Schools’ Music Provision is Commended

31 May 2018 07:12

Bolton School Girls’ Division and Boys’ Division have each been awarded the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM)/ISM Trust’s Silver Certificate. This means that more than 15% of both school’s GCSE students achieved an A* to C in GCSE music and places them in the top 187 schools across the England.

In its third year, the ISM/ISM Trust GCSE certificates recognise schools’ achievement in music and celebrates their commitment to music education shown by the high uptake and achievement of their pupils.

Headmistress Sue Hincks said: “We are delighted that the Girls’ Division Music Department is so strong. It is led by two professional musicians who are leading performers in their fields and who inspire the girls’ playing and composing.” 

Headmaster Philip Britton said: “Just like the Girls’ Division, we are delighted to receive the ISM Silver Certificate. Boys regularly take part in large-scale concerts and musicals and we have over 30 ensembles rehearsing on a weekly basis, many of which are known nationally.

"Indeed, in these times when the creative arts are being squeezed in many schools, I am proud of all that we offer in this field. Pupils also enjoy an incredible range of opportunities in Drama and Art as we work towards the Platinum Artsmark.”

Deborah Annetts, Chief Executive of the ISM – the professional body for musicians – congratulated the schools, and said: "Music is a valuable subject, it brings value in itself to pupils as well as supporting achievement in other subjects.

"Music also opens doors and generates educational opportunities for pupils from all backgrounds. We are delighted that both Bolton School Boys’ Division and Girls’ Division value music within their school curriculum and as the professional body for musicians and a subject association for music education, we are delighted to recognise these high levels of achievement with these certificates.’

The certificates are awarded by the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM) and the ISM Trust. The ISM is the UK’s professional body for musicians. The ISM Trust, the Incorporated Society of Musicians’ (ISM) sister charity, was created in 2014 to advance education, the arts and to promote health.

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