Music

At Radstock, we know that your children come to school with a wide variety of skills, abilities and talents. We aim to develop your child across a wide range of subjects in order to help your child grow as human being. The arts are a perfect way of exploring children’s potential so music maintains a high profile at this school.

Curriculum lessons

Every child in the school takes part in regular music lessons where the children are taught about the musical elements of pitch, duration, dynamics and tempo through a carefully structured programme of listening, composing and performing. The lessons focus on developing a love of music based on a wide knowledge of music from different eras and cultures. All children are encouraged to play tuned and untuned percussion and take part in lessons.

Productions

During their time at Radstock the children take part in a number of productions which are performed to parents. Right from the youngest children in Foundation 1, the pupils learn songs ready for performance. There are plenty of opportunities for children with musical and stage talents to shine.

Choir

Music is sometimes seen as something which can be elitist but we believe it certainly shouldn’t be at primary school level. Therefore a choir is a must as singing is something which can be enjoyed by all. The school choir which is made up of children from Years 3 to 6 meets every Tuesday lunchtime to rehearse. In March the choir takes part in a massed choir concert at the Hexagon. The children learn many songs from memory and children can also audition for solos if they wish. The concert is always an exciting experience as it incorporates drama and dancing as well. If your child would like to take part in choir, please see Mrs. Ghosh.

Carol Service

The Carol Service takes place at Trinity Church every year. Needless to say, music is a large part of this event. All children from Years 3 to 6 take part and learn carols to sing as part of the congregation and other songs which are performed to the parents who attend. This is a great opportunity to improve the children’s vocal skills and introduce them to part singing. By the end of primary school all children should be able to hold a line while other things go on around them. Those of you who have attended this event will know how well Radstock children can do this!

Y3 Music project

In Year 3, all the children take part in a project in which they all learn an instrument. The project is subsidised by the local authority and is a great introduction to playing. The children at Radstock learn either a woodwind or a brass instrument. It is a great way to find out if your child enjoys playing before committing to further lessons. We are very lucky to have this project running in this area.

Berkshire Music Trust

Berkshire Music Trust is a charitable organisation which is responsible for the Berkshire Music Hub. They have provided peripatetic lessons in Berkshire for many years now and offer a wide variety of tuition and ensembles. At Radstock, the Trust currently provides teachers for the following instruments: flute, clarinet, guitar, piano/keyboard, and a variety of brass instruments. If you would like your child to have lessons in school, contact the Berkshire Music Trust.

http://www.berkshiremusictrust.org.uk

We support the work that the Trust does in school and in turn they support what we do. The teachers are professional and approachable and we would encourage children to get involved.

Curriculum Leader: Mrs Ghosh and Mrs Ford