Music

The teaching of Music is based upon the fact that it is a creative and social art to be enjoyed.

The teaching of music is based upon the fact that it is a creative and social art to be enjoyed. The progressive strands of music are interwoven with our BRAVE curriculum to give children the opportunity to enjoy musical experiences through listening, singing, movement and dance and by playing tuned and un-tuned instruments. The music program Charanga is used to support the delivery of music across the school.

At Westgate Hill, we are keen to show our singing skills and do so through in our school choirs, Year 2 choir, years 3 and 4 choir and years 5 and 6 choir. We also encourage our children to learn the recorder in years 2, 3, 5 and 6. All choirs and recorder lessons are led by teaching staff and occur during lunchtimes.

During this academic year 2024 – 2025, Years 3 to 6 will have the opportunity to play Samba drums and ukulele in weekly whole class drumming sessions and The Hub, EYFS, Years 1 and 2 will be taking part in Djembe drumming sessions. EYFS and Years 1 and 2 children will be engaged in the exciting, ‘First Thing Music’ project that will run all year and engage, support, enhance their learning through music. All of these sessions are led by specialist music teachers from Music Partnership North Newcastle.

Pupils from years 3 to 6 have the chance to play the guitar and violin. These lessons take place after school on a Tuesday and Wednesday and are taught by specialist music teachers from Music Partnership North Newcastle, who teach and give pupils the best opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in this area of the curriculum.

In the new year, all children across the school will be enjoying a ceilidh dance and music experience where they will get to learn about the heritage of Ceilidh and immerse themselves in the music and dance.

Year 3 will also be having weekly singing lessons where they will be learning a wide range of music from around the world, supported by elements of the Kodaly methodology. The children will learn how to use their voices healthily, explore elements of musicianship and most importantly have fun!

Music therapy sessions will be used to support certain pupils during the first half of the Autumn term. These sessions will help form healthy coping skills, develop problem-solving skills, reduce perceived levels of pain as well as improve physical coordination, motor functions and movement.        

This year, we are offering a fantastic opportunity for parents and children to learn a musical instrument together. These sessions will be open to Years 1 and 2 children and parents to learn to play the Djembe and Years 3 to 6 children and parents to learn to play the ukulele. These exciting musical sessions will be held on a weekly basis resulting in a performance during the summer term.

We also have links with Northumbria University and host music students each year. This is the perfect opportunity to share our learning and to inspire future music teachers.

Giving the children an opportunity to perform to a variety of audiences is also imperative to our musical learning. The performances give our children the chance to share their musical experiences and learning. Performances to parents and carers take place regularly throughout the year.