Music at St Thomas Becket
The Music Department at St Thomas Becket is led by Mr Matt White, Associate Assistant Headteacher and Head of Performing Arts.
Mr White trained at the Chetham’s School of Music and went on to graduate with a First Class Degree from the Royal Northern College of Music. As a performer, he has received many prestigious accolades, including being a European Brass Band Champion and the BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Soloist. For many years, he also taught at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
He brings this wealth of professional performance and teaching experience to St Thomas Becket, where he is passionate about ensuring that every student feels a sense of belonging, joy, and pride in their musical journey.
Key Stage 3
Music at St Thomas Becket is all about making music together. Every student takes part in practical, ensemble-based lessons where they learn not just musical skills, but also teamwork, confidence, and the pride of creating something together.
- Year 7 – Choir
Every student becomes part of a choir! Through whole-class singing, students learn healthy vocal technique, posture, breathing, and harmony. By the end of the term, students have performed as a choir, building confidence, teamwork, and a sense of belonging.
- Year 8 – Band
Students take on an instrument such as flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, baritone, or percussion. By the end of the term, the whole class performs together as a band – a real achievement that develops reading music, ensemble awareness, and instrumental skills.
- Year 9 – Development of Pop
Students explore how popular music has evolved from the 1950s right through to today. By the end of the term, they will have performed music in a range of popular styles, from rock ’n’ roll to disco and modern pop.
This journey ensures that every student experiences the excitement of performing and the pride of sharing music as part of a community.
Key Stage 4 - GCSE Music (OCR)
Our GCSE Music course combines performing, composing, and listening. Students build their skills term by term, preparing for both coursework and the final exam.
Year 10
- Term 1 – Step Up to GCSE
Building a strong foundation in music theory and core skills. - Term 2 – Concerto Through Time & Sibelius Skills
Exploring the Concerto topic and developing music notation software skills. - Term 3 – Film Music & Concerto Composition
Learning how music shapes films and starting composition work. - Term 4 – Rhythms of the World, Film Music Composition & Mock Preparation
Studying global music traditions and preparing for the Year 10 mock. - Term 5 – Mock Exam, Mock Performance & Mock Composition
Putting learning into practice through full mock assessments. - Term 6 – Conventions of Pop, Rhythms of the World & Pop Music Composition
Exploring popular music styles and completing a pop composition.
Year 11
- Terms 1–2 – Ensemble Performance, Own Choice Composition & Exam Practice
Developing ensemble performance skills (including the coursework recording of the ensemble), completing a free choice composition, and practising exam questions. - Terms 3–4 – Solo Performance, Composition to a Brief & Exam Practice
Refining solo performance skills (including the coursework recording of the solo), composing to the set OCR brief, and continuing exam preparation.
Term 5 – Exam Practice
Final preparation for the listening exam alongside polishing coursework.
Extra-Curricular Music
Music at St Thomas Becket goes far beyond the classroom. Students are encouraged to get involved in a wide range of opportunities, including:
- TBCS Choir – open to all year groups.
- TBCS Orchestra – for instrumentalists of all abilities.
- Praise & Worship Band – leading music in liturgies, Masses, and celebrations, at the heart of our Catholic identity.
- Composition Club – developing creativity and original work.
- School Show Rehearsals – major productions with music at the heart.
- Recording Sessions – using professional equipment to capture performances.
These groups give every student the chance to shine, discover new passions, and feel part of the vibrant musical life of the school.
Major Events
Throughout the year, Music plays a central role in school life and in the wider community. Some of our major annual events include:
- October – Diocesan Schools’ Mass
- November – Remembrance Service and Praise and Worship Evening
- December – Advent Reflection and Christmas Concert
- March – School Show (multiple performances), Lent Reflection, and Spring Concert
- June – Music Competition
- July – BecketFest (our outdoor summer festival) and End of Year Celebration Services
These events give students the chance to perform in professional settings, celebrate their talents, and contribute to the prayer life and community spirit of the school.
Achievement
Our students consistently achieve above their targets in GCSE Music – a reflection of their hard work, the strength of our curriculum, and the culture of belonging and confidence that Music at St Thomas Becket provides.