Four Distinctions, three Merits and one Pass showcase the strength of Haberdashers’ Monmouth School’s unique Go for Gold Musicianship programme.
Pupils at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School have achieved exceptional results in the prestigious Go for Gold Musicianship qualification, with four Distinctions, three Merits and one Pass awarded to students who began the programme while in Years 7 and 8.
The qualification is recognised by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) as an equivalent to Grade 5 Theory, a key milestone for students wishing to progress to higher practical music examinations.
The successful pupils attended early morning classes before school at 7.45am over a two-year period, demonstrating remarkable commitment alongside their academic studies and musical pursuits.
The achievement reflects a distinctive musical pathway that begins at Haberdashers’ Monmouth Prep School. Through a Kodály-inspired approach centred on singing, movement and playful musical learning, pupils build musicianship skills from their earliest years at school. These foundations are developed through curriculum lessons, assemblies and choir activities before progressing towards the advanced Go for Gold qualification.
The Go for Gold Musicianship programme was developed by the National Youth Choir of Scotland and is designed to develop highly skilled, independent musicians. Haberdashers’ Monmouth School is currently the only school in the UK to offer this complete Go for Gold pathway as an accredited alternative to traditional Grade 5 Theory.
Significantly, the school’s expertise in Kodály-inspired music education was recognised earlier this year when the British Kodály Academy selected Haberdashers’ Monmouth School as the venue for its 42nd International Summer School. Mr Joe Walton, Music Co-ordinator at Haberdashers’ Monmouth Prep School, served as a tutor on the course, sharing classroom practice developed within the school.
Mr Walton said: “These results represent years of dedication from the pupils involved and reflect a musical journey that begins in the earliest years at Haberdashers’ Monmouth Prep. Through singing, movement and active music-making, our children develop the listening, thinking and creativity that underpin exceptional musicianship. The Go for Gold programme allows those foundations to flourish, and we are enormously proud to see our pupils achieving such impressive outcomes while developing a lifelong appreciation and understanding of music.”
One of the successful pupils, Arthur A who gained a distinction, has already experienced the benefits of the qualification – “I am so pleased to have got this exam and thrilled with the mark. I have already seen the benefit of this course because on my National Youth Choir of Great Britain course this summer, I was able to join the advanced musicianship masterclasses because I had done my gold award.”
