Shrubland Street Community Primary School

Music

Music is a big part of school life at Shrubland Street Primary School. All children participate in a weekly singing/music assembly led by the Headteacher and the songs that are learned in these sessions are then sung during assemblies in the week.

Within daily assemblies the children get to experience a wealth of different musical styles and are exposed to music from a range of countries and backgounds.We have regular music visitors to school and whole school demonstrations including African drumming workshops, ukulele groups, brass bands and string ensembles. We actively encourage children to explore all kinds of music and to pursue playing an instrument themselves.

In the classrooms

Within Key Stage 1 and 2 children experience music through ‘Music Express’. This is a scheme of work which exposes children to all aspects of music including composition and performance to different styles from classical to rap.

Teachers in KS1 will often link their music lessons to their Thematic work as this makes it more relevant for the children.

In Key Stage 2 children have focused music days throughout the year which are sometimes linked to Music Express and sometimes take the form of whole school instrumentation lessons including ukuleles, djembes (African drums) and keyboards/xylophones etc.

Other musical opportunities

EYFS and KS1 put on a Christmas play every year including singing a range of traditional and Christmas themed songs. There are opportunities for children to perform and demonstrate their musical talents in assemblies.

Children have the opportunity to undertake peripatetic music lessons in school which are open to all ages and are delivered by specialist teachers in drums, guitar, keyboards and brass. Lessons can be arranged as part of children’s pupil premium funding if they are eligible.

Children have had the opportunity to perform at Warwick Arts Centre, Royal Spa Centre and the Bridge House Theatre. Visit Birmingham Symphony Hall to see the inner workings of the orchestra and experience a range of live music within school.