Music is an important part of the curriculum at Church of the Ascension and as a result, has a high profile. Our aim is to give access to music to all of our pupils and to offer a clear pathway for progression to enable our children to strive for musical excellence.
EYFS
Music is used to establish routines in our EYFS. It flows through all seven areas of learning, underpinning, enhancing and enriching the learning experience. Singing is used to teach phonics and mathematics discretely.
KS1
Children in KS1 have a weekly music session which enables them to develop their creativity and musical skills. They learn to sing and play tuned and untuned instruments.
KS2
During KS2, our aim is to increase children’s knowledge and understanding of music, develop their musical skills and abilities and turn them into confident and expressive performers. KS2 pupils get the opportunity during Y5 or Y6 to participate in the “Young Voices” massed choir event held at the NEC and for many this is one on the highlights of their time at our school.
Instrumental Tuition
We have a large number of children learning to play musical instruments. Many of those children go on to take external examinations in their chosen instrument. During the summer term, all children in year groups 1-6 are invited to learn to play a musical instrument. Specialist instrument tuition is provided by staff from Dudley Performing Arts. Children can be taught individually or in small groups. Individual letters with details of instruments and cost are given to each child. Please contact the school office. Please note that due to the way in which we have to commission our instrumental lessons, children are expected to commit to – and pay for lessons for a whole academic year.
Extra-curricular Activities
Our school band meets after school each Thursday to practice a range of pieces. This tends to be made up of the pupils from Year Four upwards and the music is tailored to the specific strengths of the band’s members. A highlight for these children is the opportunity to perform at the school’s carol service. We also run a choir at different times of the school year. The children sing to a very good standard and have performed at Brierley Hill Civic Hall and St James’s Church in Stourbridge over recent years.
Music Club is open to all children in Key Stage 2 and meet every Tuesday after school to sing and participate in a range of musical games and activities.