Wider Opportunities is a government initiative, designed to give all KS2 children the chance to play an instrument as an integral part of National Curriculum music lessons.
Wider Opportunities runs in KS2 schools across the borough. The programme, which includes a Vocal Foundation stage, covers strings, woodwind, brass, guitar, keyboard and percussion, is managed by Richmond Music Trust working in partnership with schools. Each school has been provided with a whole class set of instruments which stays in the school for the duration of the programme and is used for both the Initial and Transition stages.
The programme has four stages:
|
FOUNDATION |
Musical development through vocal work. Whole class sessions with a vocal specialist. |
Term 1
8 weeks |
|
INITIAL |
Musical development through learning to play an instrument. Whole class sessions with two instrumental specialists. |
Term 2
8 weeks |
|
TRANSITION |
Provision for children who wish to continue and enjoy learning in large groups, generally 6-15 children per group. |
Terms
3 and 4
20 weeks |
|
CONTINUATION |
Ongoing standard tuition in small groups (up to 4 children) for those who wish to continue learning. |
Term 5 onwards |
DO SCHOOLS OR PARENTS PAY FOR WIDER OPPORTUNITIES SESSIONS?
There is no charge to schools or parents for the foundation and initial stages of the programme, as these are whole class activities and are part of the school’s music curriculum. The only exception is for the clarinet/saxophone programme. Reeds for these instruments are expensive and children get through them very quickly, so we ask parents to make a contribution of £5 per child to cover the cost of these.
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE FOUNDATION STAGE?
Working with a vocal specialist, children and class teachers learn how to use their voices creatively and safely. They also become familiar with the musical language that will be used in the instrumental stages.
AND IN THE INITIAL STAGE?
Working with two instrumental teachers and their class teacher, children learn to play instruments in a whole class group and explore different elements of music through playing. In addition to being skilled teachers, many of our staff are professional players whose performance skills can bring a new dimension to music lessons. At the end of this stage, parents will be invited to see some of the work in action.
The programme broadens the children’s music experience and will allow those who may already be learning an instrument to share their knowledge with others.
HOW IS THE TRANSITION STAGE ORGANISED? IS THERE A COST FOR THIS?
The 20 week transition stage is the bridge between whole class teaching and standard tuition. Teaching takes place in groups and instruments are provided free of charge. At this stage there is a charge for tuition which is usually covered by parents. If fewer than 6 children would like to continue playing, they will move straight on to the Continuation stage.
DO THE CHILDREN NEED THEIR OWN INSTRUMENTS WHEN THEY REACH THE CONTINUATION STAGE?
Yes, as the school instruments will be needed for the next initial stage.