City of London Academy Highgate Hill, Islington

City of London Academy Highgate Hill Archway, Islington joined MiSST in 2014. 

There are currently 240 Year 7 & 8 Students on the Andrew Lloyd Webber Programme learning violin, viola & cello. 

The music department at Highgate Hill consists of two full time teachers and two peripatetic tutors with a strong emphasis on performance skills and practical music making. We follow the ALW programme in years 7 & 8 with all students receiving a double lesson of music each week. Pre-covid we had a very large choir of over 60 students and put on two major events every year; a winter concert and a summer musical.

Now we are back in school our focus is again turning to the practical aspects of music and building our extra-curricular provision including orchestra, student radio, choir and our music technology/studio sessions. We are also starting a MiSST specialist school for high achieving year 9 students ahead of their GCSE choices in year 10.

Quote from Head of Department Luke Smith

"MiSST gives our students opportunities they simply would not be getting otherwise. The chance to play and learn an instrument which develops their musical learning to a much higher level as well as the numerous trips, concerts and enrichment activities throughout the year allowing students to feel part of something much bigger. It sets them up with high aspirations and a platform to succeed."

Quote from Student who started playing the violin in September and is now playing grade 2 level pieces.

"Music in school is good, the only instrument I played in primary school was samba drumming so I started without even knowing what a violin is and I enjoy how I can now play pieces by proper composers. I enjoy being able to play my violin and come afterschool to help with my practice."

Quote from Head Teacher Prince Gennuh 

"We have had students who had never touched the Viola/Violin/Cello before arriving at our academy for their secondary education, however, two years of being in the academy these students are performing excellent musical pieces. They wouldn’t have discovered their individual talents if the opportunity was not available through the MiSST programme."