Music 2 the 4 2011/12

The Telford & Wrekin Wide Opportunities Programme for Key Stage 2

"Enjoyed everything I have never played one before it was fun"

Year 4 Pupil 2010.

"It’s been fantastic, most children have mentioned it in their reports as one of the things they have enjoyed most this year."

School Teacher 2011.

Music 2 the 4 is the Key Stage 2 music wider opportunities programme for Telford & Wrekin schools, managed and coordinated by Telford & Wrekin Music funded by the Department for Education. Over 70% of Telford & Wrekin Music Primary Schools have taken part in Music 2 the 4 so far.

Music 2 the 4 programme of activities Music 2 the 4 is a 30 week programme of participatory music activities, introduced through a day of teacher training and delivered in weekly one hour sessions during school time, broken down as follows:

1 day of teacher training and introduction to the programme in September

• Folk whistle tuition
• Samba drumming tuition
• Singing activities
• Music technology sessions
• Soundbeam
• Brass tuition
• 2 weeks of interactive instrumental demonstration sessions - strings and woodwind
• Opportunity to take part in the Telford Big Sing event which is normally held towards the end of the summer term.

Benefits of Music 2 the 4 / Wider Opportunities

Evaluation and feedback shows how Wider Opportunities programmes are giving children benefits far beyond the obvious musical experiences and skills, enhancing learning, self-esteem and motivation. The University of the Arts undertook a national impact study of the Wider Opportunities programme which was released in January 2010 (WO). The key findings are as follows:

· Wider Opportunities is overwhelmingly popular with children; 97% of the primary head teachers and staff surveyed said pupils looked forward to lessons and enjoyed playing and performing;

· 92% of schools said the WO programme has had a very positive effect on children's confidence and self esteem;

· Learning an instrument with all your friends in class has been shown to be as effective as small group tuition for children of this age and ability (Mainly years 4 and 5);

· Strings, woodwind, brass, percussion and singing have been the most popular instruments and activities;

· Wider Opportunities works as a disciplined introduction to learning an instrument, identifying talent and as a joyful experience to benefit ‘whole child’ development;

· Primary school teachers with little or no experience of music tuition have welcomed the opportunity to develop their skills;

· Wider Opportunities music education for children with Special Educational Needs has been outstanding and is exemplary of best international practice.

Footage from one of the Samba performances from January 2011 is online here:- www.youtube.com/watch?v=99chirbS1Yk&feature=player_embedded

Telford & Wrekin Music are currently taking school bookings for Music 2 the 4 2012/13 starting in September 2012. Please contact Tracy Hall for further details, phone 01952 380986. 

Telford & Wrekin schools involved in Music 2 the 4 2011/12

Over 1,200 pupils will be involved in Music 2 the 4 during 2011/12, with Music 2 the 4 being delivered in 49 Key Stage 2 classes across Telford & Wrekin primary schools:-

“These sessions have been wonderful for the children. They have developed individual musicianship and shown respect for other. Also it has given the teachers lots of ideas to do in the classroom.”

School Teacher 2009

“An opportunity for the reluctant musician to shine”

School Teacher 2010