Sasha G with her distinction mark of 136 for Grade 3 piano after just five full terms of lessons.
Through the Music and Sport curriculums at Norfolk House we work hard to ensure we reach every child and instil confidence and skills that will stay with them and enrich their school experience. With the same determination, we also work to support our most able students to reach their considerable potential, and I don’t think it’s an overstatement to say that, through enthusiasm, dedication, core values and the appreciation of pure hard work, we are cultivating a breeding ground for the scholars of the future.
If you would like your child to be entered for a grade exam this term, please email me with your child’s date of birth, grade and instrument by 21st September.
If you would like more performance opportunities for your child, the Incorporated Society of Musicians organises a termly concert at The Cooper Hall, Hall School, NW3 4NU. The next event is 18th November at 2:30pm. Please contact me for more details.
Sara Regan (Head of Music)
