Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School

Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School, Islington joined MiSST in 2018. 

There are currently over 400 students on the Andrew Lloyd Webber Programme learning the violin, viola, trumpet, trombone, clarinet and flute - and many more students who have graduated from the programme but continue to play in MiSST and EGA ensembles on their instrument. 

Our mantra for the music department is ‘Music is for Everyone’. This past school year, after a difficult time in the pandemic, has been one of musical flourish for EGA. Within the department at EGA, we elxore a breadth and depth of musical genres and skills through a variety of musical styles and allow for students to discover their inner creativity and musicianship within. MiSST is an integral part of what we do in EGA. Our students have committed themselves to getting their instrumental skills up to scratch. Although the lockdown brought learning gaps with it, we are well and truly back on track with it all.

Quote from Head of Department, Ellie Page:

"It has been wonderful to see MiSST grow from strength to strength in the past academic year and make a strong recovery after the impact of the pandemic. Engagement in the programme is at an all time high and we are really excited to be launching our brand new Orchestral Programme after school from September, with past students returning to help get us going. We have diversified our instrumental offering and expanded our teaching team and we are really excited to see where the next year takes us!"

Quote from MiSST student 

"I have really enjoyed the MiSST program throughout Year 7 and am excited to learn more in Year 8, 9 and maybe even 10 and 11. I have learnt, well, everything I know about playing the flute this year as I had never even seen one until I came to EGA. I really liked it when we started playing songs instead of just learning how to blow into our flutes or how to play notes B, A and G. I came in on the first session after receiving my flute and learnt to play Ode to Joy. My favourite part of MISST is the trips like the residential next week as they motivate me to practise and I feel challenged by the songs."

Quote from Head Teacher, Sarah Beagley:

"Students at EGA have benefitted from instrumental teaching, ensembles and Saturday morning and weekend residentials . They have developed as musicians undeniably, but also personally. The rigour of practice and rehearsal have taught students in concrete ways the importance of resilience and determination for personal gain and equally how to to be part of a group, not competitive but collegiate. Importantly, students  have been able to see themselves in increasingly positive ways; building  esteem and confidence which will undoubtedly serve them well for life."