We have partnered with Opera North who bring expert music teachers to our school to provide all our children with a high-quality music curriculum. Reception and KS1 are receiving musicianship lessons. These will equip the children with the basics they need to read, write and perform music. This will then prepare them for their lessons in KS2 which will consist of every child having the opportunity to learn an instrument. For year 3 and 4 this will be a string instrument and for year 5 and 6 it will be either a string instrument or a brass instrument. Opera North will be providing the children with the instruments and once they are ready to start practising at home, they will be allowed to bring them to and from school. Year 5 and 6 pupils can join an after school club which provides them with opportunities for extra practise.
Year 3 & 4 pupils will also have choir sessions weekly and year 5 & 6 pupils have the opportunity to join the In Harmony choir in a new after school club. Through the In Harmony choir students will have the opportunity to learn and sing different pieces of music together. They will build on the musicianship and instrumental lessons that they have with the rest of their class and transfer this to singing. They will also have the chance to perform with other In Harmony schools and take part in concerts. We are also excited to share that the students will also have the opportunity to audition for the Opera North Youth Company and for Opera North productions. This will mean that they will be part of a much bigger singing community.
Evidence from research and from other schools we have visited shows that a high-quality music curriculum can have a positive impact well beyond the children’s musical ability- it can improve wellbeing, confidence, concentration, speaking and listening skills, attendance and academic attainment.
