Music
Music allows children to develop artistic, creative and performance skills and these are taught both in use of the voice and instruments, individually and in ensembles. We promote and teach the appreciation of music in all its diversity, culture and history and also learn how to use appropriate music technology.
Music is taught weekly to all year groups. We follow the 'Charanga' music scheme in Key Stage One.
In Key Stage Two we offer the children the opportunity to learn how to play trombone, trumpet, cornet and ukulele, as they move throughout the Key Stage. These instruments are taught by peripatetic teachers from Oxfordshire County Council and the Henley Music School.
We are proud that:
Children are offered the opportunity to learn a wide variety of instruments from specialists teachers for free!
We have a thriving school choir who regularly perform for the local community.
Children can join our brilliant Rocksteady band (see below for more details).
We organise a variety of other events each year to which families are invited or where we perform to members of our local community. These include our much celebrated annual Summer Concert, instrumental performances, choir concerts, performing in local events such as the Henley Youth Festival and the Spirit of Christmas and year group singing for example in our class led Celebration Assemblies each Friday.
After receiving tuition in school, peripatetic lessons can continue beyond the school day, either individually or in small groups. All children wishing to continue their instrument are given the opportunity and support to do so, including significantly reduced lesson prices and bursaries for those receiving pupil premium funding and bursaries available from The Henley Music School.
The brilliant Sacred Heart Singers open this year's Henley Living Advent Calendar in the town square.
ROCKSTEADY!
Rocksteady is the UK’s leading provider of rock and pop lessons for primary school children and we’re proud that their fun, inclusive band lessons take place at our school. As well as teaching new musical skills through contemporary rock and pop songs, Rocksteady has a proven significant, positive impact on wellbeing, confidence and life skills. Recently they were awarded ‘Schools Wellbeing Resource of the Year’ at the Education Today awards, for their work inspiring children through music.
Lessons are open for children from year Reception to Year 6 and they can choose to play either vocals, electric guitar, drums, bass, or keyboards in their very own band. All instruments are provided, and no previous experience is necessary.
Children progress through a 300-skill curriculum learning band, performance and instrument skills and work towards the official Rocksteady Ofqual-regulated, exam-free music qualification, accredited by Trinity College London.
You can follow your child’s progress through your own online via the Rocksteady Parent Timeline as well as seeing how far your child has come when they perform in their termly concert.
You can sign your child up for lessons online at bit.ly/parent-info-web
If you have any questions about Rocksteady band lessons, you can call 0330 113 0330 (local rate, office hours are Mon – Thurs 8am – 8pm, Fridays 8am – 6pm).