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Information for schools

Information on how much to charge for lessons, knowing the progress pupils are making. Explains what singing's cool is, how long a singing's cool project lasts and who delivers the sessions. Also information on wider opportunities, what the main aims of wider opportunities are, who delivers the programme, how many sessions there are and how to find out more information.  

How many sessions of small group instrumental tuition are delivered per school year?

The Schools Music Service guarantees to deliver a minimum of 30 lessons per year. Where schools receive fewer than 30 visits due to ill health or other reasons then a refund will be made to the school in respect of the visits that have not been delivered.

How much should we charge for lessons?

Schools should have their own policy on both charging and the remission of any fees that they may need to recover in order to meet the subsidised cost of the lessons.
Are there any other costs associated with the tuition?

Pupils may be asked to purchase music as required and to hire or to buy a suitable instrument for their own use at an appropriate time. The current cost of hiring an instrument from the music service is £20 per term (the instrument is provided free for the first term of learning).

How do we know what progress pupils are making?

Annual Reports are provided for parents, (copies will be provided for schools) which are based upon the teacher's continuous assessment of the pupil's progress. Entrance to public examinations may also be encouraged in order to provide both an incentive and a Record of Achievement for the pupil.

What is 'Singing's Cool'?

'Singing's Cool' is a vocal project offered to all East Riding primary schools as an opportunity to implement the objectives of the government’s music manifesto. The aim of the project is that pupils and teachers alike will find that singing is fun.

How long does each 'Singing's Cool' project last?

Each project is made up of six one-hour weekly sessions, and is normally aimed at year 3 pupils, although mixed-age classes and older pupils can also take part.

Who delivers the 'Singing's Cool' sessions?

The sessions are delivered by experienced singing teachers. 'Singing's Cool' lessons include general musicianship skills, physical and emotional responses as well as correct use of the voice. It is expected that pupils and their class teachers will develop confident and secure singing skills delivered in an enjoyable way.

What is 'Wider Opportunities'?

The majority of primary schools in the East Riding are now taking part in 'Wider Opportunities' whole class tuition.

The music service offers a variety of programmes which cover the whole range of families of instruments. This gives pupils the experience of playing an instrument in a large group which will hopefully encourage them to take up an instrument and continue to learn through the smaller group tuition.

What are the main aims of the 'Wider Opportunities' programme?

The main aim of this programme is to create opportunities, over time, for every Key Stage 2 pupil to receive a sustained period of tuition on a musical instrument or to receive specialist vocal tuition. The learning experience will allow every child to have first hand experience of live music, group singing, ensemble playing, performance and composing.

The programme in schools should look to 'normalise' instrumental and vocal learning – so that every child considers him or herself to be a musician. It should provide opportunities for classroom teachers and music specialists to learn from one another by jointly planning and delivering enhanced musical experiences.

Who delivers 'Wider Opportunities'?

All of the 'Wider Opportunities' programmes in the East Riding are delivered by teachers from the Schools' Music Service working with teachers and classes in primary schools.

How did 'Wider Opportunities' develop in the East Riding?

'Wider Opportunities' at Key Stage 2 is a national programme that has evolved from the government's pledge that "over time, all pupils in primary schools who wish to will have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument."

Starting with pilot projects using string instruments in 2004, The Schools' Music Service has since developed its own 'Wider Opportunities' programme to cover a wide range of instruments.

93 East Riding schools have been enrolled onto the 'Wider Opportunities' programme in the period 2010-2011.

How many 'Wider Opportunities' sessions are delivered per year?

The programmes will normally consist of 30 weeks of delivery.  The length of lessons varies, but they are usually 40 minute sessions for a whole class when there is additional music teaching  provided by the school (eg. singing/general class music).

How do I find out more detailed information about 'Wider Opportunities'?

We are in the process of updating the content for this section - more information will be available soon.