At West Moors Middle School, we offer our pupils one music lesson a week, as part of the curriculum. We view Music as an essential part of our curriculum, because of the benefits learning Music can have; such as, being effective for brain development.

Music is found to build focus, resilience and learning. There are many opportunities for your child to immerse themselves in creative music making, from GCSE & A-Levels to University or College – every child has the chance to develop their creativity, imagination and performance skills in Music.

During our Music lessons, we teach our pupils to appreciate music through listening, performing, composing and assessment. Music is a practical subject, making the learning fun and energetic. Children will create music individually as well as in groups, enhancing their confidence alongside learning musicianship skills in every lesson.

Our pupils are encouraged to grow as musicians individually and at their own pace with tasks differentiated to ensure children of all abilities are engaged and challenged. Years 5, 6 and 7 will focus predominantly on a particular instrument. Year 8 pupils will be introduced to a variety of instruments to prepare them for the challenges they will face at their next schools.

We are working hard to make West Moors Middle a ‘Singing School.’ We always try to have a whole school ‘sing’ each week as part of our Rights and Respecting sessions. Music is fantastic for our mental health and well-being.

There are extra opportunities for WMMS pupil’s to learn an instrument, which take place during the school day;

• Brass (Cornet, Trumpet, Tenor Horn and Trombone)
• Woodwind (Flute, Clarinet and Saxophone)
• Percussion (Drum-kit)
• Piano
• Guitar
• Singing lessons

Music examinations will be encouraged, on advice of the external music teacher; this, along with concerts provides children with performance opportunities and a sense of achievement. Performing, whether instrumental or vocal, takes great courage and determination. We offer a range of extra-curricular activities for our Musicians here at West Moors Middle, which take place before school, at break and at lunchtime as well as after school. All children have the chance to take part in these sessions. Please enquire via the school office.

We also offer:

• Year 5 Steel Band
• Girls’ Steel Band
• Boys’ Steel Band
• Staff Steel Band
• Choir (auditioned)
• Saxophone taster group will run to give the pupils an opportunity to trial this.
• ‘Have Fun With Music’ where our students learn new skills and try out different instruments and types of music

As well as these opportunities provided in school, children are also given the opportunity to take part in concerts (Christmas Carol Concert, Annual School Musical), solo events, trips (singing in our community) and sometimes, even representing the school in the community. We place great importance on our school musical at the end of the Summer Term with our students both acting and singing.

We are learning Music Technology in School; for those with access to a computer at home, you can download a free copy of MuseScore. Many children love the opportunity to produce their own song writing, either on keyboard or other instruments.