MUSIC

Stocks Green Primary School believes strongly in the power of music to inspire, excite and affect individuals in different ways. We are passionate about music and believe that the cultural capital gained from a variety of experiences and opportunities to perform improves the life chances and confidence of all pupils.

We intend that our pupils have a curiosity for music and understand its importance in the wider community. We aim to inspire pupils to have the confidence and ability to sing, play, listen to, evaluate, analyse and compose music across a wide variety of historical periods, styles, traditions and musical genres. 

Music at Stocks Green Primary School is delivered across three main areas: Class room teaching using the Charanga Music Scheme; Co-curricular activities such as 1:1 lessons and choir; Musical experiences through performances and workshops via external agencies. 

Classroom Teaching

Stocks Green follows the updated Model Music Curriculum (March 2021) which is delivered through the Charanga online music scheme. Music is taught weekly across the school from Year 1 to 6. In Year R, music is taught within the EYFS framework and is available through continuous provision. 

Whole class ensemble teaching is offered in Years 2, 3 and 5. In Year 2, pupils begin to develop their skills by learning the ocarina. These woodwind skills are then developed in Year 4 by learning the recorder. In Year 5, pupils are given the opportunity to experience a stringed instrument and have whole class teaching on the ukulele.

Instrumental Teaching

Kent Music delivers instrumental teaching at Stocks Green. Children are able to access a variety of instruments using highly trained peripatetic teachers. Lessons are booked direct via the Kent Music website and can be 1:1 or in small groups. Instruments can also be hired via Kent Music. The school's music lead is a music specialist and delivers both Ocarina and Recorder whole class lessons. Year 5 Ukelele is delivered by the a Kent Music teacher as part of their MusicPlus scheme. 

Musical Experiences

All children in KS2 have the opportunity to join a choir, led by the school's music lead teacher. The ensemble rehearses weekly and has the opportunity to perform at several events throughout the year. This includes singing at the local Farmer’s Market, a local retirement home and a schools choir celebration organised by Tonbridge Lions. As well as this, the school attends Young Voices at the O2 every other year. The choir performs at Stocks Fest every year alongside local professional musicians.

Stocks Green holds a weekly whole school singing assembly led by the school’s music lead. This incorporates singing technique and musicianship, covering a wide variety of genres and time periods. This assembly is an integral part of the school week with an intent to instil a passion for performance and making music as a whole school community. 

The school also holds an annual music concert involving the school choir, all children receiving instrumental tuition, both in and out of school, along with the classes taking part in whole class tuition. This event is free for parents, with a voluntary collection towards the school’s music project.

Year R and 2 perform nativities, including musical performance at free events towards Christmas. Year 2 present a selection of songs from the nativity at a local care home. Year 1 perform a selection of Christmas songs in an informal concert to parents. These are all free events.

Year 6 present an end of year musical production performed at a local professional theatre. This is chargeable to parents and the local community.

All pupils have the opportunity to experience live music through the Kent Music Roadshow, which visits the school annually. Stocks Green has also hosted visiting workshops such as Indian drumming and this year Class 2 attended a live performance of drama and music at the Tunbridge Wells Assembly Halls production of The Villians.