Key Stage 1 children enjoy regular class music lessons on a weekly basis and take part in Infant Hymn Practice. Children are encouraged to play a musical instrument, and to consider formal singing lessons. An Infant Ensemble is held each week where children play a variety of instruments including recorder. Curriculum music is underpinned by the Music Express Scheme, but teachers expand on this providing extra challenges and experiences. Often special ‘themed days’ operate, and children undertake special projects including making their own instruments.
In Key Stage 2, children develop and extend the skills first taught in Key Stage 1. Class music lessons continue to follow the Music Express Scheme, and again activities are developed and extended from that scheme. Music lessons are part of the ‘Arts Afternoon’. Opportunities are available for children to learn all orchestral instruments, and to continue to develop their voices through vocal lessons, Weekly Hymn Practice, and taking part in activities following the ‘Sing Up’ programme where children & teachers are encouraged to use singing as one of a variety of vehicles for the delivery of information. The School is a holder of the ‘Sing Up’ Gold Award. Children are encouraged to join the School Ensemble and Choir. Often smaller vocal and instrumental ensembles including percussion are organised as needs and occasions present themselves.
An Arts Evening is held every two years which provides a spectacular platform for the talents of our children to be enjoyed and celebrated.
Each year the Choir and Ensemble perform out in the wider community. Our musicians have featured at the St. Annes Festival, Preston Guildhall and at local homes for the elderly and handicapped children. Our musicians work with other local schools in joint musical ventures. Most recently, several children have been sharing music lessons with children from Pear Tree School, a local school for handicapped children.
Key Stage 2 children are also encouraged to take exams and have enjoyed an excellent record of success taking exams administered by the Associated Board. An Inter - House Music Competition also gives children confidence to perform to larger audiences. All musicians in school develop due to the support given by an outstanding team of Instrumental and Vocal teachers who visit School each week, laying the firm foundations from which children develop to achieve very high standards as performing musicians.
